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As we close the first two months of the year, we welcome longer days, bluer skies, and that elusive yellow ball in the sky people call the sun. As we enjoy the changing weather patterns, we face the current challenges ahead in Olympia. It’s no secret the state is embarking on tough budget year. The Commission has proposed many reductions that will have an effect on our operations. We are currently judicious with our travel and, therefore, in-person outreach events. This will continue as a trend in the next biennium, as we proposed cuts into future travel budgets. In a 6% budget reduction exercise assigned by Governor Ferguson, we proposed eliminating (an already vacant) Community Development position, reducing that team from 4 FTEs to 3 FTEs, which was accepted by him and his team. You can watch his latest press conference on the budget to learn more about cost saving measures the executive branch is proposing.
Women's History Month: Save the date
Save the date! Women's identities are not one-dimensional, and their experiences are layered, complex, and intersecting. For Women's History Month, Washington State's Community-Focus Commissions and the Office of Equity are hosting a panel discussion to spotlight the importance of intersectionality in coalition-building, community support, and systems change.
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 26 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Format: Zoom Webinar – Panel Discussion
Accessibility: ASL Interpretation will be available. To request accommodations and submit questions for our panel, fill out this survey!
For the latest information and webinar link, head to our events page. No registration is required!
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Washington State Women’s Commission Spring Public Meeting
WSWC’s nine commissioners will gather with our staff for our second public meeting of the year. During these meetings, the Commission shares important updates, sets priorities, and engages with constituents. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and welcome to share public comment during the meeting. You can also submit written comment at any time through our contact form.
Date/Time: Friday, March 28 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Format: Zoom Webinar
To request accommodations and join the meeting virtually, head to our events page. No registration is required!
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In the past weeks, we supported our sibling's agency, the LGBTQ Commission, amplify into Spanish their statement regarding white house executive orders on gender identity.
Our identities intersect and now, more than ever, it’s important to continue to work in lockstep and support each other to make sure your government is responsive to your needs as a Washingtonian. To read the statement in full, head over to www.lgbtq.wa.gov.
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Legislative session is in full swing and CHA has a Bill Tracker!
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Rember staying informed during legislative session is crucial because it allows you to understand how proposed laws could impact your live and your community. Staying informed prepares you to know when and how to actively participate in the democratic process by voicing your opinions. You can also hold elected officials accountable, and influence policy decisions that align with your values and interests; essentially, it empowers individuals to shape the laws that govern their communities.
Head over to our Trello board We will be tracking legislative priorities and update this board daily during legislative session. 🏛️🙌🏽
Learn more
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Have you had a chance to check out our Rapid Response Hub?
The Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA) is partnering with organizations across Washington to create a centralized, easy-to-access Rapid Response Hub for Latinos in our state. This hub brings together vital resources, services, and virtual guides from trusted local, county, and statewide organizations—all in one place! Whether you're looking for information on immigration support, financial assistance, or Latino community services, the Hub is designed to connect you with the help you need. Plus, if there's a resource you'd like to see featured, you can easily submit a recommendation directly to CHA.
What you’ll find in the Rapid Response Hub:
- County and statewide resources
- DACA support resources
- Family preparedness planning resources
- Emotional & mental support materials
- Information on immigration in the workplace
- Financial institution guidance
- Refugee and immigrant services
- Legal and immigration assistance
CHA updates the Hub daily with the latest executive orders, press releases, and announcements from state administrators, ensuring that you have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information. Help us spread the word—share the Rapid Response Hub with your networks so we can reach more people who need these critical resources!
👉 Learn more
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 Department of Ecology- Washington auto shops get cleaner, safer degreasers with state funding!
 Eligible businesses may qualify for up to $10,000 in reimbursements
Since 2021, our product replacement program has helped more than 150 automotive repair shops switch out solvent-based degreasers for safer alternatives. What's even better? The program is still accepting applications. Qualifying auto shops could receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement.
Read more.
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Start a Business in WA Workshop
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
2025 Live Webinars - Sign up today
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Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) - Start a Business in WA
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 11:00 AM - Register
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:00 PM - Register
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 AM - Register
Thursday, September 4, 2025 11:00 AM - Register
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 1:00 PM - Register
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Access all upcoming events
 Sea Mar Scholarships
Since 1998, Sea Mar has been committed to help students who face economic barriers by providing scholarships in order for them to go to college, accomplish their goals, and succeed in life.
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Youth Latino Legislative Day 2025 Registration
 🗓️ March 10, 2025 I📍WA State Capitol I✍🏽 Registration link
Young Women’s Leadership Summit - Program Application
Since 2015, UW’s Young Women’s Leadership Summit (YWLS) has been dedicated to empowering female-identifying rising high school seniors across Washington state to increase their knowledge of the business world by providing them with access to the resources to do so. Students engaged in the four days of programming will have the opportunity to learn about business through company visits, various workshops, and networking with professionals, faculty, and staff.
Learn more
Young Executives of Color (YEOC) Program Application
 Mission
Established in 2006 the mission of the Young Executives of Color (YEOC) program is to cultivate the academic potential of underrepresented high school student leaders in Washington State through college preparation, powerful mentorship, and the development of real life business skills. YEOC was established to increase the number of underrepresented students in the college pipeline and at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
What is YEOC?
YEOC is a nine-month college pipeline program hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business. The program currently serves over 170 high school juniors and seniors from 73 schools in the state of Washington. Students attend sessions on the UW campus one Saturday every month for college preparation, business lectures, professional development, and powerful mentorship. YEOC is a FREE nine-month program. The only cost to students is transportation to UW Seattle.
Application for the 2025-2026 Cohort will open in Feb 2025
Read more
People in crisis or supporting a loved one can contact the 988 Lifeline to reach a Spanish-speaking crisis counselor
You can get free, confidential crisis support from 988’s Spanish Subnetwork Line by calling 988 and pressing 2, texting “AYUDA” to 988, or chatting online.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is working to make everyone have someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place to be during a mental health crisis. The Spanish Subnetwork fulfills part of this goal by offering call, chat, and text support in Spanish.
Everyone deserves to get support in their language for thoughts of suicide, substance use concerns, or any type of mental health crisis or emotional distress.
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April 24-27, 2025 Seattle/King County Clinic
Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center. The Clinic welcomes anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.
The next Clinic will be held April 24 – 27, 2025 at Seattle Center.
If you need immediate care, please do not wait for the Clinic. Click here to find free and affordable resources near you.
Upcoming Care-a-Van Event
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Location: Chapter of the Links Family Community Health Fair
Date: 03/15/2025
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Address: 3873 S 66th St, Tacoma, WA
Additional dates
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Services Available & Registration Links:
 Join Latino Civic Alliance for Latino Legislative Day!
 🗓️ March 10, 2025 I📍 WA State Capitol I✍🏽 Registration Link
Café con El Centro de la Raza Tour
 Join El Centro de la Raza for Café the first Thursday of each month (except holidays) at the historic Beacon Hill building in room 307.
This is a monthly opportunity for members of the community to visit our historic main building, learn more about the history of the organization and the work our programs do, and possibly get more information about volunteering. This will be in room 307 for café, snacks and a tour of our building and programs. See what they are doing to build the “Beloved Community” and how you can join. More information.
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