The newly created Washington State Office of Equity was established by the legislature and signed into law in April 2020 because the Legislature found that:

• The population of Washington state has become increasingly diverse over the last several decades.
• As the demographics of our state change, historically and currently marginalized communities still do not have the same opportunities to meet parity as their nonmarginalized counterparts across nearly every measure including education, poverty, employment, health, and more.
• Inequities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and other characteristics continue to be deep, pervasive, and persistent, and they come at a great economic and social cost.

Community Members are invited to apply online by January 14, 2022: olympiawa.gov/advisory
For more information about recruitment contact Olivia Salazar de Breaux: [email protected]

The purpose of the Social Justice & Equity Commission is to "eliminate racism and fulfill human rights for a just and equitable Olympia for all people."

The Commission will serve as a welcoming place to file complaints on  racial, social justice, human rights violations, and other forms of discrimination, and where people will be provided transparent investigation and resolution of these complaints. The commission will also connect community members to resources and assistance in navigating city or state systems, participate in community-wide education and outreach on equity and racial justice, and ultimately enable those from historically marginalized communities to have a voice in City government.

La-Sandra Jones-Owens will step down from her position as one of BUILD's Executive Team Assistants. Thank you La-Sandra for your hard work and dedication to BUILD's 2021 - 2022 team!

At this time BUILD is evaluating its administrative needs and will keep our members updated of potential changes.

Thank you and best wishes, La-Sandra!