Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council are seeking candidates to fill three vacancies on the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board. Called for in Nickels’ Immigrant and Refugee Report and Action Plan, the board advises the mayor and Council on issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle. “I urge representatives of our immigrant and refugee communities, and others interested in these issues, to consider serving on this important board,” Nickels said. “As Seattle’s foreign-born populations continue to grow, we must ensure their full participation in the civic, economic and cultural life of the city. This board helps us identify ways to accomplish this.” The duties of the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board include:
- Advising the mayor, City Council and city departments and offices on ways to enhance and improve access to city services and resources for immigrants and refugees, as well as strengthening opportunities for immigrants and refugees to participate in the civic life of the city;
- Advising the city on the successful implementation of the Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan and on future updates to the plan;
- Advising all city departments and offices in matters affecting immigrants and refugees, as appropriate; and
- Encouraging understanding between and among the various immigrant and refugee communities and the larger Seattle community.
Reflecting the diversity of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities, the board has 15 members (eight appointed by the mayor and seven appointed by the Council). Board members are appointed for two-year terms, with the option of re-appointment for another term. To be considered, please send a letter of interest and resume by Feb. 5, 2010 to: [email protected]