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DSHS recently provided employees with an outstanding opportunity to hear from famed American philosopher Dr. Cornel West! His talk was entitled “Justice is what love looks like in public” and he further discusses how we must serve others, particularly those who have been oppressed and isolated in cycles of poverty. The Princeton professor, prolific author, and champion for racial justice, spoke for about an hour to the delight of hundreds of employees through Zoom. The video below is the recording of the talk so that you too can experience Dr. West’s discourse and wisdom. Learn more about Dr. West and his work here  Sharing this message on behalf of the Department of Health:
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS – Environmental Justice Community Participation Fund Grant The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is excited to announce the formation of an Environmental Justice Community Participation Fund Grant program. The aim of this program is to award a $400,000 pass-through grant to a statewide community-based environmental justice organization for the creation of an Environmental Justice Community Participation Fund. This Fund will be used to allocate smaller sub-grants to other community-based organizations around Washington State to support meaningful participation and engagement with the Environmental Justice Council and state agencies around the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act.  Serve Washington has partnered with the Schultz Family Foundation for an exciting opportunity to support the engagement and participation of BIPOC-led and small community-based nonprofit organizations in marginalized communities. If you are not partnered with an AmeriCorps program and are interested in finding out how to remedy that, here is your chance! The BIPOC-led and Small Nonprofit Equity fund is addressing financial and capacity barriers to participating in National Service by providing host fee subsidies and more. Applicants are required to submit requests for funding in accordance with the Notice of Funding Opportunity for BIPOC and Small Nonprofit Equity Fund, released October 28, 2022. Important Dates: The grant period will begin December 1, 2022, and end June 30, 2024. Requests will be accepted on a rolling basis as funds are available. 
The Washington State 2022 Governor's Equity Summit: Working Together for Results The below message can be shared broadly on behalf of the Office of Equity Greetings Summit Partners! It’s time to sign up! Register to confirm your participation and communicate any accommodations you need to fully participate in Governor Inslee’s Equity Summit. Note: We have limited capacity for in-person attendance. Register as soon as possible to secure your place if you desire to participate in person. Deadline to register: Tuesday, November 15th at 5:00pm (PST) If you are unable to access the form in the above link, please email access@equity.wa.gov or call 360-790-2190 (Washington Relay 7-1-1) to register. Accessibility: The Washington State Office of Equity is committed to hosting accessible events that promote belonging, justice, and dignity. To request communication services (interpreters, written information in other languages, or other services) or accommodations, please enter your request in the linked registration form or email access@equity.wa.gov. The Office of Equity strongly encourages participants to make requests by 5:00pm (PST) on Friday, November 4th to allow time to make the proper arrangements. About this event: Theme: Working Together for Results Date: Wednesday, November 30th Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm (PST) Location: Greater Tacoma Convention Center (1500 Commerce St, Tacoma WA 98402) Why: The Governor's Executive Order 22-02, Achieving Equity in Washington State Government, directs agencies to advance equity and anti-racism in the following areas: Public Contracting, Public Employment, Public Education, and Public Services. The purpose of this summit is to bring community and state government together to lay a strong foundation for achieving equity across Washington state government, now and for generations to come. We look forward to connecting with you in November!  During BUILD's General Membership Meeting, Sherina James shared a video of a thoughtful conversation with Reverend Traci Jackson and Oliver Williams, Ph.D. about domestic violence in the Black community and the need for interventions that consider culture and ethnicity. They talk about COVID and domestic violence and ponder some of the larger questions like can an abusive person change. #Every1KnowsSome1 Additional Resources:
Aminta Spencer from Deptartment of Revenue will be hosting an on-line workshop on how develop a successful resume to help you land your ideal job. Resume Writing Workshop will be held October 18, 2022 from 10am-11am.  BUILD will present on this topic at the next General Membership meeting, 10/20. Sign up to get updates!  Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on 10/20/22
#Every1KnowsSome1 Campaign Branding Resources These resources can be used to customize your local content and incorporate it into the #Every1KnowsSome1 DVAM Campaign:  Our Sundaes Outside is not just for Sundays! Our 3-day event with our series celebrating creativity, the outdoors, and Black Folks!
