December 26, 2022 Newsletter

Connect with the Commission

Are You Looking for Ways to Make Difference? Apply to Join the WA State LGBTQ Commission!

The WA State LGBTQ Commission is made up of 15 Commissioners from throughout the state that represent the broad diversity of our community. LGBTQ Commissioners serve for a 3-year term and are eligible for reappointment for a second term. As per RCW 43.03.220, Commissioners are eligible for a stipend for their participation in public and committee meetings. Applications are open year-round, and the Office of Boards and Commissions reviews applications for the LGBTQ Commission during the spring, with appointments usually happening during the summer. Every adult LGBTQ Washingtonian can apply to be a Commissioner, and the Commission can benefit from having the voices of lesbian and bisexual women, people who live in rural areas, people with disabilities, immigrants and refugees1, older LGBTQ people, veterans, and LGBTQ business owners. If you are interested in being appointed to serve on the Commission, please visit the Office of Boards and Commission’s website through this link and fill out the application. Note that if you have applied before, the office keeps applications current for only one calendar year, and you must fill out a new application every year to be considered. __ (1) Immigrants and refugees with resident visa, work permit, or DACA status qualify to be appointed to the Commission. Unfortunately, federal regulations prevent the state from appointing immigrant resident with irregular status.

Join us for the WA State LGBTQ Commission Reception

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Join Us WA State LGBTQ Commission Reception Friday, January 20th from 6-9 p.m. Octapas Cafe - Brick Room 610 Water St SW, Olympia, WA RSVP by January 15th https://forms.office.com/g/XCqdGP08eP

Join the WA State LGBTQ Commission on Friday, January 20^th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm an informal reception and celebration of the accomplishments of 2022. The reception will be held at the Brick Room at Octapas Café on 610 Water Street SE, Olympia, WA. Come and meet your Commissioners, learn more about how the Commission advocates for the LGBTQ community, and mingle with community members as the Legislative session begins.

The space is limited, and we are asking that you RSVP by Friday, January 13^th through this link: https://forms.office.com/g/XCqdGP08eP

We will have hearty refreshments and nonalcoholic drinks available for guests.

Opportunities for the Community

Supportive Services and Resources for Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth and Adults in the Sex Trade

Competitive Application

This request for proposal seeks proposals from qualified organizations, Tribes/Tribal organizations to provide person-centered supportive services and resources for Commercially Sexually Exploited (CSE) youth and/or adults in the sex trade.

Applicants may apply to provide services and resources to both priority populations.

Supportive services and resources must be provided by organizations or Tribes/Tribal organizations that have experience engaging and working with CSE youth and/or adults in the sex trade.

Services will be culturally, linguistically and developmentally appropriate and available to all individuals regardless of immigration status, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, religion or disability.

Grant Period

Deadline is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022

February 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023

Funding Available

• OCVA estimates $120,000 will be available for the Supportive Services and Resources CSE Youth and Adults in the Sex Trade Grant (through June 30, 2023).
• Multiple awards will likely be made.
• Each applicant may request up to $20,000.

See application materials for additional information.

Contact Information

Contact the Application Coordinator via email with any questions. Stephanie Pratt: Stephanie.pratt@commerce.wa.gov

Crime Victims Advocacy Grants and Funding

Applications are open for the 2023 Page Program!

About the Senate Page Program

The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. Each year, hundreds of students from across Washington State have the opportunity to take part in the legislative process and observe the Legislature and other branches of state government in action.

Pages are sponsored by legislators and serve for one week during the legislative session, which runs January-April in odd numbered years and January-March in even numbered years. Pages spend their week learning about the legislative process while distributing materials throughout the Capitol Campus, assisting offices, delivering messages, working on the Senate Floor, and presenting the colors at the opening of the day's legislative session. Pages also spend time each day in Page School learning about all aspects of state government.

It is an honor to be selected as a Senate page. If you are selected, you can look forward to a fun and educational experience that immerses you in the legislative process!

To learn more and APPLY visit this link

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About the House Page Program

​Who: Youth who are at least 14 years of age and have not reached their 17th birthday. *

*The legislature is making a one-time exception for the 2023 Page Program. Students who are 17-18 years old and were unable to previously particip​ate due to the COVID-19 pandemic are welcomed to apply and identify the dates they are available. While we are still identifying the specific dates, we will release an update once a decision has been made.

What: Pages participate for one 40-hour work week, assisting the House of Representatives with duties including serving on the chamber floor, making deliveries throughout campus, supporting member offices, and attending Page School. Page School supplements the hands-on learning experience with a classroom component geared toward understanding the legislative process.

