Happy Fall everyone! First of all, remember to vote! Ballots are due on November 7th.. Remember that you can visit your county auditor’s website to learn about your local candidates and see where ballot drop boxes are located. You can also drop you ballot in the mail. No stamps are required!
As you know from our previous updates, we were busy bees around here staffing up our team. Now that we have our 5 new teammates up and running, you’ll notice that we’re kicking off the next body of work. You’ll see our Community Development Officers at myriad events asking you to partake in our survey. We want to know how our community members self-identify by asking an open-ended question. And we are working to create regional community asset maps. We’re looking forward to seeing the results trickle in!
We’re also starting to look ahead: the big component of our strategic plan is a fair redistricting process. When we were working on our strategic plan, our Commissioners underscored the importance of intentional collaboration, input, and outreach into our community to ensure that our community is represented in future redistricting processes. It’s crucial that the outcomes of the redistricting processes is reflective and inclusive of the diversity that our Washingtonians have to offer. And that’s the key: we want to have the outcome reflect the input of our community.
But how is this all related, you ask? Well, in order for us to prepare for the next census and redistricting process, we need to understand our community, our assets, gaps, and needs. This will inform how we intentionally (and effectively!) work with our together to ensure the fullest count possible AND all the while doing outreach about the subsequent redistricting process. Education and outreach during the census will be crucial to help us move forward together.
María Sigüenza
Please help us welcome Giovanna Solomon.
Born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico, Giovanna Solomon embarked on her journey to the United States in 2009. Determined to learn and grow, she moved from Columbia George to Olympia, Washington, to achieve her Associate in Applied Science degree in Office Administration-Medical from South Puget Sound Community College.
Giovanna is an integral member of our team as an Administrative Assistant and is also on a mission to become a family counselor dedicated to empowering and facilitating the success of the Latinx and Hispanic communities.
With a deep-seated passion for positive change and social justice, she believes in the power of everyday interactions and personal growth to drive societal progression. Outside of her professional pursuits, Giovanna enjoys writing pen pal letters, nurturing her chickens, and cooking delicious and healthy Mexican meals.
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Small Business Resource Requirement (SBRR) Workshops
SBRR workshops are provided by members of the Washington state Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT). The workshops were started in 2019 by three Washington state agencies, the departments of Employment Security, Revenue, and Labor & Industries.
Our workshops provide helpful information around the regulatory relationship with the government and requirements that businesses can use to save unwarranted penalties, and teach best practices, bottom line cost-saving programs, business solutions, consulting services, and more.
We want business owners/representatives to be equipped with information to help them make the best decisions for the long-term health, vitality, and sustainability of their businesses and employees.
Are you considering starting a business, or did you recently start one and still have lots of questions?
This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements. You'll connect with business liaisons from the Governor's Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, the Secretary of State's Office, and the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor and Industries, who will also provide you information about many free or low-cost assistance programs.
Watch it now - Pre-Recorded video
Webinar Resources
The free, secure online tool helps families track children’s development from birth through age 5
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announce the launch of the state’s new universal developmental screening system, Strong Start. It’s a free online tool where parents, caregivers, and providers can securely store, share, and track children’s developmental screening information from birth through age 5.
By creating a centralized and secure location for sharing developmental information, Strong Start offers families and health care providers the opportunity to collaborate to best support each child’s unique development and make sure they find any needed support. Regular screenings show how children are doing with language, movement, thinking, and interacting with others. It’s important because the brain develops faster between birth and age 5 than any other stage.
Read More.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Partner Toolkit (PDF) is now available. This toolkit contains resources, messaging, and social media creatives that you can use to share 988 Lifeline information with your audiences. This toolkit has social media post and images in English and Spanish.
For questions about the 988 program at the Washington State Department of Health, please email 988ProgramInfo@doh.wa.gov. Do not use this inbox if you or someone you know needs crisis support. Instead, call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline.
Call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
You can contact the 988 Lifeline to get support for:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health crises
- Substance use concerns
- Any other kind of emotional distress
You can also contact the 988 Lifeline if you’re worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline License Plate Emblem
The general public may purchase a suicide prevention license plate emblem that supports the Veteran and Military Member Suicide Prevention Account at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Visit the Department of Licensing website to order an emblem. Learn more on the DVA Suicide Prevention Emblem webpage. More Information.