About this event We're going camping!!! It's going to be a weekend of games, activities, food, and more. Celebrating Black Folks. With support from Washington State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program we will host the first Sundaes Outside Campout at Ramblewood Retreat Center at Sequim Bay. Join us and enjoy a weekend outdoors connecting!  Facing the camera from left to right: Lt. Governor, Denny Heck; Former Representative, Jesse Wineberry; and Former Governor, Dan Evans. On August 27 the Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA), a pro-affirmative action non-profit, organized a reenactment of the signing of Executive Order (EO) 72-07 in the Washington Legislative Building. Former Governor Dan Evans, soon to celebrate his 97th birthday, was on hand to reenact his historic signing of the EO that brought affirmative action to Washington State.
BUILD stands in solidarity in recognizing July 26, 2022 as the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA.) on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits disability discrimination by State and local governments; provides standards for access to places of public accommodation; protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace; and ensures equal access to health care, social services, transportation, and telecommunications. Designed to model the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the purpose of the ADA is to guarantee that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else and serves as a reminder that we all deserve equal dignity, respect, and opportunity.  Below is the reminder of the Office of Equity’s invitation to attend our next Real Talk! and Post Talk! sessions on Wednesday, July 27th. Real Talk! is for all Washington State employees. You and your staff are invited to attend.
The Office of Equity invites you to join us on July 27th from 11:00 -12:00 pm for our Real Talk session, “Who Belongs? Independence for Whom?”, and from 12:00-12:30 pm for our Post Talk, where we will have an interactive discussion on the Real Talk Topic. We invite you to lean in, be curious, and engage in honest dialogue about racial equity, justice, and belonging to co-create a state government system that works for everyone.  Mosaic, Tacoma’s Arts and Culture Festival, returns to Wright Park in Tacoma on July 23 and 24 after a two-year hiatus.
Help kick off the weekend at 11 am on July 23 by joining the Walk of Destiny, then stay for a kaleidoscope of dance, music, art, food and family fun, set under the shady trees of Wright Park. This family-friendly, free event continues its 34-year tradition with a Kid’s Zone, hands-on cultural activities and experiences, two performer stages, as well as numerous arts and crafts, food, and information vendor booths.  IPMA PD Special Extended Seminar – Accessibility MattersThe IPMA is pleased to invite you to a special Extended Professional Development Seminar: Accessibility Matters.
This is an all-day, in-person-only event. A continental breakfast and lunch is included. Learn why accessibility matters and how we can create a more inclusive work environment for people with disabilities. You will:
The following address to Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) employees was reproduced with permission from HCA.  Dear HCA team,
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has overruled Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protection for abortion access. This is via a case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. We will likely have customers who are fearful or confused about what this ruling means for them and their families. We also may very well see individuals coming to Washington from other states to seek abortion services. It is very important that each of us as HCA employees understands and communicates the facts about coverage for abortion services in Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs. Abortion remains legal and covered by health care insurance in Washington State. That includes coverage purchased by HCA.
If you don't qualify for Apple Health (because you are a resident of another state) you may qualify for the Northwest Abortion Access fund https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/sexual-and-reproductive-health/abortion
Finally, I want to acknowledge that this court decision will bring up strong emotions for many of us. For me, as a nurse, I believe access to comprehensive health care services, including abortion care, is a health equity issue and I am grateful abortion remains legal in our state. Some may have personal experiences that bring up emotions today. And for others, there may be religious or other beliefs that guide their reaction. If you need any support navigating this issue, the Employee Assistance Program is available with free and confidential services. As always, I expect we are all kind, compassionate, and professional in any conversations we have on this topic with our coworkers. I hope you have a restful and healthy weekend. Sue Join us on Tuesday July 12th from 9am - 12pm for the 2nd annual BLM Day Event. This virtual event will include Ignite Speakers, Community Leaders, Education, Panel Discussion, and much more! Zoom link Dial by your location: +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 839 4388 5396 Passcode: 709636  “Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” — Barack Obama  Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, serves as a day to reflect on our journey to freedom for Black people in America. As Washington State, along with the rest of the United States of America, seeks to celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday, our community reflects on our history and the significance of Juneteenth in this country. Many Americans are unaware that enslavement of our people did not once the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It ended two years later in 1865, when more than 2,000 troops arrived in Galveston Bay Texas to enforce the freedom that belonged to black people. The impact of delayed action from a promise that was given and not fulfilled for 2 years is an all too familiar feeling. Post-emancipation, known as Reconstruction was an era consistently references as a period great hope yet struggle, and uncertainty for Black