 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.  "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." — Nelson Mandela
BUILD and its community send our deepest condolences and prayers to the families impacted by the horrific tragedy that took place in Texas at Rob Elementary School on May 24th, 2022. The loss of 19 beautiful children and two teachers due to gun violence is a devastating blow for the Uvalde community and our country. The mass school shooting that happened in Texas marks the 27th school shooting to have taken place in the United States so far, based on reports. The grief that families are experiencing right now is truly heartbreaking. Every parent should be at ease when they drop their child off at school, knowing they will get the support they need and return home unharmed.  “On May 25, Minneapolis police officers arrested George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, after a convenience store employee called 911 and told the police that Mr. Floyd had bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. Seventeen minutes after the first squad car arrived at the scene, Mr. Floyd was unconscious and pinned beneath three police officers, showing no signs of life.” – New York Times.
Today we reflect on the criminal actions conducted by law enforcement that caused the passing of George Floyd. The excerpt taken from the report highlights the sad, brutal, and all too familiar feeling of black lives being taken in this country. Let us remember that the George Floyd tragedy is not a singular moment in American history, but his death does represent the continuous brazen actions that have led to so many Black lives being taken. Unjust actions that were taken based on the color of their skin.  Running for Co-Chair: Nolan Washington Trooper / Recruiter / Community Liaison Bio: I am Nolan Washington, from Seattle, WA. I grew up in the south end part of Seattle. I went to Kennedy High School and then went on to Washington State University where I also played football and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2013. I was not expecting to actually be involved in law enforcement, but after seeing many of the things going on with our community and policing, I decided to take matters into my own hands and go into the law enforcement profession; embarking on this journey to bring about change from within. I became a Trooper with Washington State Patrol in 2016, and now also serve as one of the field Recruiters and a Community Liaison for the agency. My job includes recruiting for more State Troopers, as well as other positions within our agency, and also be involved with community events around the state. My areas of recruiting are Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties and I assist with other counties around the state as well. I got into this profession to be a door holder for all under-represented people within the profession and specifically my black brothers and sisters to be able to see themselves in me, and want to join and bring about true change. I look for platforms to challenge, educate, and inspire people to not only talk about changes they would like to see, but BE ABOUT IT! I am a firm believer in not waiting for anyone else for change but to do my part in bringing about the change I would like to see. My motto is to inspire the next. In everything we do, we all can be an inspiration to others. We all have a story, and specifically as black people we know this journey has not been easy for us, but if we can try and remember that whatever we do in life, the real mission is to pave a way for the ones that will come after us. To truly bring about change and make sure that change is continued, means we are inspiring the next. The next generation, the next police officer, the next teacher, the next CEO, whatever! We are looking to leave a legacy that can be carried on for generations to come. I look forward to continue to gather inspiration from the amazing people I have and will meet through BUILD, and hope to challenge and inspire others to join me along the way.  Running for Executive Assistant: Yeni Castaneto
As the incumbent Executive Assistant, I will continue to support the BUILD Leadership team with the critical mission of lifting Black voices and representation in leadership positions. I am committed to diversity and inclusion and fighting to change policies that systematically and structurally exclude BIPOC. In the past year, BUILD has shown me that a collective few have the power to begin change by providing a platform and space for Black voices. I assisted Tyrone in launching our Intersectionality Listening Sessions, which provided a safe space for our members to speak on their lived experiences, truths, and realities. It has been a learning and humbling experience to be a part of BUILD, and I hope to do it another year.  This is the Inaugural year that the state of Washington recognizes Juneteenth as a legal state paid holiday on Monday, June 20, 2022. As Black Folks and allies, we have been celebrating Juneteenth for years. This government recognition is cause for a bigger celebration. Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) in partnership with The Professional Women of Color Network and many other collaborators are cultivating this recognition with a Royal Ball that reclaims Community here in Washington.
 A message from Blacks United In Leadership and Diversity (BUILD):
With a heavy heart, we are forced to reconcile, yet again, that there is still much work to do in America when it comes to racism, hate, and supremacy-mindedness. The tragedy of Buffalo, NY is senseless and disheartening. We at BUILD, stand with the families affected and mourn the lives lost. We encourage you all to be vigilant about your safety, hold those you love a little tighter, and keep making space for change and justice for our people. For more information on this tragedy, we invite you to visit the Anti-Defamation League blog. We also invite you, as state workers, to use the Washington State Employee Assistance Program. Sincerely, Build Leadership The Washington State DEI Summit is June 7, 14, 21, and 28. This event is virtual. This year's theme this: 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! Check out more interviews! Juneteenth is a state holiday! Watch this space for more info as it becomes available. This event also serves as BUILD's June General Membership Meeting.  May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People. To learn more on how you can take action, you are invited to visit: Tai Simpson’s essay in Cosmopolitan on the MMIW Crisis Morning Star Gali’s podcast interview with Alicia Garza on Indigenous resistance.  