​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.

Hello RAIN Community,

Please see the below message from our friends at the Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) BRG. RAIN’s leadership joins with BUILD in expressing our love and support for all of those affected and suffering due to the tragedy in Buffalo, NY over the weekend. We specifically hold members of the LGBTQ+ community, who have faced discrimination and abuse, in our thoughts and encourage our community to seek ways to uplift and support those and other marginalized voices in this conflict.
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In Solidarity,
Taja Blackhorn, Co-Chair
Ryan Douglas, Co-Chair
Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN)

Original message from RAIN

The Washington State DEI Summit is June 7, 14, 21, and 28. This event is virtual.

This year's theme this:
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Acknowledging Our Past, Transforming Our Future

Washington State 2022 DEI Summit: Tuesdays in June: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration for the upcoming, annual Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Summit is currently available. This year’s virtual DEI Summit registration is free and open to all state agency employees. We encourage you to join us in this meaningful development opportunity, which was carefully planned to enrich our collective understanding and awareness through a wealth of DEI- related discussions and activities.
 
Registration and summit details:
https://ofm.wa.gov/DEIsummit

Interviews about the Summit moderated by BUILD's very own, Sharon Armstrong!
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Check out more interviews!

"The term disability justice was coined out of conversations between disabled queer women of color activists in 2005, including Patty Berne of Sins Invalid (and Mia Mingus & Stacy Milbern, who eventually united with Leroy Moore, Eli Clare, and Sebastian Margaret) seeking to challenge radical and progressive movements to more fully address ableism."

Read more at their site.

The Washington State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council hosted a learning session on how to be an effective accomplice or ally. BUILD’s Chair, Megan Matthews, was a panelist!
Watch the pre-recorded, 24-minute session.

Join the Olympia City Council for a Hosted Panel Discussion on Racial Justice. BUILD's Chair, Megan Matthews will be presenting!

There is a free webinar on "How to be Anti-Ractist" with well-known author, Ibram X. Kendi on July 20, 2020, at 4pm Pacific Standard Time (7pm EST).

​More information and registration here

Fellow state employees,

In support of Blacks United In Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) and the Black community, the Washington State Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council Events Subcommittee invites you to the “We Can’t Be Silent: White Accountability Listening Sessions” for state employees.

More info below.