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 Community and Partners!
We have been so fortunate these last few years to have worked with such a dedicated and passionate team. We are excited for our staff, Nancy Rocha Aguilar and Myra Hernandez, as they embark on a new journey in state service! Congratulations and we will miss you!
Nancy is joining the Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises as their Director of Community Relations and Outreach!
Myra is joining the Washington State Senate as their Director of Civic Education!
With the departure of staff we welcome our newest team member, Cynthia Tamayo! She is a second-generation Mexican American born and raised in Skagit County, Washington.
Cynthia is a proud first-generation college student. She graduated from Saint Martin’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology.
"I’m committed to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for individuals from all walks of life. I’m excited to join CHA and get to know all of you"- Cynthia
We are so excited to have you join the CHA team!
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By Nancy Aguilar
My time here at CHA has changed my life. I wish I can pin point the moment when I became who I am today, but more than a moment, it was a string of lived experiences. As a team, we faced a pandemic, transitioned into a virtual work environment, census, voter registration, economic turbulence, heartbreaking tragedies, and injustices against our BIPOC communities. We mobilized, we collaborated, we got creative and most importantly we showed up.
So much life happened so fast and I am so thankful I was part of a team that was able to create space to grieve and process everything that was going on. We also shared many laughs and learned to encourage each other to notice the beauty in every day.
I had the opportunity to build relationships with folks across the state- THANK YOU. I have learned from you all so much. The magic happens at the local level- and that is the truth. To all the community leaders, and the community services providers, thank you for the amazing work you do.
I will always be a friend to the Commission! Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Hispanic/Latinx community.
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By Myra Hernandez
Three years at CHA have been the most transformative, personally and professionally. I used to think I was lucky to make it this far in life, never really accepting the hard work I pour into everything I do. However, my CHA team, Maria and Nancy, have been the most life-changing individuals I have ever had in my life thus far.
I'm thankful for those who pushed me to new opportunities and contributed to my growth. I am proud of how far I have come and all the development I will continue to experience in my new role. The relationships I built at CHA will always be very close to my heart, and this team will continue to support each other even from afar.
I'm incredibly grateful that I could serve the Latinx population of Washington in my capacity at CHA. I will never forget the work and dedication I poured in on behalf of our communities to make them stronger. From community members to agency leaders, you are each so valuable in this system. Thank you for letting me be part of all this transformative work. You have all been the greatest; we will continue to stay in touch!
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission – Happy Pride Month!
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission was created in 2019 through SB5356, to help improve the state’s interaction with the community. The Commission engages the LGBTQ community throughout Washington, listening to their concerns, celebrating their successes, and collaborating in coming up with solutions to any challenge faced by LGBTQ Washingtonians. The Commission also serves as a hub of information and resources for the community. Since its creation, the LGBTQ Commission has worked with other state agencies, the Legislature, community organizations, and the general public to expand protections for LGBTQ Washingtonians as well as in supporting legislation that have a positive impact for the community.
When the LGBTQ Commission was created, the Legislature also proclaimed June as “LGBTQ Pride Month” in the state of the Washington. As codified by RCW 43.114.070 state agencies, educational institutions, local jurisdictions, and the public in general are invited “to designate time for appropriate activities in commemoration of the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQ people.” One opportunity to do this is by joining Governor Inslee, the LGBTQ, and RAIN on Tuesday, June 21st at 12:15 p.m. on the Capitol Campus for the Rainbow Flag Raising ceremony, where the Governor will be raising the progress rainbow flag that celebrates the full diversity of our community.
To learn more about us you can go to our website at https://lgbtq.wa.gov/ and subscribe to our newsletter here.
Comisión para Asuntos LGBTQ del Estado de Washington - ¡Feliz Mes del Orgullo!
