July 18, 2022 Newsletter

Opportunities for the Community

Regional Challenge Grant: Networking Session

Join us! The Regional Challenge Grant is a partnership-based grant. Whether you’re already part of an established partnership or are exploring forming a partnership in the future, we encourage you to participate in this networking opportunity to connect with others in Washington who are currently engaged in or exploring postsecondary enrollment and career pathways initiatives. This session is designed to both connect you to others doing the work in your sector and across sectors for maximum opportunity to meet future thought partners or collaborators in advance of the grant application. Register now!

What: Regional Challenge Grant: Networking Session

When: July 26, 2022 @ 10:00-12:00 p.m.

Who: Organizations who are engaged in postsecondary enrollment and completion initiatives and those who hope to expand into these types of initiatives within Washington state.

What are Regional Challenge Grants?

Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) will award competitive Regional Challenge Grants to support local or regional partnerships among K-12, colleges, and community-based organizations.

Grantees will seek to implement or expand innovative interventions to increase college enrollment and completion and eliminate opportunity gaps for marginalized populations. Projects may support high school students and/or adult learners.

Washington Student Achievement Council

917 Lakeridge Way SW, P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98502

(360) 753-7800

www.wsac.wa.gov

NEW OPPORTUNITY: YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM RECRUITING YOUTH AGES 14 – 18 YEARS OF AGE WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NORTHWEST REGION OFFICE JOIN AND START MAKING A DIFFERENCE! No experience? No problem! Washington State Parks NW Region Office is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic youth to help improve Washington State parks! Help shape the future by providing the state parks with your opinion on how the State Parks can engage and be more effective to other youths! John Keates Assistant Region Manager Northwest Region Office 220 N. Walnut Street, Burlington, WA 98233-1138 360-899-8268 John.Keates@parks.wa.gov

WHAT IS THE YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM? With the development of a NW Region Youth Outreach Program, State Parks would like to engage with youth 14 – 18 years of age. The desired outcome for state parks staff is to interact with youth regarding parks operations, programs, construction projects, and more. We'd like to know: what youth like about state parks, what youth think is lacking at state parks and if youth don't attend state park's, why? WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND WHAT DOES THE YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM DO? A potential focus of the Youth Outreach Program is to serve and improve Washington State Parks through positive activities, strengthening relationships, advising policy, appreciating diversity, and forming more supportive relationships between youth, adults, and parks staff. Ideally, State Parks would prefer to have the Youth Outreach Program members develop the program focus as they see fit. WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT AND HOW WILL THE YOUTH OUTREACH MEMBERS MEET? Outreach members will meet during the school year. September to June each year. Meetings will be held during afterschool and evening hours or weekends. Anticipate 6-8 meetings a year, scheduled for 2 hours or less on Microsoft Teams. The hope is to include in-person meetings to supplement the virtual meetings. In-person meetings could be held throughout the NW Region. Assignments are given between meetings for outreach members to complete. The length of terms will be determined as the committee structure is developed by outreach members. Initial appointments will be for one year. WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE? Participation in the NW Region Youth Outreach Program brings with it many potential rewards for youth who are interested, including: Opportunity to establish the focus and direction of the program by creating a Mission Statement and Program structure. Let’s succeed together! A unique experience to become the next generation of parks leaders. Opportunity to link directly with NW Region Parks Staff to provide input for park operations, park projects, programs, and land acquisitions. Many volunteer opportunities during the outreach program and into the future. A way for youth to help guide NW Region Parks into the future. A way for young people to develop leadership skills, begin building a resume and begin preparing for life after high school. A way for young people to help shape State Parks for future generations, including their own generation. DO I NEED PERMISSION? Members under 18 need: Parent or guardian permission to take part in outdoor activities An adult who is available to help out during meeting times if a problem occurs; wifi connections, etc. (does not have to attend the meetings) HOW CAN I APPLY? Go the Washington State Parks Web Page: https://www.parks.wa.gov Once at the web page, scroll down and look for the “What’s New Section.” Under the “What’s New Section” you’ll see the Youth Outreach Program (see below). Or use our QR code to apply!

