35 years of giving and 35 reasons to give

The 2023 Employee Giving Program’s Annual Giving Drive is now underway, which runs from October 2 through November 17, 2023. This year is the 35^th Anniversary of the Annual Giving Drive so we will be sharing 35 reasons to give throughout the drive.

October includes National Substance Use Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Indigenous Peoples' Day so we have shared organizations that are doing work in each of these areas. There are many reasons to give, so much more than 35, and we know there are myriad of causes that King County employees are passionate about. We are looking forward to sharing more stories and nonprofits that are part of the EGP. Read more.

SWD emergency preparedness initiative 

In September, we recognized National Preparedness Month and highlighted some of the efforts to raise awareness of the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. The Safety and Emergency Management Unit (SEMU) of the Solid Waste Division works to engage, equip, and educate their staff for the various disasters and emergencies that are possible in the Puget Sound region. Throughout September, SEMU organized both in-person and virtual activities that prepared leaders to protect the safety of employees and the security of Solid Waste Division programs; and educated employees on how to increase their personal preparedness at home and at work. Read more.

Helping King County's older adults prepare for emergencies

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections 

Every September organizations and local governments across the country observe National Preparedness Month to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year, the nationwide theme “Take Control in 1, 2, 3” focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by hazardous events.  

To learn more about the Department of Community and Human Services' (DCHS) work to prepare older adults for emergencies in King County, Taylor Gaston, the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy Community Liaison, sat down with Esther Lee, who serves as a Policy and Community Engagement Project/Program Manager with the Older Adults and Healthy Aging (OAHA) Unit within the DCHS Adult Services Division. Read more.

Greg Wilson receives award from Washington Alliance for Better Schools

DAJD recognizes National Custodian Day

Crossposted from DAJD

Did you know that there are 109 custodial and floor care staff who service all King County buildings, including the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s (DAJD) three secure detention facilities?

These employees with King County’s Facilities Management Division take out more than 300 bags of trash a day. Across King County Correctional Facility, Maleng Regional Justice Center, and Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center, they clean more than 200 restrooms a day.

Please join us in recognizing their great work as part of National Custodian Day, which was observed Oct. 2. When you have the chance, please let them know how much they’re appreciated! 

Indigenous Peoples' Day is Monday, Oct. 9

King County government observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on Oct. 9 in 2023.

This holiday provides an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today. It will also help us further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Indigenous people in our region. Look for opportunities to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Indigenous people this month and into November.

All offices will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 10. On Oct. 9, most Metro Transit buses will operate on weekday schedules. If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor.

Consider ways you can support and honor Indigenous People and Native American causes

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 9, King County’s ARWAG (Anti-Racist White Action Affinity Group) encourages you to consider ways you can support and honor Indigenous People and Native American causes.

Consider volunteering your time or donating all or part of a day’s pay in support of Native American causes. Take a look at nonprofit organizations participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive for ideas. You can also use up to three days of sick leave to volunteer at an Employee Giving Program nonprofit or at a local school. Also, take a moment to Unlearn Columbus Day Myths.

To hold ourselves accountable, we will encourage members and guests to share what they did at the next ARWAG meeting on October 24. If you have ideas to share, please join us! Contact ARWAG@kingcounty.gov to get involved.  

Stay informed about county emergencies

King County offers an alert and warning system called KCInform that notifies King County staff about county emergencies. You can add your personal email, home phone number, and work email and phone number to stay informed. Providing your personal contact information is voluntary, but will help King County reach you at home, work, or on the go in an emergency. KCInform will only contact you during an emergency or to test the system.

To register, update, or verify your current information, email kcinform@kingcounty.gov. Click here for more information. King County will conduct a test of KCInform on Oct. 19 during the Great Shakeout. 

QTBIPOC mental health and wellbeing

King County recognizes the importance of raising awareness and sharing resources available to meet the unique needs of Queer and Transgender Black Indigenous People of Color (QTBIPOC). QTBIPOC represents a combination of various identities that intersect and influence a person’s mental health experiences. Individuals who identify as QTBIPOC face unique challenges and disparities in mental health care due to the intersections of their identities as well as historic and current systemic injustice. There are also a multitude of diverse experiences and perspectives within the QTBIPOC community. Individual experiences vary within such a broad community that includes a wide range of intersecting identities. Balanced You recognizes that one’s background and identities can present unique experiences and specific barriers. Read more.

Employee safety contacts: Save them in your phone

Employee safety is essential to providing a supportive work environment. This blog includes several contacts and resources, including 911, Facilities Management Division Security, Metro Transit Police, and more, to help every King County employee feel safe and secure. Read more.

Celebrate the harvest with your local producers: Visit King County pumpkin patches this October 

Crossposted from Keeping King County Green

Autumn is making its presence known with chilly mornings and earlier sunsets. October is the perfect time to visit King County’s farms as they wind down for the year, especially festive pumpkin patches! There are pumpkin patches for every budget, type of family, variety of pumpkins, and activities.  

Pumpkins take three to four months to grow, requiring a significant investment of labor and land from farmers who choose to produce this fall favorite. As such, pumpkin patch sales can often financially make or break a farmer’s season. Read more.

Pet of the Week: Lester  

Hi, my name is Lester and I'm available for adoption! I'm a three-year-seven-month-old male cat, domestic long hair, brown Tabby/white (ID #A692332). I was brought in by my previous owner on 8/11/23 because they were no longer able to care for me. I lived with another cat, and my previous owner described me as shy, loving, cuddly and playful! I'm also an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing and like to get attention on my own terms. I can get a bit overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. I can be a bit shy at times, and due to this I would do best in a calm and quiet home.

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