La Comisión para Asuntos LGBTQ del Estado de Washington fue creada en el 2019 a través del proyecto de ley SB5356, para ayudar a mejorar la interacción del estado con la comunidad. La Comisión se acerca a la comunidad LGBTQ alrededor del estado para escuchar sus preocupaciones, celebrar sus éxitos y colaborar en encontrar soluciones a los retos que las personas LGBTQ enfrentan en Washington. La Comisión también sirve como un centro de información y recursos para la comunidad. Desde su establecimiento, la Comisión LGBTQ ha trabajado en colaboración con agencias gubernamentales, la Legislatura, organizaciones comunitarias y el público en general para expandir protecciones para la comunidad LGBTQ en el estado además de apoyar legislación que tenga un impacto positivo para la comunidad.
Cuando la Comisión fue establecida, la Legislatura también proclamó el mes de junio como “Mes del Orgullo LGBTQ” en el estado de Washington. Según quedó codificado en RCW 43.114.070, agencias estatales, instituciones educativas, jurisdicciones locales y el público en general son invitados a “designar tiempo para actividades apropiadas para conmemorar las vidas, historias, logros y contribuciones de las personas LGBTQ”. Una oportunidad para hacer precisamente esto, es unirse al Gobernador Inslee, la Comisión y el grupo RAIN el martes 21 de junio a las 12:15 p.m. en los predios del Capitolio para la ceremonia de izamiento de la bandera del orgullo arcoíris que representa la diversidad de nuestra comunidad.
Para saber más pueden visitar nuestra página de internet en https://lgbtq.wa.gov/ y suscribirse a nuestra revista semanal aquí.
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Department of Social & Health Services
Hola Service Providers:
Manos de Washington invites you, as a service provider, to join us virtually on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Please click here to view flyer. This event strives to have service providers meet with Manos de Washington circle members to discuss areas of shared knowledge, identify gaps, and build relationships to support your clients and our members who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color NDN Latinx DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened.
This is an informal interactive process. The agenda includes starting with introductions and discussing the purpose of this space. We’ll then begin a conversation with questions and answers, engaging with each other to strengthen all of our missions, accessibility, and inclusivity for populations that include. Individuals who are DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Deaf, hard of hearing, or late-deafened.
Please send your RSVP to manosdewa@gmail.com. The event will be conducted in American Sign Language; if you require accommodations, please mention this in your RSVP before June 2, 2022. We hope to see you there!
Collectively yours,
Manos de Washington Circle Members
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United States Census Bureau
Housing Vacancy Rates Near Historic Lows
Housing vacancy rates — both for homeowner and rental housing — are at or near historic lows, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s recently released Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS).
Vacancy rates for rental housing are lower than at any point during the 35-year period from 1985 until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The vacancy rate for homeowner housing is lower than at any point from 1980 until early 2020.
The Census Bureau has collected the Housing Vacancy Survey since 1956 (as a supplement to the Current Population Survey) to provide quarterly estimates of the rental vacancy rate and the homeowner vacancy rate.
Both rental and homeowner vacancy rates decreased between 2009 and 2019 as the nation recovered from the foreclosure crisis. Housing supply then tightened further during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue reading.
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OMWBE is Hiring
Business Diversity Management System Project Manager
As the Business Diversity Management System Project Manager, you will provide IT project management services for the statewide implementation of an out of the box IT software solution that will track and monitor spend with certified firms, automate contract compliance, track goal obtainment, and measure outreach efforts.
This position is eligible to work 100% telework and can be located anywhere in the state of Washington. This project will end upon implementation of the system in June 2023.
About OMWBE: A model for exemplary service, the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) promotes equity and increases participation in public spending for small businesses owned by minorities, women, and disadvantaged persons. Successful small businesses led by minorities and women help make our economy and our families more resilient, strengthening our communities and improving the quality of life for all Washingtonians.
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 Resources for Graduating Students
Class of 2022, Set Aside Time This Summer to Consider Options and Prepare
It’s common for graduating seniors to lose momentum during summer break. The last two years have been particularly challenging, but don’t let that derail your hopes and dreams for the future. Take time this summer to reflect on what you want life to look like down the road.
Once graduation is behind you (Congratulations!), set yourself up for success in life after high school:
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Have a plan for college or career training. It’s not too late!
- Check out the Graduate Handbook, which provides next steps for recent high school graduates. The handbook includes a to-do list, info about college course types, financial aid tips, and more.
