Summer is heating up – and so should your water safety planning
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
According to climate scientists, chances are it’s going to be a hotter summer than typical across King County. Hot weather brings people out to our region’s lakes, rivers and salt water areas looking to cool off and have fun. But the more folks flock to beaches and rivers, the higher the likelihood that more people will drown, both fatally and non-fatally. There have been seven child and youth drowning deaths since 2015. In 2018, 16 people lost their lives on King County waters. The Insider sat down with Tony Gomez, Public Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Manager, to learn five simple tips to stay safe this summer at area beaches and rivers:
Swim only at a lifeguarded beaches. According to Tony, it’s easy to miss the signs of a drowning person. It can happen without a sound: For children and adults who are not strong swimmers and even with better swimmers, drowning can happen quickly and without drawing notice.
Read more from Public Health Insider
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Congratulations 2019 Bridge Fellowship graduates
More than 100 leaders, colleagues, family, and friends celebrated the 27 employees who graduated from the 20-week Bridge Fellowship, King County’s intensive professional development program, at a ceremony in downtown Seattle.
King County Executive Dow Constantine gave the keynote address at the June 24 ceremony, speaking about the importance of providing genuine opportunities for employee development and advancement, and how the Executive Branch True North – Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive – is connected to this focus.
“With the Bridge Fellowship, we are developing employees, helping them thrive at work and in their careers, so they are in the best position to lead the work of Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive,” Executive Constantine said. “I am confident that as these employees continue through their King County careers, they will lead and serve King County with integrity and respect as we move closer to our True North, because of what they learned and contributed through the Bridge Fellowship Program.”
Pictured: King County Executive Dow Constantine with the 2019 Bridge Fellowship graduates.
Over the course of the program, participants engaged in classroom learning, group projects, presentations, and career development activities, as well as interviews and site visits to gain a deeper understanding of the County’s structure and priorities, develop new skills, and expand their leadership abilities.
Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams talked about the work she is overseeing of building a workplace culture that allows employees to be their best and do their best work.
“It’s a culture that encourages learning, and provides real opportunities for employees to develop and advance in the county careers,” Abrams said. “That’s why Executive Constantine launched our Investing in YOU strategy; so we have a plan to ensure that every employee has the tools, support, and opportunity to thrive in their careers. This Bridge Fellowship is a key piece of that strategy.”
The Bridge Fellowship has been delivering results for participants. Of the 46 graduates since 2014, 78% have received new roles, special duty assignments, or other stretch opportunities.
Executive Constantine sees the Bridge Fellowship as a concrete way to support employees’ career development and advancement goals.
“It’s helping us become a true learning and development organization, one that offers equitable opportunities for growth and advancement, no matter where you work, what you do or where you are in your career,” he said.
Other speakers at the graduation included Stacey McQuade-Eger, Director of the Career and Culture Division of the Department of Human Resources, Debra Baker, Bridge Fellowship Program Manager, and Bridge Fellows Jessica Tollenaar Cafferty, Jose Romo Ramirez, and Ladna Farah.
Congratulations to this year’s Bridge Fellowship graduates: Michelle Anderson (Transit), Porsche Austin (Transit), Nathan Brown (DNRP), Kerren Buchanan (Public Health), Ladna Farah (DAJD), Nickie Ford (DES), Emily Hart (DCHS), Abdirahman Hashi (DCHS) Anderson Jones (Transit), Tiffany Kalfur (DAJD), Saybre Locke (DES), Sarah Margeson (DNRP), Rocio G. Martinez Lopez (King County Council), Myranda Miller (KCIT), Delroy Mukungatu (DES), Francisco Pine (Transit), Julio Rodriguez (DNRP), Jose Romo Ramirez (Public Health), Kendi Rossi (Superior Court), Susannah Rowles (DNRP), Shonita Savage (Public Health), Mindy Tiangson (Assessments), Jessica Tollenaar Cafferty (Public Health), Tsengyang Vang (Transit), Waverly Williams (Transit), Rafael Munoz-Cintron (PAO), Grace Fisk (recently relocated to California).
