1. I. Composition.

   The Council shall consist of no less than 31 members appointed by the Governor, at least two thirds of whom shall be representative of ethnic communities within the State of New York.

   All members of the Council shall be residents of the State and shall be appointed to one- or two-year terms as designated by the Governor at the time of appointment.

   The Governor shall designate a Chairman of the Council from among the members of the Council. The Chairman shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

   The Governor may designate from time to time representatives of State departments and agencies to serve as ex officio members of the Council.

   The members of the Council shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.

2. II. Responsibilities.
3. (a) The Council shall maintain continuing contact with the ethnic and nationality organizations in the State, with their publications, newspapers, and their religious, cultural and academic institutions.
4. (b) The Council shall meet officially four times a year at the call of the Chairman.
5. (c) The Council shall advise and make recommendations to the Governor concerning:
6. (c) (1) the coordination of governmental and nongovernmental programs and activities relating to ethnic groups and individuals;
7. (c) (2) the availability of assistance and counseling to ethnic residents, the foreignborn, and new citizens, to enable them to receive the services and benefits which the Federal, State and local governments provide;
8. (c) (3) the participation of organizations and individuals from ethnic and nationality groups in governmental affairs;
9. (c) (4) the commemoration of historic events, proclamations involving ethnic homelands, and official recognition of outstanding service by individuals or organizations with an ethnic heritage;
10. (c) (5) the sponsorship and promotion of events and projects of historical, cultural and educational interest that will increase the knowledge and appreciation of the contributions to our society by ethnic and nationality groups; and
11. (c) (6) the establishment of strong trade relationships between New York State and ethnic homelands.

12. III. Personnel.

    The Council shall make use of existing staff and resources in the various State agencies, which are hereby directed to render full cooperation and assistance to the Council.

    Signed: Hugh L. Carey Dated: October 24, 1978

Whereas, New York State has served throughout its history as the gateway to the United States for people from all over the world seeking a new life in freedom and dignity; and

Whereas, these new citizens in succeeding generations have left their mark by contributing to the development and growth of the State economically, culturally and politically; and

Whereas, the ethnic communities of New York State, which reflect a wide variety of nationalities, enrich and revitalize American life by continuing to maintain the best elements of the cultures of their countries of origin; and

Whereas, New York State recognizes its responsibility to foster the awareness, understanding and appreciation of the many and varied contributions to the quality of life made by the State's diverse communities, as well as to assist in securing their traditions and cultures; and

Whereas, both New York State and its ethnic communities have a vital interest in increased communication and commerce between the State and ethnic homelands; and

Whereas, the State recognizes that its ethnic communities can provide a needed bridge between the State and ethnic homelands, which would enable the State to realize full potential for trade relations; and

Whereas, there is continuing need to involve in the governmental process all the nationalities which comprise our society and to assure that government programs effectively reach those for whom their benefits were intended;

Now, therefore, I, Hugh L. Carey, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New York, do hereby establish the New York State Advisory Council on Ethnic Affairs.