Recommendation

Status

Notes

1A

Provide training for community members in how City government works and how to effectively influence government decision making.

Implemented and ongoing

Pilot CitySkills session held April 2005; next class session is scheduled for October 2005. 

1B

1C

Make full use of ethnic media in the Bay Area.

Develop more news releases with content that will be of interest to multicultural communities

·         Where feasible and appropriate, the language used in news releases should be as inclusive as possible. For example, "The City of Sunnyvale seeks candidates for vacancies on the XXX Board. The City desires to increase the cultural diversity of the Board, and welcomes candidates from all cultural groups."

·         As opportunities arise, develop news releases about events or activities of particular interest to underrepresented cultural groups.  An example would be a release about this task force's work, and the Council's pending direction.

Implemented and ongoing

 News releases in English are currently sent to multicultural media in the Bay Area.

·         Beginning with the spring 2005 Board and Commission recruitment, the following language was added to the heading of Board and Commission applications, “The City supports its demographic diversity and encourages applicants from all groups to apply.”

·         News Releases:

October 2004, Library holds celebration for the traditional Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead.

December 2004, Firoozeh Dumas to Discuss Her Book, Funny in Farsi

January 2005, Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra performs at the Sunnyvale Library

March 2005, Mayor visits the India Community Center as part of the Mayor’s Outreach Program.

May 2005, Best Selling Author Khaled Hosseini to Speak at Sunnyvale Library.

Recommendation

Status

Notes

1D

Regularly distribute news releases to community organizations with culturally diverse membership representing Sunnyvale residents.

Implemented and ongoing

In January 2005 the Neighborhood and Community Services office sent a letter to community organizations in Sunnyvale inviting them to participate in a variety of outreach services including: the Mayor’s Outreach Program, the City Speakers Bureau, the Community Liaison Service; monthly e-mail notifications of City events (including new releases as requested); and the Community Calendar located on the City’s web site.

Activity

Status

Notes

2A

Develop relationships with leaders of diverse ethnic and cultural organizations representing Sunnyvale residents.

Pending

Utilized database containing contact information for Sunnyvale’s religious and cultural associations to publicize the City’s outreach services.  A plan for furthering outreach will be developed and implemented in FY2005/06.

2B

Create a multicultural business roundtable.

In process

The Economic Development Division will be developing an outreach program for multicultural businesses and business groups. The goal is to work with ethnic chambers of commerce, cultural organizations, and organizations supporting small businesses to establish partnerships to reach out to these organizations' existing networks. These organizations would be asked to introduce the City to their networks and participate in presenting forums/roundtables and topic-specific presentations. The City would participate in their luncheons, mixers or other special events.  This program will be developed and implemented in FY2005/06.

Recommendation

Status

Notes

2C

Ensure City staff recruitment outreach includes multicultural communities.

Implemented and ongoing

Despite limited resources, the Human Resources Department’s (HRD) recruitment efforts are in compliance with Proposition 209 which requires broad-based and inclusive recruitment practices.  To improve applicant tracking, and the City’s success in attracting multicultural candidates, HRD recently solicited interest through a Request for Proposals for a new applicant tracking system.  While HRD does collect information on applicants, there is no reporting.  HRD hopes to have the contract awarded within the next 90 days. 

2D

Provide ongoing recognition of the City's multicultural outreach efforts through Council outreach activities, articles in the Quarterly Report, news releases, in-person Councilmember appearances at cultural events.

Implemented and ongoing

Quarterly Report articles: 

Fall 2004, Sunnyvale Launches Multi-Cultural Outreach Initiative

Winter 2005, Library receives grant to purchase Chinese and Spanish language materials

Cultural activities are also listed on the City’s online Community Events Calendar.

2E

Develop and implement cultural diversity training throughout the City's internal organization.

On hold

In the 2004 direction, Council supported this recommendation but no resources were provided for implementation.  HRD does not have plans currently for diversity training; however the Preventing Workplace Harassment training held earlier this year included a discussion regarding cultural differences and the need for sensitivity.  All employees, full time and hourly, are required to attend the training. 

Additionally, staff may attend diversity training offered externally as department training budgets allow. DPS continues to provide this training for all officers.

Recommendation

Status

Notes

2F

Participate with other community agencies in a diversity youth forum as the opportunity arises.

Implemented and ongoing

In FY2004/05 the Columbia Neighborhood Center (CNC) offered a program sponsored by City Year addressing issues that middle school students face, including issues of culture and race.  The CNC is currently exploring collaborative opportunities for providing diversity workshops for youth and the community.

Activity

Status

Notes

3A

Participate in community based cultural celebrations by hosting a City of Sunnyvale booth as opportunities present. 

In process

This year the City was not asked to host a City of Sunnyvale booth in any Sunnyvale-based cultural celebrations.  However, in FY 2005/06, in our annual letter to associations, we will express interest in participating in these types of events.

3B

Promote community cultural events, sponsored by nonprofit community organizations, on KSUN.

Implemented and ongoing

No requests were received.  More publicity about this service will be provided in FY2005/06.

Recommendation

Status

Notes

4A

Encourage neighborhood association outreach and participation strategies that enable neighbors to get to know one another.

Implemented and ongoing

FY2004/05 was the first year of the Neighborhood and Community Services program which strengthens neighborhoods through support for neighborhood activities, including forming associations, hosting a block party or other special event, connecting with other City sponsored activities such as neighborhood watch or SNAP, or instituting a neighborhood e-newsletter. Four new neighborhood associations formed in Sunnyvale in FY2004/05. Part of the neighborhood engagement effort is a block party kit, which will be available on the City’s website in Fall 2005. Block parties are a very positive way for people to connect and build stronger, safer, and more cohesive communities.  The block party kit will include information about how to organize a block party, recommendations for a successful block party, fundraising ideas, and related information.

Other City-sponsored activities that encourage community engagement include the City-wide garage sale, Dumpster Days, and National Night Out celebrations. 

Activity

Status

Notes

5A

Post "Translation Services Available" signs in most frequently used languages at answer point locations in City buildings. Utilize qualified bilingual staff for translating.

Pilot Implemented

“Multi-lingual Services Available” signs have been posted at the City Clerk’s and Columbia Neighborhood Center’s reception desks. An evaluation of use and effectiveness will be conducted in January 2006. Employees that receive a bilingual stipend are available to assist in bilingual conversations concerning City business.

Recommendation

Status

Notes

5B

Increase awareness and sensitivity among City employees for the need to do special communications outreach to non-English-speaking populations.

Implemented

Language addressing this is included in approved Community Outreach Administrative policy.

5C

Develop City guidelines to:

·         Identify eligibility criteria for translating City documents and publications;

·         Develop City guidelines for translation procedures.

Implemented:

Translation Guidelines

(Attachment B)

Communications Officer will incorporate the approved translation guidelines into the City’s Communications administrative policy.  

The Communications policy will include document translation procedures, to be developed by the Communications Officer.