When: Applications open November 1st. This year the legislative session starts the week of January 8th and ends the week of April 16th, offering 15 different opportunities. When applying, potential pages can select which weeks they are available to work.

Where: On the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

​Why: Pages earn a stiped of $35 a day and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service. 

To learn more and APPLY visit this link

WA Department of Health – Youth Advisory Council – Apply Today!

Get involved and get a $50 gift card! We’re recruiting people ages 13-22 to serve on our Youth Advisory Council. We’re looking for young people from all walks of life with a variety of lived experiences (BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+, disability experiences, rural communities and more).

Youth Advisory Council members will share their thoughts, opinions, and recommendations about important health topics to help guide public health projects for Washington’s young people. You’ll earn a $50 gift card for each activity you participate in! Learn more and apply by January 31. Find the link in our bio.   https://waportal.org/partners/home/adolescent-health/youth-advisors

BIPOC Business Questionnaire

Dear Thurston County Stakeholder, The BIPOC Business Task Force was started this spring as part of an effort by Thurston Strong and the Thurston Economic Development Council to help identify structural and socio-cultural deficiencies and barriers that may hinder equitable access to market opportunities. And, to identify proactive solutions that work to stimulate economic equity and advancement. Since our inception, we have been integral in the work of awarding one million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants to BIPOC startup businesses in Thurston County. We are now looking to better understand the challenges BIPOC business owners face in starting and growing their business, why they decided to become entrepreneurs, how they achieved success, and opportunities to support BIPOC-owned businesses throughout Thurston County. It is our goal to use the information gathered along with an understanding of local and regional resources already available or in progress, to make recommendations on solutions for what is needed and how best to get resources out to BIPOC entrepreneurs and communities. As part of this work, we have been meeting with and engaging community racial and ethnic groups and entrepreneurs. One of the tools we have used is a questionnaire, created to capture challenges, successes, and resources used. As community stakeholders and partners, you are in a distinct position to connect with specific BIPOC entrepreneurs in the community. As such, we are requesting that you take a moment to send the following link of our questionnaire to those whom it is intended for. BIPOC Entrepreneur Questionnaire: https://wcwb.typeform.com/to/uqggoDtv We thank you for your participation and collaboration. Respectfully, Thurston Strong BIPOC Business Task Force

LGBTQ+ Scholarship Programs Accepting Applications

Pride Foundation Scholarships

Pride Foundation’s scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ students who are leaders—in their own lives, in their families, in their home communities, in their fields of study, in their workplaces, or in our movements for justice. 

We prioritize moving resources to LGBTQ+ students who need it most, so we especially focus our funding on those LGBTQ+ student leaders who have some or all of the following experiences and qualities:

• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing justice and the well-being of their communities, past, present, and future
• Have experienced family rejection and/or haven’t been able to access a larger community support system
• Face systemic barriers to educational access, and have been impacted by systemic discrimination and oppression. Specifically:
  • Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color
  • Trans, non-binary, gender diverse, gender non-conforming, and Two Spirit people
  • Immigrants
  • Disabled people/People with Disabilities, including people living with chronic illness, HIV, neurodivergence, and mental health challenges
  • People over 25, as non-traditionally aged students
  • People living rurally
  • People who have experienced or are experiencing housing instability or houselessness
  • People who have experienced or are experiencing poverty
  • Demonstrate financial need and don’t have access to familial or other financial supports
• The priorities above drive the funding for all of our scholarships. While most Pride Foundation Scholarships are open to all students, we also host a number of scholarship funds that have specific criteria, based on students’ majors, backgrounds, where they live, and more. For those scholarships, we will prioritize students who both meet the specific fund criteria and also the broader programmatic priorities above.

For more information visit this link.

GSBA Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

Awarding scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students who exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities, and are actively involved in their schools and community.

Become a Scholar

GSBA awards educational scholarships to LGBTQ+ and cisgender/straight-ally students who are committed to making a difference in the world. Our scholarships range up to $13,000 annually and are meant to provide significant support as you pursue your educational goals.

For more information, visit this link.

Working Families Tax Credit - A New Tax Credit for Washington Workers

Starting in 2023, the Working Families Tax Credit is a new tax refund that helps Washington workers and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit program. The purpose of the Working Families Tax Credit is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity, and support the financial stability and well-being of low-to-moderate income Washington residents and their families. This credit program is managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR), the state’s tax administration agency. Find out more information about this program by visiting the Working Families Tax Credit page through this link.

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 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

Published Monday mornings.