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Farmers Markets in full swing!
Summer is here which means fresh produce is also! The Seattle City Hall farmers market is now open, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through October 9. This is one of five farmers markets organized by Pike Place. Come and check out over 15 vendors and enjoy an array of fresh spring greens, meats, baked goods, fresh flowers, berries, yogurt, honey, fermented foods and more.
Stop by the market frequently to see how offerings change with the seasons.
Outside of Seattle and King County? The Tilth Alliance maintains a list of regional farmers markets. You can search markets and information about them by location. Eat well and enjoy the season by visiting the farmers markets near you!
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Graduate shares her experience with Bridge Fellowship
Pictured: Ladna Farah speaking at the 2019 King County Bridge Fellowship graduation.
Ladna Farah graduated from King County’s Bridge Fellowship program on June 24, and gave a heartfelt speech about her experience in the program, her aspirations, and what she learned from it.
Good Afternoon! My name is Ladna Farah.
Thank you all for being here today. I would like to share my thoughts and discoveries about the topics: Fear and Leadership, to share how the King County Bridge Program has contributed to my personal development and to thank the King County Bridge Fellowship Program for awakening my leadership potential and aspirations.
There is a two-part adage about fear; I will share the first half of that adage with you now and the second half near the conclusion of my speech.
Fear! F. E. A. R. Fear Everything And Run!!!!!
Even as far back as a nine-year old immigrant schoolgirl, I have had a nearly paralyzing fear of public speaking. Echoes of that fear even continued through my restless sleep last night. Yet, I have the desire to be a leader who provides positive influence and impacts change for the good of our society but I have not allowed myself to be noticed.
At times I allowed my thoughts to get the best of me. I can be my harshest critic. And sometimes, my thoughts are based on assumptions, expectations, worst-case scenario, self-doubt and fear.
Perhaps you are familiar with the poem by Marianne Williamson, “Our Deepest Fear?” Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” So which is it for me? What am I afraid of? Am I afraid of failure or power?
The King County Bridge Fellowship Program allowed me to explore that question and provided me the opportunity to identify new insights about myself at my own pace.
There are three parts of the Bridge Program that really stimulated me:
- Agreements – that established group norms in a safe and trusting environment, you can be your authentic self and there are no judgements.
- Characteristics of Leadership – learning how to build excellence and identifying traits I want to have as a strong leader who can influence others to be their best.
- A Self-Portrait– discovering my talents, creating and developing my mission statement and learning more about myself and my capabilities.
In Bridge, one of my biggest discoveries was becoming unafraid of discomfort! I learned to sit and absorb the discomfort. And, when I did, incredibly, it wasn’t fatal. I learned more about overcoming my fear.
As I look to contribute my knowledge, skills and abilities in the quest for a career in King County, and as a social justice advocate, I am told that I will need to be a leader at various times and for various reasons. Upon hearing that, my first reaction was fear. – Fear Everything And Run! But, I am comforted by an African proverb, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot harm you”. That encourages me to speak my truth, to lead when needed, and to follow when necessary.
Leadership is not a destination, it’s a journey, a long, winding and bumpy road. That’s a road I am eager to travel. The Bridge Fellowship Program provides a bridge between self-doubt and leadership development; leadership lies within all of us, it just needs to be awakened.
I realize I am eliminating the enemy within me – my inner fear – and that I am poised to be a leader when called upon to do so. I am at the beginning of the journey – I still have a lot to learn. But I am on my way now because my old nemesis FEAR, now fears ME!!! The choice is, and always has been, to face my fear and face up to my capabilities.
Now, I promised you the second half of the adage. Let me conclude with the full saying now.
F.E.A.R – Fear Everything And Run
Or
Face Everything And Rise!!!