Fellow BUILD members, It is time for new leadership to continue expanding on what we've built, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to lead BUILD forward in 2022-2023! Serving on our Executive Leadership Team is considered part of your regular duties. Leave is never required; you just need your supervisor’s approval to spend some of your work time doing this important and meaningful work. Talk with your supervisor about your capacity to serve! There are two positions available: Co-Chair and Executive Assistant - each position description is attached. These are professional development opportunities leading a statewide program. No specific experience is required - just a few key competencies and a passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion are all we need. Note, candidates must be public service employees with the state or at a state higher education institution. These are truly unique opportunities to expand your network, grow personally and professionally, serve your fellow state employees and the Black community, and inspire, influence, and impact the direction of EDI work in Washington State. Put that on your resume! Nominations are open now through April 30, 2022. Any BUILD member can nominate or be nominated. In May, our current leadership will meet with all nominees to discuss the opportunity. No one will be announced as a candidate without their consent. We will present leadership roles and more information at our April General Membership Meeting. Be sure to save the date, Thursday, April 21st, from 9 am to noon. Are you interested? Nominate yourself! Do you know someone who might be interested? Nominate them! Do you know someone who would benefit from this opportunity? Nominate them! Do you know a great leader who would benefit BUILD? Nominate them! Please email nominee names to BUILD at BUILD@ofm.wa.gov MORE INFORMATION Below and attached is more information about these positions and the key competencies needed. You can also find this information and more on our website here. BUILD is an all-volunteer organization of state employees, led by state employees for state employees. Our current Executive Leadership Team has led BUILD from inception in June 2019 to where we are today. We are one of six Business Resource Groups (BRGs) sponsored by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and sanctioned to operate as official state business by our Governor. There is no specific time required to serve, but you can expect to spend 4 to 8 hours per week connecting, communicating, organizing, planning, presenting, etc. BUILD's foundation is solid, we have processes in place, and we have a strong team of subcommittee leaders committed to our mission, vision, and values. Our current leadership will ensure a smooth transition and is committed to providing all the training and support our new leaders need to be successful. No one will be announced as a candidate without their consent, so nominate today! Email nominee names to BUILD at BUILD@ofm.wa.gov 
 na-admin.eventscloud.com/eSites/670086/HomepageSubmit a workshop proposal for the 2022 Opioid Summit by Friday, April 8th, 5pm. The Region 10 Opioid Summit Planning Committee invites you to submit a workshop proposal to present at the 2022 Opioid Summit. Workshop proposals should fit into one of the highlighted topics, and address the conference theme We are the Foundation: Improving the Workforce Pillars for Opioid Prevention, treatment, Recovery, and Intervention. Highlighted Tracks
Visit the Region 10 Opioid Topics of Interest for more information and submit your workshop proposal.
About the Conference The Region 10 Opioid Summit is an opportunity for professionals from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Indian Nations, urban Indian health programs, and recognized American Indian organizations to meet and explore ways to address the opioid crisis. We invite you to attend the virtual summit! The 2022 National Women’s History Theme: “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”  Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
The 2022 Women’s History theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”, is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history. This year, in particular, we are reminded of the importance of healers and caregivers who are helping to promote and sustain hope for the future. The NWHA encourages communities throughout the country to honor local women who bring and have historically brought these priceless gifts to their families, workplaces, and neighborhoods, sometimes at great sacrifice. These are the women who, as counselors and clerics, artists and teachers, doctors, nurses, mothers, and grandmothers listen, ease suffering, restore dignity, and make decisions for our general as well as our personal welfare.
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a landmark piece of legislation for gender equity. The law ensures that all education programs and activities receiving federal funding must protect students and employees from sex-based discrimination and bans many aspects of gender inequality that had previously been tolerated or overlooked in education. Despite consistent attempts through legislation, executive actions, and lawsuits to diminish its effectiveness, Title IX continues to provide these protections today. The 2022 National Women’s History Theme Women's History Month.gov Women’s History Month 2022: Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX International Women's Day.com Compiled by BUILD for Women's History Month, 2022.   Message of Solidarity Today, we express solidarity with the people impacted and suffering because of the Russian and Ukrainian conflict in Europe. We mourn with those who have lost family and friends, and we sympathize with the refugees that have been displaced.
Our thoughts are with all of them in these darkest hours, and we call on the world community to provide them with practical support, aid, and refuge. The civilians and their families and friends have the right to go about their daily lives in peace. Washington Immigrant Network’s leadership team is committed to supporting our state employees impacted by this conflict. We stand in solidarity with all peaceful efforts to commit to providing a platform for dialogue among diverse groups about this crisis. WIN will be hosting a Solidarity Gathering on Thursday, March 3rd from 12 pm-1 pm. You can download the calendar - Solidarity Gathering.ics You can also visit our website for additional information here. We’ve also included some resources from the Employee Assistance Program for your reference. You can also contact EAP at (877) 313-4455 for support. In Solidarity, Washington Immigrant Network Leadership Team Seriously, like, this is AMAZING! Check it out as a webpage. The pdf is simply too cool, you need to see this!
The RAIN employee business resource group will be hosting a special guest speaker to celebrate Black History Month. Register here. Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter is the Scott Waugh endowed chair in the Division of the Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology and African American Studies at UCLA, coined the term #BlackLivesMatter, and author of four books. His research, activism and commentary have been featured in various journals, social media platforms, and news media. Join us as we have a conversation with Dr. Hunter as he discusses the quest for systemic racial equality in America. Auto live captions will be enabled and ASL services provided for this event. Please email rain@ofm.wa.gov for any additional accommodation requests. Submitted to the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs and signed by Governor Jay Inslee on January 25, 2022. Download a pdf copy  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:
 BUILD was present to witness the unveiling of the George Bush monument at the Capitol Campus on November 19. Though cold and overcast, dozens watched as remarks were given by members of the Washington State Historical Society, Representative Debra Entenman, and former Representative Eric Pettigrew. Read about WSHS’ efforts to highlight Black history in Washington State Read the WSHS press release about the George Bush monument Read more about the monument on the DES website BUILD was present to live stream the event on Facebook Original posting: Please join Washington State Historical Society for the unveiling of a NEW MONUMENT on the capitol campus celebrating the life and contributions of pioneer GEORGE BUSH and his FAMILY November 19, 2021 Remarks begin at 12 noon, rain or shine–bring an umbrella!  |
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