A Message from Our Leadership
 Healing Hate: A Community Event Mourning the Theft of Seattle’s Sadako Peace Statue
by Soumya Gupta, South Seattle Emerald
For decades, the statue of Sadako Sasaki, also known as “Sadako and the Thousand Cranes,” in Seattle’s Peace Park has been a moving tribute that captures the spirit of hope and resilience. It commemorates a young girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima only to succumb to leukemia 10 years later.
Related articles:
Report Hate
Stop AAPI Hate operates the nation’s largest reporting center tracking acts of hate against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. With the support of respondents across the U.S. they have documented thousands of cases of anti-Asian and anti-Pacific Islander hate — ranging from verbal harassment to physical assault to discriminatory treatment at schools and businesses — creating a vivid picture of racism and its effect on our communities.
If you have experienced a racist act, or witnessed a racist act, please take five minutes to fill out our safe and confidential reporting form, available in 15 languages.
|
Don't forget to vote for your next HAPPEN Executive Leadership Team members by August 21!
It is time to elect the following positions:
- Co-chair (1 position)
- Administrative Liaison
- Community Outreach
- Membership
- Mentorship
- Treasurer
Brief bios and photos of nominees and position descriptions can be found on the HAPPEN website.
HAPPEN members (as defined in Article IV, Section I in our bylaws) may vote by completing this survey using the link below or scanning the QR code at the top of this message. Individuals may vote one time.
Cast your vote before election closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, August 21.
Hot off the press!
Check out the recently published HAPPEN BRG 2024 Annual Report! Featuring photos taken by our members, Rachel Friederich (OFM) and Charice Pidcock (DSHS), highlights from the past year, and goals for the future.
|
The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) 49th Annual Washington Leadership Awards nominations are NOW OPEN!
The WSLB Honors program holds a longstanding tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals, dating back to 1975. By state statute, the WSLB possesses a unique authority to officially bestow honors on behalf of the State of Washington.
This year, the WSLB will bestow the Washingtonian of the Year, Organization of the Year, Legacy of Service, and Justice for All awards, as well as our newest distinction, the Emerging Leader award, which is specifically dedicated to young leaders throughout the state. Learn more about the Washington Leadership Awards and past awardees by visiting https://washingtonleaders.org/awards.
Each year, the WSLB collects nominations, carefully selects award recipients, and hosts the Washington Leadership Awards ceremony, where exceptional Washingtonians and Washington-based organizations that embody selflessness and service are celebrated.
You are cordially invited to submit your nominations by following this link: https://washingtonleaders.org/leadership-awards-nomination-form
Nominations will be accepted from August 1, 2024, through September 1, 2024.
Contact the WSLB team at info@wslb.wa.gov with any questions.
August General Meeting
Join us for an engaging presentation from Joby Shimomura and Kelly Wicker at the upcoming meeting on August 14, 2023.
HAPPEN general membership meetings are scheduled the second Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 810 6147 0109 Passcode: 571168
One tap mobile +12532158782,,81061470109#,,,,*571168# US (Tacoma) +16699009128,,81061470109#,,,,*571168# US (San Jose)
What's HAPPENing in the BRG Family
2024 RAIN Agency Awards
Get ready for the 2024 RAIN Agency Awards! We're thrilled to have another opportunity to celebrate the progress state agencies are making towards a more equitable Washington State. The RAIN Awards aim to acknowledge state agencies or specific programs within agencies that have established or enhanced a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for LGBTQ2S+ employees.
Nominations are now open! Everyone is invited to our RAIN Agency Awards ceremony on October 17th at the Helen Sommers building in Olympia. Join RAIN for good vibes and cake! This will be a hybrid event with both in person and virtual options for attendance (more info coming soon).
We encourage you to share your experiences from your workplace, partner agencies, or any areas where you've noticed advancements within State Service. It doesn't have to be perfect; we celebrate every step towards progress.
Nominate Now!
|
2024 P.E.A.R. STAR Award Nomination Open!
The Washington State Office of Equity is excited to announce that the PEAR S.T.A.R. Award 2024 nominations are open!
These awards will be given out to community organizations and state agencies that exemplify Pro Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) qualities. The acronym S.T.A.R. stands for Show, Transform, Act, and Reflect, which are the four qualities we hope to see in the perfect nominee. A S.T.A.R. is someone who:
- Shows up as a PEAR Advocate, regularly, personally, and professionally,
- Transforms their environment, themselves, and the communities they are in,
- Acts to embed PEAR and solutions in all they do, and...
