"Each one teach one!": a message from BUILD
"Each one teach one!" Although the author is unknown, the message resonates as loud today as it did the first time those words were spoken. As a Black American proverb originating during slavery and founded on the transfer of knowledge between black individuals who were denied formal learning opportunities, these four words' power is magnificent! Its message is clear. As black people, we are teachers, passionate learners, and leaders. We are a resilient community that is committed to the betterment of the collective whole. The black community has always had something to contribute. Although our contributions have often been overlooked or even disregarded, our contributions have remained valuable. In the present context, the BUILD community embodies the phrase "each one teach one." The black perspective has never been as sought after as it is right now. Within our state, several individuals and organizations have reached out to the BUILD community to better understand the lens through which Black Americans peer across life's landscape. In response, BUILD is taking part in an outreach campaign to help support our teammates' learning across the enterprise. Leaders at all levels of BUILD have taken part in cross-organizational training, perspective sharings, and testimonials to help our partners and allies across the state gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts their individual and institutional actions have on the black community. The work is not easy, but BUILD is a passionate group who leans on one another for the strength and spiritual nourishment to forge ahead. As we journey forward, BUILD recognizes the importance of supporting our own as well. We have deployed a short anonymous survey that provided an opportunity for you to share with us any needs you might have, your areas of interest, and any of your availability to serve on one of our committees. This survey closed on July 23rd. We are hopeful this survey and the information it provides will allow us to align the strengths and passions of our group so that we can improve as a Business Resource Group and more effectively fulfill our purpose. Growth requires feedback, reflection, and action. BUILD represents the persistent growth and advancement of the black community. Together with our allies, we will continue to grow and support others in their growth, strengthening our communities, our state, and our nation. The learning begins with us…" each one teach one!" Find the above announcement on our blog Read BUILD's message of hope Read the messages of solidarity |
Welcome to BUILD
A business resource group for members of the Black Community and their allies in Washington State service.
Brought to you by Executive Order 12-02. |
Our Mission
Improve the experiences of Black state employees, increase representation in leadership positions, give voice to the Black perspective, and build each other up as we move forward. |
Our Vision
Change the state’s narrative and give identity and voice to current employees while enforcing policies that promote diversity, inclusion and respect in the workplace. |
BUILD's kickoff event, October 24, 2019
Front L-R: Reginald Cuffee, Michaela Doelman, Ayanna Pope; Middle L-R: Altavia Jones, Phil White, Beth Winstead, Marcus Glasper, Treese Beckett, Cathy Holder, Charlotte Kerney, Tammy Pitre; Back L-R: Dennis Worrell, Andrea Drake, Megan Matthews, Solomon Gilbert, Sacha Nixon, Tommy Simpson III, James Thompkins, Cheryl Sullivan-Colglazier |
Our Values
We are firmly committed to diversity and inclusion.
We are firmly committed to diversity and inclusion.
Charter and By-Laws
Our Guiding Document includes information about membership, roles and responsibilities, elections, supporting agencies, meetings, subcommittees, activities plan, and staffing/operational costs. |
Our Fundamentals
Our Fundamentals Map outlines our foundations, key goals, outcome measures, core processes, process owners, sub processes, and process measures. |
Our Leadership
BUILD membership is open to all Washington State employees. Our general meetings and events are open to all wishing to learn more about the Black Community and our goals.
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