Thank You.
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Are you listening? The Untold Story Project offers hope and healing as employees share their untold stories of racism and visions of a more equitable future
Kelly Westhelle, Wastewater Treatment Division
The Untold Story Project is launching its 2019-2020 program. Employees of color are encouraged to submit their untold or unheard stories of racism or vision for a more equitable future here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/untold-story by August 30, 2019. All submitted Untold Stories will be posted at www.untoldstoryproject.blog. Stay tuned for an announcement on performance dates later this year.
Pictured: Employees present at the Untold Story Project performance at Wing Luke Museum in Seattle on November 13, 2018.
I believe storytelling is foundational to the human experience. Stories bridge time across generations, and bridge space by linking different communities and cultures. Stories teach us about life, the world around us, the people around us, and ourselves.
I also believe that with diversity comes resilience, and that all people deserve an equitable chance at success and happiness. Before the Untold Story Project, when I thought about my community—both in workplace, and in my personal life—and the inequities that exist locally and in the country at large, I was quickly humbled. I had a lot to learn about everyone I live, learn, and coexist among. I wasn’t sure where or how to start, but when I heard about the ESJ Literary Arts Program’s Untold Story Project, a door opened.
The Untold Story Project offers a space for King County employees of color to respond to the question, “What’s Your Untold Story of Racism?” from the workplace, childhood, or daily life. This year, in its second iteration, employees are also invited to share their visions of a more equitable future. The Project is sponsored and supported by the Solid Waste and Wastewater Treatment Divisions.
Submitted untold stories are published on a dedicated blog, and selected stories are performed live by the authors, or by local artists on their behalf.
Last fall, when I attended the live performance at the Wing Luke Museum, the room was heavy, gripping—the stories, brought to life, fully demonstrated the unifying power of expression. Following the performances, I was inspired when the stories cracked open difficult conversations about race, and foster a space for healing and genuine connection in our workplace community.
Pictured: Poet/artist Natasha Marin facilitating discussion at the Untold Story Project performance at King County Elections Office in Renton on September 20, 2018.
We can all stand to benefit by slowing down, being fully present, and listening—to better understand those we see and work with everyday, and to forge linkages with those we don’t. Through connection there is support, and with support we can raise each other up, toward equity.
Are you listening?
For questions about the Untold Stories Project, if you would like assistance, or prefer an interview for your story, please contact Julia Yen at JYen@kingcounty.gov or Tristen Gardner at TGardner@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: Elections Worker (Temporary)
Salary: $19.87 – $21.90 Hourly
Location: WA 98057-2906, WA
Job Type: Short Term Temporary, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary
Department: KCE – King County Elections
Job Number: 2019RL09940
Closing: Continuous
King County Elections (KCE) manages voter registrations and elections for more than 1.3 million voters in King County, the largest vote-by-mail county in the United States. KCE’s mission is to conduct fair, open and accurate elections. As a leader in providing inclusive elections, KCE is focused on three key priorities – (1) actively identifying and working to remove barriers to voting at both the individual and community level, (2) strengthening relationships with community and governmental partners, and (3) creating a culture of professional growth and development, openness and inclusion. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx
We are recruiting to create a roster of skilled temporary employees who will work in seasonal temporary positions in various work groups within Elections. These positions will perform a variety of duties necessary to support the administration of the Primary Election in King County. Specific job duties will vary based on the needs of the Elections Department. Training is provided to perform assigned work.
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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Celebrating Pride and the fight for equality
Dear fellow King County employee,
King County Executive Dow Constantine
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in our nation.
We have come a long way since this landmark event, yet many LGBTQ+ Americans continue to experience discrimination and fear in their personal and work lives.
Here in King County we are dedicated to being a welcoming, inclusive community.