- Reflects PEAR values and on how their work impacts their community.
A total of 30 awards will be given out, two for each of the 15 Determinants of Equity, with one of each determinants awards going to a Washington Community champion and another going to a State Agency champion.
The 15 Determinants of Equity are:
- Quality Education
- Food Systems
- Housing & Home Ownership
- Equity in Jobs & Job Training
- Health & Human Services
- Community & Public Safety
- Healthy Built & Natural Environments
- Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources
- Early Childhood Development
- Digital Equity
- Equity in Justice Systems & Laws
- Transportation & Mobility
- Equity in State & Local Practices
- Economic Justice
- Strong, Vibrant Neighborhoods
To learn more about the 15 Determinants of Equity, visit the Equity Hub.
You can submit one nomination per agency or organization in each of the 15 Determinants of Equity. Our nominations committee will be selecting each of the 30 winners. The winners should be prepared to attend our annual We the People Convening awards ceremony in mid-October 2024. Winners will be notified well in advance to plan for their attendance.
The deadline for this year's submission is August 1, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact connect@equity.wa.gov.
|
What's HAPPENing in the News
Introducing the Washington State
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
Community Data Report 2019-2024
In efforts to build collective analysis and better partnership between our Pasifika communities, state and federal policymakers, institutions, and other stakeholders, we — with our partners at UTOPIA WA, NH/PI community members, and allies across the state — have researched, discussed, and written this disaggregated Washington NH/PI community data report to share first and foremost about our culture and our love of our people, but also about the specific ways in which systems were not built for us and the outcomes which have resulted because of this.
Through this report, PICA hopes to uplift the critical need for more disaggregated and culturally aligned data collection and reporting, provide policy recommendations that are informed by community wisdom and successes, and continue to advocate for better Pasifika health outcomes in solidarity with BIPOC, queer, and disabled intersecting communities in holding systems and institutions accountable to the communities they serve.
|
In contrast to the theft of Sadako and the Thousand Cranes, 14 sculptures looted during a period of war are being returned to Cambodia.
Cultural Events & Activities
The following are some activities you may want to check out HAPPENing:
Mural Rededication - the Great Wave Off Kanagawa
SAVE THE DATE!
When: September 8 starting at 1:00 pm
Where: Childhood's End Gallery, 222 West 4th Avenue (NE corner of 4th & Water Street)
Please join Olympia JACL to rededicate one of Olympia's longest standing murals, a recreation of "The Great Wave of Kanagawa". In the spirit of the 2019 dedication of the Olympia Dragon Mural's recognition of the early Chinese American community, this rededication will recognize the Japanese American community of the greater Olympia area. Please see the image pasted below & the attached press release for more information. Following is an excerpt from the commemorative plaque:
The Great Wave Off Kanagawa
- Original by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai in 1831 as part of a series of 36 views of Mt Fuji
- Recreated by Joe Tougas & friends in 1977
- Restored in 2024 by Austin Michael Davis
- Dedicated to the contributions and perseverance of people of Japanese heritage in the greater Olympia area.
- Sponsors: Joe Tougas, Japanese American Citizens League of Olympia, Rainbow Community Arts, Anna Schlecht
- Dedicated on September 8, 2024
For more information about the history of the Japanese in the Pacific Northwest: www.densho.org
|
Have Something to Share?
We try our best to curate meaningful and relevant content, opportunities, news, etc., we think will be of interest for our members and allies. Representing over 100 countries and more than 50 communities makes it difficult to stay apprised of everything HAPPENing related to our collective community. We greatly appreciate when opportunities are shared from our members.
This is your bulletin. Feel free to send articles, resources, event information, etc., to be included in future bulletins, and eventually, our website and social media.
Process:
- Submit items by emailing them to HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov by Thursday morning for the following week's bulletin.
- Time sensitive items submitted will be reviewed and included in the next bulletin.
- Non-time sensitive submissions will be added to the list to be included in future bulletins when we may be looking for content to share.
- Bulletins will usually be distributed on Mondays. Special bulletins will be sent only as needed to provide an update on something already shared or of an urgent nature.
Thank you in advance for sharing, uplifting, and elevating our voices, culture, and opportunities! This is what community looks like.
|
