 By Sade Britt, Employment Security Department Black History Month is a time filled with reflection. It’s a time of collective joy and celebration, a time of anger, of mourning, of pride and gratitude. We think of the incredible sacrifices and achievements — both known and unknown — that African Americans before us made to challenge the status quo and ensure our very survival.
It’s also a time to remember that the work they began is not finished. Black folks across this country — as well as across the diaspora and across identities — are still working tirelessly to upend systems of oppression so our communities can, one day, truly thrive. Black History Month reminds us that despite all we’ve been through, we’re still here! And one of the many reasons we continue to endure is because of the care, love and mutual cooperation, built through community, that fueled many of the most successful movements in American history.
the institutions are still lacking in any analysis worth taking seriously in regards to the ongoing issues of political oppression, economic exploitation, and social degradation that black people are faced with (In the final analysis, we may find EDAI is anti-black on its face and at the core. What it could/could not be depends on the activities of you and me and whether or not we are prepared to struggle for our perspective to be recognized).
The disproportionate degree to which black people are affected by this antagonism is popularly reduced to being the effects of discrimination within the populace. However, I have found a more accurate word than discriminate to relate the numerical disparities to our experience as Africans – that word is target. This system doesn’t discriminate, contrary to popular belief. Everyone can get it, but Africans and other global south people are targeted by this systemic, structural predatory violence.  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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 
 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 |
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