Commission outlines cultural committee plan, asks volunteers for tabling and leadership roundtables

The commission's cultural committee presented a phased strategic plan Wednesday that would create recurring leadership roundtable meetings to strengthen communication between the commission and immigrant and newer Asian and Pacific Islander community organizations.

Committee members said the goal of the proposed roundtables is to "share updates and resources, exchange feedback and ideas, share our dreams, and build alignment on community priorities and needs." The plan calls for a small pilot in the months before the Tulsa Asia Fest in January and at least two roundtables by mid-2026, with a phased expansion of outreach and relationship building.

Committee leaders described the roundtables as a network rather than a new formal committee. They emphasized that the effort is intended to create sustained two-way engagement beyond occasional tabling at festivals and to make it easier for smaller community groups to connect with city processes.

The committee also reviewed tabling opportunities coming in October and early 2026, including an invitation to table at the University of Tulsa Harvest Moon Festival, a Hmong New Year event in Inola (Oct. 25–26, tabling planned for Oct. 25), and other community festivals. Committee staff confirmed business cards and small takeaways are available and discussed designing a palm card with a QR code to the commission website for higher-traffic events.

Members called for a measured approach to event participation, saying the commission has limited capacity and should prioritize events that align with committee objectives. The committee asked commissioners and community members to sign up to help staff tables and to support outreach and leader invitations for the proposed roundtables.

Logistics for tabling and the leadership-roundtable rollout — including a sign-up sheet for volunteers and follow-up capacity requests — will be coordinated by commission staff.