Mayor Michael McGinn and the Seattle City Council are seeking candidates for the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board. Called for in the City’s Immigrant and Refugee Report and Action Plan, the board advises the Mayor and Council on issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle. Representatives of the City’s immigrant and refugee communities, and others interested in these issues, are urged to apply.

With the unprecedented growth in the foreign-born population since the 1980s, Seattle has become an increasingly multicultural city, rich with diversity. The Mayor and Council want to ensure that city government provides high-quality customer service to all, including immigrants and refugees living and working in Seattle.

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 city government on 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;
• 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, send a letter of interest and resume by April 15, 2010. In lieu of a resume, applicants may submit a summary document with name, address, contact information, employment history, volunteer experience, and a statement of why they want to serve on the advisory board.

In keeping with the City’s “Paper Cuts” program, electronic submissions are preferred.  Applications should be sent by April 15, 2010, to: yemane.gebremicael@seattle.gov. To send a paper submittal, address it to:

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city’s boards and commissions. Women, people with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, people of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.