people in America. As the reality of black people being free started to settle in, we saw racism and oppression show up in a new form. Even though black people were no longer enslaved, they were faced with issues of Black Codes and Jim Crow, known as strict laws on how to treat black people. They were put in place to deprive and strip the fundamental rights and economic growth for the Black community. In addition to the corrupt laws in place, Black people were victims of horrendous acts by white supremacy believers, whose sole purpose was to terrorize the newly freed Black people anybody or entity that supported them. America has made progress, where the Black people are concerned but we as whole still suffer from the evil that America was built upon. It is systemic and must be purged. Reflection Juneteenth is not just a moment in American history, where we only celebrate the freedom for black people. It serves as a reminder of resilience and the determination that black people continuously show. We’ve overcome, we’ve endured, we do not break. However, we deserve rest, comfort, and peace. This is a moment in history, that highlights the long journey we have traveled. A moment in history, where our community can revive their hope and strength to build a better future for not only ourselves, but those that come after. So, let us not just a celebrate on Juneteenth, let us be inspired to act and commit to the effort of establishing a world where equality and inclusion does exist. Check out photos, live streams, and news links from Washington State Juneteenth event held on June 16th, 2022. Washington State Juneteenth Celebration Photos - BUILD, Washington State Juneteenth Celebration Livestream- TVW BUILD Facebook Livestream KING 5 News Photos taken by Gary Lott  In 2016, Governor Inslee established Directive 16-11, which created the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN), a business resource group. RAIN exists to help Washington State create safe and inclusive workplaces where every LGBTQ+ employee can bring their full authentic self to work, enabling them to do their best work every day for the people of Washington.
Attached [below] is the ceremonial declaration for all to see. For more information on Juneteenth, read the article "History of Juneteenth" or "12 Things.. about Juneteenth" on BUILD's website. Juneteenth Proclamation PDF   Compiled by Shauna James, Washington State Health Care Authority. What is Juneteenth?
 Juneteenth Significance “Juneteenth” (June Nineteenth) commemorates freedom for African Americans, and reminds us of the promises of freedom, equity, and equitable opportunity which are at the core of the American Dream. The historical legacy of Juneteenth is a good mirror of how freedom and justice in our nation has always been “delayed” for Black people. For decades waves of lynching, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws took root. This resulted in a disproportionate impact of discriminatory policies, disparities, and a lack of economic opportunity and investment. While some progress has been made, considerable barriers still exist towards fuller equity. Thus, the importance of the recognition and observance of Juneteenth to demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth (June Nineteenth) 1502: The first known Transatlantic Slave Trade voyage - At least 10 million Black people were forcibly transported from Africa and sold into slavery. January 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, but some Confederate states refused to enforce this law. June 19, 1865: General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas and announces that more than 250,000 enslaved black people were free through the Emancipation Proclamation). December 1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is passed, freeing all enslaved people & abolishing slavery in the U.S. June 7, 1979: Representative Al Edwards introduces a bill declaring “Juneteenth” a state holiday - Texas was the first state to recognize the observance. June 17, 2021: President Joe Biden establishes Juneteenth, the date commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S, as a federal holiday. Key points of Governor Inslee’s Juneteenth Proclamation In his all-state communication, Governor Jay Inslee said recent events caused him to examine how persistent racism continues to impact people of color in the State of Washington, but worldwide. The proclamation is aimed at recognizing contributions of African Americans to our state and country and as a chance to reflect on progress till to be made to endure equal access and opportunity and for self-improvement and planning for a more equitable future. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom, acknowledges the resilience and determination that African Americans have shown. Since its origin in 1865 in Galveston, Texas the observance of June 19 (Juneteenth) as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread across the US and worldwide. In his communication about the proclamation, he made a commitment to making Washington a more inclusive state and our workplace an environment where every employee is encouraged to bring their true and authentic selves to work. The proclamation makes Juneteenth a legal holiday. He urged ALL citizens to learn about the celebration and its significance in American History and the heritage of our nation.  The Juneteenth Flag On June 19th you might start seeing another red, white, and blue flag flying over our state. That banner with a star bursting in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbol of the end of slavery in the United States. The flag was created in 1997 by Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). According to Haith the design was a deliberate process. Here’s what each element of the flag represents:
 Save the afternoon of Sunday, June 5, 2:30 to 5 p.m. on your calendars for a hybrid, statewide event on Black well-being! We are inviting Black folks across Washington to gather safely, tune in, and turn up. Be part of building our collective vision for statewide Black well-being, crafted by us and for us.
Add to CalendarRegister to join in person or host a virtual watch party and be entered into a drawing for a $25 DoorDash gift credit! |
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