Win a book of poetry; further the conversation about equity and social justice
This year an Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) project team in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks organized a series of four literary readings called “Reflecting on Race and Racism through Spoken Word, Story, and Conversation” that was open to all King County employees. The purpose was to provide a forum for employees to discuss issues of race and racism to help reject stereotypes, practice empathy, and come to a greater understanding of the roots of inequity and injustice that the county’s Equity and Social Justice Initiative seeks to address. Following… Read More
The Kitsap County Civilian Navy visits King County to learn about Supported Employment
In June 2016, King County hosted the Kitsap County Civilian Navy to share best practices about supported employment in order to assist them to grow and develop their own Supported Employment Program. During the Navy’s visit they toured the workplaces of three employees: Jennifer in DES Records and Licensing Division, Tony in DPH Financial and Administrative section, and Kirsten in DCHS Community Services Division, who showcased their work. Debra Wood, Kirsten’s supervisor, states, “It’s been wonderful to see Kirsten grow. [The Supported Employment Program] is a terrific! I want everybody who has… Read More
Inclusion Works!
In observation of King County’s Disability Awareness Month, we would like to highlight a success story in progress …and an employer who is taking steps to ensure a more inclusive and diverse workforce that recognizes the professional contributions of individuals with behavioral health disabilities. Meet Nick… Nick is an Inventory Specialist at Amazon who ensures that multiple Amazon locations are fully stocked with supplies for his hard-working colleagues. He recently celebrated nine months as a full time Amazonian, and has received praise from his supervisors. Nick moved to Seattle in 2006, looking… Read More
County recognizes and celebrates value of workers with disabilities, proclaimed October Disability Awareness Month
As the Metropolitan King County Council declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in King County, the Council celebrated the talents and contributions of county employees with temporary or permanent disabilities serving the public. “Families and communities within King County are enriched by the diversity and perspective of those living with a disability,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “We must continue to strive to address the injustices that linger and remove the barriers that remain, so that all lives are equally valued, no matter ability.” In addition to the Council’s reading of… Read More
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, Oct. 10
Seattle voted in 2014 to honor Native Americans, and their contributions to our history and achievements, on what has traditionally been celebrated as Columbus Day. Now the second Monday in October is officially Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Seattle. It’s an especially poignant turnaround given that in 1865 the City of Seattle passed a resolution banning Native Americans from living in Seattle. Indigenous Peoples’ Day also recognizes that we all are living on Indian land, and that without the displacement of its first inhabitants, none of us would be here. The day also… Read More
The 2016 Bridge Fellowship experience challenges employees to grow up and out
The King County Bridge Fellowship is a 16-week professional development program that expands participants’ mindsets, strengthens current competencies, and helps participants develop new skills. The Fellowship, open to all full-time and TLT employees, was reestablished in 2013-2014 by King County Executive Dow Constantine. Bridge Fellows participated in a rigorous application and interview process before joining this year’s cohort. The program is supported by the Learning and Development Team in the Department of Executive Services and is led by Debra Baker. Together they have created a rich course that encourages participants to explore… Read More
Our new King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan 2016-2022
Many of us have thought about what more we can do to create a racially-just and inclusive King County and country. Many conditions in our county continue to become more inequitable with stark demarcations between the haves and the have-nots. At King County we are very proud to launch our first King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. This Plan builds on much of the good work that we and our partners have been doing to advance equity in our region and pushes us to become more thoughtful, strategic and effective…. Read More
Exec stops by to thank Pride Parade organizers
Employees across King County worked diligently to coordinate King County’s entry into the 2016 Seattle Pride Parade, and King County Executive Dow Constantine took some time to thank some of them for their efforts. On Monday, August 1, Executive Constantine dropped in on some of the planners to thank them for their work in coordinating King County’s presence in the parade, which more than 200 employees, family and friends participated in. He also encouraged the group to develop a “how to” manual which other motivated employees can use to ensure that the… Read More
Poets highlight impacts of oppression and the media portrayal of people of color
by Kirsten Garcia, Department of Natural Resources and Parks This summer I’m interning with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks in the Wastewater Treatment Division. I’m providing cross-sectional support to the Environmental and Community Relations and Finance and Administration sections on policy changes, planning outreach, communications, and budgets. In my first week with DNRP, I assisted with and observed the June 15 poetry symposium on “Reflecting on Race and Racism through Spoken Word, Story, and Conversation,” an Equity and Social Justice project created by the Wastewater and Solid Waste divisions. About 90… Read More
New role for Paula Harris-White
Crossposted from DES Express Many of you know Paula Harris-White from her service as the Department of Executive Services’ Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Manager, heading up King County’s annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration, working with the Civil Rights Commission, or managing the Employee-Based Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Committee. Now, Paula has been named the Workforce Equity Manager for King County, working out of the Human Resources Division (HRD). In her new role, Paula will serve as a subject matter and technical expert in the areas of workforce equity, racial… Read More
Employee News 