- Don’t forget to prepare a budget, and make sure you know how to access health care.
- Need help? Have questions? Identify supportive people and places in your community or on your future college campus.
Parents and families can help! Ask the adults in your life to review the Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School, which helps family members support graduates as they prepare for and complete their first year in college. The family guide is available in eight languages.
Life is changing, but you are ready—you can do this! Stay on track and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website
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Generous $1.5 million Capital One Foundation grant will fund research to support postsecondary opportunities for low-income students in the state
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is excited to share a new research project to improve postsecondary opportunities for low-income Washington students, supported by a $1.5 million grant from the Capital One Foundation. The project will help WSAC gain an increased understanding of student usage and engagement with WSAC’s interactive chatbot, Otterbot, and its effects on key outcomes such as FAFSA completion and college matriculation. Otterbot is currently geared towards students in the state’s College Bound Scholarship program, designed for students who are low-income as determined by their eligibility for Free and Reduced Priced Meals. The research will shed light on student needs, reactions to communications, and barriers to postsecondary enrollment and test new approaches for improving Otterbot engagement.
Read the full statement here.
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Help Shape the Regional Challenge Grant
Join us! Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) will share progress updates on the Regional Challenge Grant. Participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback to inform the grant design process. Plan for a robust discussion, and come with questions for our community to consider. Register now!
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Call for public participation
What: Help Shape the Regional Challenge Grant
When: June 16, 2022 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Who: Educators, community members, or organizations who want to provide perspectives and help inform grant design.
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What are Regional Challenge Grants?
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) will award competitive Regional Challenge Grants to support local or regional partnerships among K-12, colleges, and community-based organizations.
Grantees will seek to implement or expand innovative interventions to increase college enrollment and completion and eliminate opportunity gaps for marginalized populations. Projects may support high school students and/or adult learners.
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JUNIOR RANGER & YOUTH PROGRAMS
Join youth and families all over Washington in discovering how you can play, learn, and protect our state parks through fun and exciting activities!
The opportunities are endless. Participate in fun interactive educational programs, design nature crafts, explore park trails, complete a Washington State Parks Junior Ranger booklet, and much more.
More information can be found on our Be A Junior Ranger and Youth Programs pages. Programs are offered free of charge for visitors who have purchased a Discover Pass unless otherwise stated.
Learn how you can join Bagley and his friends here!
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State takes steps toward banning persistent PFAS chemicals in food packaging
OLYMPIA—Washington state took an important step toward eliminating the use of persistent chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in common types of food packaging. A new report to the Washington State Legislature from the Department of Ecology identifies additional alternatives to food packaging that contains toxic chemicals, and starts a two-year clock for manufacturers and retailers to remove PFAS from their food packaging.
The report adds flat serviceware, open-top containers, closed containers, bags and sleeves, and bowls to the list of products for which safer alternatives are available. Paper wraps and liners, food boats, pizza boxes, and plates were included in Ecology’s first report, published February 2021, which found that there are replacements for these products that don’t contain PFAS.
Ecology’s first and second reports looked at food packaging meant to contain food for only a short while. The agency’s upcoming third report will focus on food packaging used for periods of longer-term storage. Work on that project is ongoing throughout 2022. Stakeholders and the public can hear an overview of the second report results and learn how to get involved in the third report at a webinar Monday, June 6, 2022 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST.
Read more online.
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Drought designation extended for parts of eastern Washington
OLYMPIA – A cool and wet spring brought relief to much of Washington following the drought of 2021, but in a few parts of eastern Washington, the drought’s effects have lingered. Those continuing concerns led the Washington Department of Ecology to issue an amended drought declaration for watersheds in eight eastern Washington counties that will go into effect June 1.
Under the amended declaration, five watersheds spanning parts of Spokane, Lincoln, Grant, Adams, Whitman, Stevens, Okanogan and Pend Oreille counties will remain in “drought emergency” status.
All other counties east of the Cascade Mountains will be downgraded to “drought advisory” status. Counties west of the Cascade Mountains no longer fall under drought conditions.
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