Acknowledging Our Collective Pain

A message from the Department of Ecology.

Fellow Ecology Employees,
 
Today, I am reaching out with heavy heart. It is heavy because our communities are in pain.
 
Across the country and in our own backyard, people are speaking out for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others, who lost their lives because of the color of their skin. We are witnessing justified outrage in our communities. Racism is a health threat that we cannot ignore. It is incumbent upon all of us to recognize it and work to eradicate it.
 
These are hard times. Like many of you, I feel the weight of what is happening. I know that these events impact everyone and affect our daily lives and work, especially Ecology employees from Black communities or other Communities of Color. During this time, it is important to explicitly say to our Black employees: We stand with you.
 
I also understand that due to the escalation at some of the protests, our field staff may be uncomfortable heading into the field at this time. Safety always comes first. If you need to postpone field work, please alert your supervisor.  Your safety and sense of wellbeing are our first priority.
 
Please know that Ecology remains a safe space, and that it is okay, not to be okay. We should all give ourselves the mental space, patience, and breathing room to process through whatever emotions we are feeling.  These are turbulent times, and I want to encourage you to take care of yourselves and reach out to your supervisor or confide in anyone on our leadership team if you need support. As a reminder, you can call the Employee Assistance Program toll free at (877) 313-4455 if you would like to speak with someone. 
 
On a final note, I’d like to share this statement from the Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) Business Resource Group: https://www.buildwa.org/. Contact information for BUILD is also available at the link.
 
In Solidarity,
Laura Watson