Non-profit engagement survey deadline June 15
Do you partner with nonprofits based in or serving King County? There is one week left in the 2023 King County Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey and nonprofits in the region are being asked to participate.
Nonprofit employees are invited to share their candid thoughts on job satisfaction, workplace environment, supervisory relationships, pay/benefits, and other factors that lead to high staff retention. The survey, which is funded by the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy, seeks to provide nonprofits with data that can help improve retention of talented employees and ensure a strong delivery of services.
The survey is open to all part-time and full-time nonprofit employees who work at organizations based in or serving King County, including organizations that do not receive King County funding.
The deadline is June 15. Please share the survey with your nonprofit partners. The survey can be found here.
Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Summer 2023
A new mindfulness schedule has been released! In partnership with Mindfulness Northwest, Balanced You offers free, virtual mindfulness workshops to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you reduce stress and bring a calm awareness to your relationships, leadership, inner thoughts and more. This summer, try a new class or revisit a class you have taken before. See full mindfulness schedule on the Balanced You blog.
Cybersecurity Training will go live June 28
On Wednesday, June 28, employees will receive an email from King County’s partner “KnowBe4” (do-not-reply@knowbe4.com) with a personalized link to their assigned Cybersecurity Training. The training includes several short learning modules, totaling about 90 minutes of instruction. All employees and vendors with access to King County systems must complete the annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2023. Read more.
KCSO highlights Woodinville officers in police contract community series
From the King County Sheriff’s newsletter
The King County Sheriff’s Office has begun a video series featuring officers who work in communities that contract with KCSO for police services. The first in the series takes us to the City of Woodinville, which has partnered with the King County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. Woodinville PD serves its residents with passion, dignity, and grace. They work to reduce crime through proactive policing, crime prevention, and other community services. Woddinville Police Chief BJ Myers and Detective Deanna Torres shared why they love working for the City of Woodinville. Watch the video here and below.
Legislative Branch recognizes Pasifika community for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Affinity Group of the Legislative Branch and KCTV recently created a video to celebrate and honor the local contributions of the Pasifka Community in King County.
The presentation is hosted by and features the Honorable District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, as well as segments on the Voice of the South Pacific, the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance (UTOPIA), the Pacific Islanders Community Association of Washington (PICA) Wellness Navigator program, and the White Center Community Development Association celebrating Cambodian New Year.
View the presentation here. A special thanks to Multimedia Producer/Reporter Eric Keto for his work.
Friendly Hmong Farms: A radical vision for supporting BIPOC farmers continues to grow
Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green
This past Mother’s Day, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) families and supporters raised funds for their schools and Hmong flower farming families. Seattle moms enjoyed locally grown floral bouquets expertly grown and handcrafted by Hmong farmers, who have been an iconic part of King County’s agriculture scene for over three decades.
Friendly Hmong Farms (FHF) organized the SPS Mother’s Day Weekend Fundraiser, bringing together Hmong farmers and volunteers to sell over 400 bouquets. Over $10,000 in flower sales were made by local farmers and an additional $8,000 was raised for the schools. Read more.
It’s one of Metro’s favorite times of the year — Pride Month!
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
Pride Month is a celebration of who you are, who you love, and being able to show up as your authentic self. King County Metro celebrates our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and Two-Spirit family, friends, and colleagues.
Metro celebrates their courage and commitment in advancing civil rights and equity. We celebrate with bright colors and joy, recognizing these communities have long been forcibly erased from history and pressured to hide in society. Read more.
Balanced You virtual exercise classes return
After a brief hiatus, Balanced You and their partner Vivecorp are excited to bring back the Core Conditioning and Yoga classes! No matter if you want to tone up, get in shape, or learn techniques to relax, these classes taught by certified trainers will help you toward your goals. Classes are free to King County employees. Registration is required. Visit this site to find out more and register.
King County commemorates National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 2
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
In honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day this Friday, June 2, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Gun Violence program is partnering with community organizations to host gun lockbox giveaway events throughout the county and promote Wear Orange Weekend. The shared goal is to promote gun safety and raise awareness of community organizations working to address gun violence in the region.
Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US. Over the past three years, we have seen an uptick in the number of firearm-related injuries and deaths in King County, in places where we all live, play, and learn.
Gun violence has become a growing concern across the United States, and King County is no exception. National Gun Violence Awareness Day is an important reminder to take action and work together to create safe, healthy communities. Everyone deserves to be safe and well. King County is proud to take part in this important movement. Read more.
Juneteenth an observed County holiday on Monday, June 19
King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Monday, June 19.
King County officially began observing Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits.
Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service.
The establishment of Juneteenth as a holiday – in addition to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) – reflects our work to build a more racially just King County by honoring and strengthening understanding of our history. They are dedicated as days of service and learning, and provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history, Black and Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Black and Indigenous people in our region. They will also help us sharpen our focus and commitment to undo the institutionalized racist practices and policies that harm Black, Indigenous, and People of Color today.
There will be ongoing events and opportunities in the leadup to both Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day to learn more about their significance to the history and experience of Black and Indigenous people, our nation, and our shared journey going forward.

