General Meeting
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: 932 6442 8273Passcode: 339054
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Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements, leadership, and resilience of women who have shaped our communities and our history. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women.
AANHPI women have long played vital roles as leaders, advocates, caregivers, and innovators—strengthening communities while preserving rich cultural traditions. Their voices and experiences continue to enrich our shared history and inspire future generations.
This month, we celebrate the impact of women from all backgrounds and honor the lasting contributions of AANHPI women.
Here are some Women's History Month Virtual Backgrounds for you to use during the month:
Womens History Month Virtual Background.png
Womens History Month Virtual Background.png
What's HAPPENing in the BRG Family
It is time to elect new executive leadership team members. The following positions will be open for nomination and election this term:
Co-Chair (Position 3)
Administrative Liaison
Community Outreach
Membership
Mentorship
Treasurer
Special Election Positions
Communications Coordinator
Leadership Development Lead
Nominations will open March 1 and close April 30. To nominate someone or yourself you can scan the QR code or use the link: Nominations Form. Position descriptions can be found on the HAPPEN website. HAPPEN members are defined in Article IV, Section I in the bylaws.
Stay tuned for more information about nominations.
What's HAPPENing in the News
Bills That Passed the Third Cut-Off
Immigration Protections
Second Substitute House Bill 2105 provides clarity for employer and employee’s rights about federal I-9 audits. The bill would require employers to notify their employees within 72 hours of receiving demands from federal agency to inspect I-9 forms. The bill had its second reading by the Rules Committee on March 3, 2026.
Substitute House Bill 2411 expands the shared leave program to include situations in which employees or relatives of employees are victims of hate crimes or if absence is due to immigration enforcement actions affecting them or family members. The bill had its second reading by the Rules Committee on March 3, 2026.
Interactions with Law Enforcement
Substitute Senate Bill 5855 passed both chambers. Governor Ferguson is urging this bill quickly pass to his desk so he can sign into law. This bill bans law enforcement officers from the use of face coverings that conceal their identity while interacting with the public on duty.
Food and Language Supports
Substitute House Bill 2475 directs the Office of Equity to develop guidelines affirming protection against unlawful discrimination, facilitate consistent practice by state agencies, and eliminate unclear agency interpretations of standards around language access. The bill had its second reading by the Rules Committee on March 3, 2026.
Education
Engrossed third substitute House Bill 1634 is currently in the Senate. The bill would provide school districts and public schools with assistance to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health supports for students. The bill had its second reading by the Rules Committee on February 27, 2026.
State Government Holidays
Senate Bill 6044 is a bill that recognizes Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as legal holidays by amending RCW 1.16.050 to include, “The new moon day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, which shifts by approximately 11 days each year, commonly called Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.” This bill is still in the House.
Cultural Events & Activities
The following are some activities you may want to check out HAPPENing:
Join us as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and honor the many cultures that enrich not only our membership, but our entire community.
This special event will feature:
Come celebrate with us, learn, and meet fellow members in person. We look forward to bringing everyone together for an afternoon of culture, connection, and celebration.
Reserve your seat today — we can’t wait to see you there!
Scan the QR Code or Register Here.
Every day, remarkable individuals work—often quietly—to build a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and uplifted. They create bridges across communities, champion inclusion in their workplaces, and dedicate their time and care to uplifting others in both public and private sectors.
We especially celebrate those who empower and uplift the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) community. Through service, mentorship, advocacy, cultural pride, and everyday acts of kindness, they help our communities thrive.
Do you know someone whose light inspires others and strengthens the spirit of unity and hope? Nominate them and help us recognize those who are making a meaningful difference in our shared community. To nominate someone, use this form: Nominations. Nominations close on April 15, 2026.
Contact HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov for more information.
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Interested in hosting a table at our event?
Register online to reserve your spot—space is limited. Registration will close April 15, 2026
More details will be shared as the event approaches. If you have questions in the meantime, please email us at HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov.
Register here
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 Register: FISH WAR screening March 11
Help SOVEREIGN celebrate the memory of Billy Frank Jr. and those who stood with him in protecting treaty reserved fishing rights by joining us to watch a screening of the 2024 documentary FISH WAR. (Closed captions provided.) Please read below for additional details and how to view this amazing piece of history. Watch FISH WAR trailer.
 ICSEW’s next virtual career development Lunch and Learn program has been scheduled! In honor of Women’s History Month, we are excited to announce that we will be doing a deep dive into “Pay Equity.”
Date: Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Where: Zoom/Virtual Meeting
What to expect:
- The Deep Dive (12:00-1:00): A panel discussion on the current landscape of pay transparency and how we can drive real change.
- The Floor is Yours (1:00-1:30): An interactive Q&A session. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your insights.
Registration is required for this meeting. Please use this link: Register here!
For any questions contact ICSEW at icsew@ofm.wa.gov
OUR VOICES: Exploring the Past, Present & Future of Washington’s Southeast Asian Community with Susan Lieu and Community Partners
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Washington State History Museum
FREE
Join us for a celebration of Southeast Asian cultures! Experience a full day of engaging programs inspired by the special exhibition, Our Voices: Stories from Washington’s Southeast Asian Refugees.
Enjoy storytelling, traditional games, live music, dance performances, spoken word, food, community organizations, and a thought-provoking panel discussion on the future of Southeast Asian communities in Washington and beyond.
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 The Solidarity Gathering Series Returns
You are not alone. United in Humanity.
After a brief pause in 2025, the Solidarity Gathering Series returns on Thursday, March 26, 2026. We are excited to continue this work. We partnered with Washington State Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and state employees across the enterprise.
The Solidarity Gathering creates a space for state employees to feel seen, heard, and supported. We achieve this through storytelling, reflection, and shared experience. We work to strengthen connection, resilience, and care across agencies.
Right now, many state employees carry emotional weight due to events happening in our communities, across the country, and the world. These experiences do not disappear when we step into our professional roles. The Solidarity Gathering provides space for both our humanity and professionalism to coexist. We ground this space in respect, psychological safety, and shared understanding.
Our Commitment
- This space centers employee well-being and belonging.
- It is not a policy advocacy forum.
- It is not a political response space.
- It is a relational space rooted in fostering connection and a healthier workplace culture.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: 11:30am-1pm Location: Virtual on Zoom. Registration: Register here for Solidarity Gathering.
As we gather in March, we will acknowledge Women’s History Month and create space for reflection and connection across our workforce. This includes exploring invisible labor and the contributions that often go unseen. We do this while holding space for broader reflection and connection across our workforce.
We invite you to join us as we continue cultivating a Washington for All.
One story, One conversation, One moment of solidarity at a time.
For any questions or assistance please reach out to the Office of Equity at info@equity.wa.gov
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.
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