Improvements to the financial aid application process have led to a delayed timeline for students and families. High school seniors and others planning to attend college or career training during the 2024-25 school year can begin applying for aid in December 2023. Applications typically open October 1 for people wanting to start college the next fall.
In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens apply for federal and state aid with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). People who can't file the FAFSA due to immigration status can apply only for state aid with the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid). Most people should submit a FAFSA to maximize financial aid.
The FAFSA Simplification Act significantly changes how eligibility for federal student aid is determined. FAFSA’s new Student Aid Index (SAI) is intended to reflect students’ costs and financial need more accurately. The U.S. Dept. of Education (DOE) predicts that more people will be eligible for Pell Grants and that the average Pell award amount will increase. Pell Grants provide low-income undergraduate students with money for college that, unlike student loans, doesn’t have to be paid back. Read More.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28A.320.270 requires school districts to “screen students for indicators of, or areas of weakness associated with, dyslexia.” In this report, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides data on students in grades K–2 who were screened for risks associated with reading difficulties for the 2021–22 school year. This includes dyslexia, the number of students who were identified at risk, and the interventions provided.
Authorizing legislation: RCW 28A.320
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection, and quality education.
5 Reasons to VOTE
1. Elections have consequences. Every vote matters.
2. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice.
3. It's your money.
4. Voting is an opportunity for change.
5. The community depends on you!
Here's why your participation matters:
Access to Justice: Your involvement in our Citizenship Legal Clinic creates access to justice for those who need it most. By offering your time and expertise, you'll be empowering individuals to navigate the complex legal path toward U.S. citizenship.
Empowering Dreams: Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many immigrants, and your contribution can make it a reality. Citizenship comes with numerous benefits, including the right to vote, protection from deportation, the ability to petition for more family members, and faster application processing times.
Positive Impact: Your efforts will directly impact the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to fully participate in the American dream, contribute to their communities, and build a better future for themselves and their families. Join us in making a difference and helping immigrant people pursue their dreams of becoming U.S. citizens. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and just society. If you're interested in volunteering for our Citizenship Legal Clinic, please let me know by October 30. We will provide comprehensive training and support to ensure you are well-prepared to make a significant impact on October 30. Your time and commitment can truly change lives.
To learn more or to express your interest, please reply to this email or reach out to me at this email: eilish@lacasahogar.org.
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🌟 Help Strengthen Communities with Commerce: Skilled Community Engagement Specialists Wanted 🌟
Commerce is expanding our team of regional Community Engagement Specialists. Each position is embedded in the regions they serve to bridge resource access gaps, we are looking to place positions in the following counties: Clark; King; Island, North King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, or Whatcom; and Spokane.
🔹 What is the job? Community Engagement Specialists represent Commerce and establish a presence in communities to foster trust-based relationships, facilitate equitable access to resources, and collaborate on impactful projects.
🔹 Who should apply? Individuals with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; great connections throughout their community; and experience helping communities thrive.
👉 Click on this link to learn more and apply TODAY! https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4248514/program-specialist-5
Hurry, the recruitment closes November 10, 2023.
Programs Coordinator / Exempt (Part-Time)
This is a part-time position (approximately 15 hours per week) that is ineligible to receive benefits, but is eligible to accrue annual and sick leave based on hours worked.
Learn more and apply.!
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The American Red Cross is seeking a skilled Communications Strategist: Latino Engagement for its Communications team at national headquarters. *You must be able to speak and write Spanish fluently. The work location for this exciting opportunity is virtual. That's right! You will be able to work from your home office, while doing meaningful, mission-focused work. The selected candidate will work remotely and can be located anywhere in the United States.
The Biomedical Communications team at American Red Cross-National Headquarters develops the national communications strategy, raising awareness for the need for blood donations both externally and internally. Externally, the team focuses on managing crisis communications, responding to national media inquiries, developing website and social media content, and providing campaign support. Internally, this team also executes broad leadership communication plans for the organization, drafts memos, talking points and FAQs for key initiatives, and develops intranet content.
Within this team, the new communications specialist will be focused on supporting blood donation communications that engage and motivate audiences within the Latino and Hispanic community. This position will report to the director of NHQ Biomedical Communications.
To view a complete list of our opening please visit www.redcross.org or follow the link below: https://americanredcross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/American_Red_Cross_Careers/details/Bilingual---Communications-Specialist--NHQ-BiomedicalCommunications_RC64494?q=RC644
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