Deadline to apply is August 15, 2022

Herndon made his chart debut in 1995 with “What Mattered Most,” which became his first No. 1 song and garnered a Song of the Year award (Music Row Magazine). It was also the title track to his debut album, which debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and had the biggest first-week shipment in the history of Epic Records’ Nashville. Between 1995 and 2002, Herndon chartered 17 singles, including his three No.1s and numerous top 10 hits, such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” “A Man Holding On,” and “Hands of a Working Man.” He topped the charts in 1996 with the single “Living in a Moment” and again in 1998 with “It Must Be Love.” Recently People Magazine did an article on Ty Herndon, as he discussed the trials he faced being a product of his time in the country music scene, while battling with addiction, mental health and his own sexuality. But despite it all he explains in the article how coming out saved his life during the onslaught of self doubt and darker thoughts that loomed for him during that time. Ty has faced many demons and tribulations but  it has not stopped him from wanting to share his songs, his stories, and his experiences. Releasing a new album recently within the month  called “Jacob”  highlighting his journey and his acceptance of a fully open homosexual man in the country music industry. Looking to resurge his career as times, despite what people may do or it may appear, are changing and becoming accepting and there’s no more proof then that then at Chehalis Music in the Park  where there is always  a crowd for Ty Herndon, and  not just from the local Lewis County LGBTQ+ Community but the community as a whole coming only to listen to good music that speaks to everyone’s soul.  This event is family friendly and completely free, you need only bring your own blankets & chairs, and find your own parking. Food and beverage is allowed, so long as it's not alcoholic, though there will be vendors at the event serving food and drinks and merchandise. Details on CHEHALISMUSICINTHEPARK.COM or their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chehalismip/

HOLD THE DATE! 26th annual WASHINGTON STATE BizFair – Hybrid Event 8am – 5pm Saturday, September 24th, 2022 In-person attendance at Renton Technical College, Renton, WA Each fall, the small business ecosystem in WA comes together to put on BizFair, the longest running all government and non-profit run free small business fair in Washington state. It is an opportunity for thousands of current & aspiring small business owners to: BE INSPIRED by a keynote speaker that has successfully traversed the small business path and shares their story of perseverance. Last year it was Joe Fugere of Tutta Bella sharing his story of Resilience and Thriving. MEET with mentors, advisors, trainers, educators, fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs. LEARN from savvy business experts who will share their knowledge and real-life experiences. CONNECT with federal, state, and local government agencies for assistance related to business and/or getting contract opportunities. FIND OUT how non-profit organizations can help you with funding, legal support, and more. NETWORK with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Authorities, and statewide Business Associations. BizFair 2022 will be a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual attendees having the same event experience. NO COST TO ATTEND – Registration coming soon, watch for updates at www.bizfair.org

The Digital Equity Forum is conducting a survey to better understand the challenges that Washingtonians are experiencing when using and connecting to the internet. The survey has been prepared in 15 different languages as well as recorded in American Sign Language to reach as many Washingtonians as possible. Please click the link below to take the survey, which closes on September 15th.  

Digital Equity Forum Community Survey

Do you know any Washingtonians that may be facing challenges trying to use and connect to the internet? Please help us spread the word and share this survey! We are committed to hearing from as many voices as possible.

RCF: Regional Contracting Forum SAVE THE DATE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 2022 REGIONAL CONTRACTING FORUM IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE ONLY MUCKLESHOOT EVENT CENTER, 2402 AUBURN WAY S, AUBURN CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES AND CONTRACTORS TO STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES, AND VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. DISADVANTAGED, MINORITY, SMALL, VETERAN, AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. MORE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON. COVID precautions event-wide in effect per requirements of Washington State, County, and/or local jurisdiction requirements. In King County, proof of vaccination and masks are required at all times. Medical/religious exemptions are not allowed. A negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event can be used in lieu of religious/medical exemptions.

Interested in serving on Commissions and Boards?

Monthly Upcoming Appointment Opportunities

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse Washingtonians who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of Washingtonians. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government. We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities. As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities.  Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application.  Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved! Thank you for your assistance in helping Governor Inslee find well-rounded candidates with significant talent and diverse experiences. Please feel free to reach out to Boards and Commissions staff with any questions you might have.  Thank you for your time.

Jobs Opportunities for LGBTQ Washingtonians

Check out the list of job opportunities for the community on our Careers Opportunities page by visiting this link.

We are excited to share job postings sent to the LGBTQ Commission. There are three requirements to be included on our page:

• The job needs to be able to be done in Washington State (virtual works)
• The business must have an inclusivity and/or equal opportunity statement
• The job posting must include a salary range.

 Please send any job opportunity to share with the community to our Program Manager, Tracey Carlos (she/her) to tracey.carlos@lgbtq.wa.gov

Have something you want to share in our newsletter?  Please send any submissions to Tracey Carlos, Program Manager, at tracey.carlos@lgbtq.wa.gov  

Deadline for all submissions is Thursdays by 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Published Monday mornings.