In 2012, King County became the first jurisdiction in the nation to enact marriage equality based on voter approval, and one of my proudest moments as County Executive occurred just after midnight on Thursday, Dec. 6 of that year, when I issued the first marriage licenses in Washington state to same-sex couples.
In July of 2017 in response to the Federal administration’s transgender military ban, I issued Executive Order CPM-11-2-EO, to ensure that King County veterans programs and assistance would be available to any transgender service member discharged due to the federal government’s stated policy of excluding patriotic transgender Americans from military service.
Our message is clear: whether you’ve just arrived in King County or you’ve lived here your whole life, whether this is the first day of your King County career or you’re a long-time employee, this is your home. You belong here.
This Sunday I will march alongside hundreds of our King County colleagues, family, and friends in the Seattle Pride Parade in support of LGBTQ+ rights, and you are invited to join us. And this Thursday at 1 p.m. on the Administration Building Plaza, I will raise the Pride Flag over the Administration Building. If you are at lunch or on a break, you are welcome to join me.
You may have heard me discuss what I call our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Of course we have many more barriers to break down if we are to reach this goal. The events at the Stonewall Inn 50 years ago, and the prejudices that LGBTQ+ people continue to battle today, remind us why we must remain steadfast in our work to create a truly welcoming, inclusive, just community, and nation.
Sincerely,
Dow Constantine
King County Executive
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New-look Pride Flag debuts
As LGBTQ+ Pride Month comes to a close with the 45th annual Seattle Pride Parade this weekend, King County will again hoist a flag in celebration and solidarity. As you’re able, please join Executive Constantine and your fellow employees, Thursday, June 27, at 1 p.m. on the Administration Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. This year, we’ll be debuting a new version of the flag.
The “Progress” Pride Flag was designed by Daniel Quasar of quasar.digital and shared under a Creative Commons license. This new design is an evolution of the traditional six-stripe rainbow flag, and is meant to be more representative of the entire LGBTQ+ community. It adds five stripes on the left, arranged as forward-pointing arrows. The white, light pink, and light blue stripes represent transgender and non-binary people. The black and brown stripes symbolize communities of color. The black stripe also honors the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. A Kickstarter that ran in 2018 garnered more than 500 supporters to make the new design a reality.
“The initial idea was important because I felt like I could bring something to the table when it came to the way the [Pride] flag was shifting within the community,” Quasar said in the Kickstarter. “We still have movement forward to make. There still is work to be done. I wanted to highlight that.”
King County is proud to fly this new Progress Pride Flag over our facilities, including our Metro Transit bus bases. We are also proud to walk as One King County in the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m. You, your family, and your friends are welcome to join us!
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Personnel Board Ballots are in the mail!
If you are a career service employee you are eligible to vote for the open position on the King County Personnel Board. The Personnel Board conducts hearings on appeals of certain county personnel actions. It’s made up of five members, one of which is elected by county career service employees.
Eligible employees will be mailed a ballot to their home address on June 13 and ballots must be returned to King County Elections by 4:30 p.m. on June 25. Ballot packets will include a return envelope with prepaid postage or employees can drop them in the ballot drop boxes at either the King County Administration Building, King County Election Headquarters in Renton, or the Regional Justice Center.
This year there are two candidates for the elected position. More information about the candidates and the election can be found online If you do not receive your ballot by June 18 or if you have questions about the election, contact King County Elections at 206-296-1608 or elections@kingcounty.gov.
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Reminder: Register for free showing of “The Most Dangerous Year,” June 25
In honor of Pride Month, King County employees will have an opportunity to watch and discuss the film about the anti-transgender legislation in Washington in 2016 and the journey of many Washington families with transgender children. The Seattle writer and director, Vlada Knowlton, will be on hand for the discussion.
The movie supports the Executive’s priority of advancing equity and social justice within County government and in partnership with communities.
Tuesday, June 25 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Chinook Building Room 121, 401 5th Ave., Seattle
This event is free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP here via Eventbrite.
Employee News 