7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
The Annual Giving Drive is underway and King County employees have until Nov. 18 to fundraise for causes they are passionate about. But did you know that you can give back all year? You can use up to three sick days per calendar year to volunteer at a nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program. Besides providing necessary support to an organization, volunteering for a cause you are passionate about can improve your own mental health and help you feel good. Read through the 7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering, including stress reduction, confidence building, and preventing… Read More
Executive announces new actions to rapidly reduce countywide greenhouse gas emissions
King County Executive Dow Constantine’s proposed budget includes actions to decrease countywide greenhouse gas emissions at a faster pace as an analysis of the Puget Sound region shows an urgent need for collective action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. A first-of-its-kind analysis led by King County found that greenhouse gas emissions per person have decreased as the result of more energy efficient vehicles and buildings, but total emissions have increased as the population has grown. Read more.
King County Affinity Group celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month by highlighting activist Heather Purser
This week, for National LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group celebrates Heather Purser. Purser is a Suquamish activist that successfully advocated for her tribe to legally recognize same-sex marriages in 2011, before they were recognized in Washington. Learn more about Purser and other LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history by visiting this calendar celebrating LGBTQ+ History. If you are interested in getting connected to the LGBTQ+ community at King County, consider reaching out to the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at LGBTQ@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.gov/AffinityGroups.
Get emergency alerts with KCInform
During an emergency having timely information on what is happening is critical. King County employees can sign-up for KCInform, the employee alert and warning system, to receive information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email are already in the system. It is important to register your County-issued cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you receive time-sensitive messages. This service is free and your personal contact information is secure and protected. On… Read More
Commute Trip Reduction Survey begins Oct. 17
On October 17, the Commute Trip Reduction survey will be distributed to all County worksites with over 100 employees. The Washington State Commute Trip Reduction law requires these surveys of employers every two years. When you complete the confidential survey, you will have a chance to win prizes provided by the King County Employee Transportation Program and Commute Seattle. The survey results assist the state and county to design and implement transportation programs that address the diverse needs of employees, while also working to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and decrease… Read More
Disability Rights Washington’s Week Without Driving Challenge
The annual Disability Rights Washington’s Week Without Driving Challenge was recently held across the state, and numerous King County employees, Councilmembers, and residents participated in the event. The challenge encourages those who normally drive to spend a full week using alternative modes of transportation to experience what it’s like for non-drivers to access our community, especially those with disabilities. Read more here and watch the video below.
King County Affinity Group celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month by highlighting activist Dede Oetomo
In honor of October being National LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group plans to celebrate a different individual every week. This week, the group highlights Dede Oetomo, an Indonesian LGBTQ+ rights activist who founded both Lambda Indonesia and Gaya Nusantara, organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. Learn more about Oetomo and other LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history by visiting this calendar celebrating LGBTQ+ History. If you are interested in getting connected to the LGBTQ+ community at King County, consider reaching out to the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at LGBTQ@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about King County… Read More
School-to-Work program connects students with disabilities to employers
Since 2005, the King County School-to-Work program has been partnering with businesses to hire students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, both strengthening and diversifying their workforce. The effort brings together schools, state, and employment agencies to connect students with employment services while still in their high school transition programs. “Our motto is jobs by June,” said coordinator Richard Wilson, “and the program is designed to assist students to find paid employment before leaving school.” Currently, the School-to-Work program is serving its 18th cohort of students. Throughout the years, they’ve placed students in… Read More
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Monday, Oct. 10
Starting this year, King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on Oct. 10 in 2022. This new holiday provides an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today. It will also help us further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Indigenous people in our region. Look for opportunities to learn more about the heritage and… Read More
Understanding and supporting people with substance abuse disorder
Public Health – Seattle and King County has a training resource hub for understanding and supporting people with substance use disorders (addiction). The site contains short videos, recorded webinars, clinical guidelines, and educational materials. There are also links to order supplies for programs, and a toolkit for providing naloxone (Narcan) training to your team, clients, or the public. Read more.
Employee News 