Today at noon: 2021 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Please join community members, special guests, and your King County colleagues in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, in a virtual celebration today, Jan. 14, from noon to 1 p.m.

The theme for the 2021 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Creating the Beloved Community” and the accompanying quote is “A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.” – US Congressman John Lewis. Read more.

(Above: Tsehaye Hadish, Beneath the Colors and Beyond the Strokes)

Drop-in “Debriefing Groups” for stress and coping now available for employees involved in the COVID-19 response

Engaging in emergency response is stressful. While the work is rewarding, the long hours, breadth of demands, and exposure to human suffering can be difficult for even the most seasoned employee. To support King County employees involved in the ongoing COVID-19 response, Balanced You has partnered with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Public Health – Seattle & King County to provide Debriefing Groups to employees.

Drop-in Debriefing Groups, facilitated by King County EAP counselors trained in supporting employees during stressful situations, provide responders the space to connect with colleagues and reflect on experiences, process stress, and share strategies for coping. These groups are completely voluntary for employees. Drop-in Debriefing Groups are held at different times throughout the week to accommodate employees’ schedules. Employees are invited to join any group that meets their need. You do not need to attend all groups to participate. Groups are designed so you can join as often as is helpful to you.

There are currently three weekly drop-in Debriefing Groups available for King County employees. Each group is one hour long. Groups will begin on Tuesday, January 19 and details are as follows:

Drop-in groups for all employees

• Wednesdays, from 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Join Zoom meeting here. | Passcode: 608116
• Thursdays, from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Join Zoom meeting here. | Passcode: 983405

Drop-in groups for BIPOC employees

• Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Join Zoom meeting here. | Passcode: 900278

For more information, visit this Balanced You blogpost.

Day of service

Crossposted from DES Express

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, Jan. 18, considering making it "a day on" in your community, volunteering to help others on the holiday.

Volunteering while maintaining COVID-19 safety procedures is still possible both on the holiday and year-round. You can teach computer science remotely, paint rooms, drop off food at school district offices, and more! Many organizations offer opportunities you can do from home, or while masked up and socially distanced.

Remember, eligible employees can use sick leave for up to three days each year to volunteer for a nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program or a local school. Check out volunteer opportunities and learn how to use volunteer time off.

Free class for employees: Mindfulness When You Only Have a Minute

Life is busy with work, appointments, home life, and more. Fortunately, you can learn to find a sense of peace, calm, and mindfulness in minute-long sessions. Join Mindfulness Northwest on Wednesday, January 20, from 9-11 a.m. to learn and practice quick, short mindfulness exercises that you can do anytime and anyplace. This class is brought to you by Balanced You.

Mindfulness When You Only Have a Minute | Wednesday, January 20, from 9 – 11 a.m. | Register here

Panel discussion on understanding ableism, Jan. 21

The King County Disability Consortium is hosting an online community discussion on ableism, the intersection of racism and disability, and where there is still work to do.

Understanding Ableism: Nothing About Us, Without Us is an informative panel discussion on how people with disabilities/disabled people define ableism and how it shows up in their own lives.

The panel will also discuss the intersection of disability and other marginalized identities, especially race, other people’s role in combating ableism, how disability justice meshes with other civil rights issues and ways we can all support our collective work.

The online event takes place on Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and you can register here. Your attendance is voluntary, and employees will not be compensated or receive overtime for participating. ASL and CART are provided. For other accessibility considerations, please email events@disabilitypride.org. (Image: King County Disability Consortium).

Special Online Event for Veteran and Military Employees, January 21, Noon - 1:30 p.m.

King County is hosting a special online event for veteran and military employees on Jan. 21. Employees and family members are invited to join us for one or all of the virtual presentations below. Register here (open only to King County employees and family members).

The event will include three segments:

• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Award Presentation, featuring King County Executive Dow Constantine
• Veterans Benefits, Resources and Q &A
• Veteran/Military Affinity Group (V-MAG) Mission Statement

Read more and register.

Pet of the Week: Squiggy

Hi, I'm Squiggy, I’m a 4 year old gray and white domestic short hair cat (A627466)! I'm a big, handsome guy who is friendly and sweet.  I am a great conversationalist, and I love to explore my surroundings! I like getting attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. I really enjoy the company of humans, and will make an affectionate companion in my forever home.

My personality color is RED. I am a spirited cat with a fun-loving personality! I may be sensitive to handling, so I would do best in a home with a cat savvy family who knows when to give me some space.

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.  Note that RASKC has moved to adoptions by appointment only.  If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.