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“Without justice, there can be no love” – bell hooks
For many, the start of a new year brings a myriad of feelings, thoughts, and emotions. For some, it is a time of giving, gratitude, and grace. For others it is a time of challenge, wondering, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The cold and gray of the Pacific Northwest winter is upon us. Reflecting on the work of equity, inclusion, and social justice, a few questions come to mind:
- Who does not have access to food, water, or a warm, dry place to lay their head?
- Who wonders if tomorrow will come for them and what it may or may not bring?
- Who is entering this new year experiencing an absence of love?
The work of the Office of Social Justice focuses on being present and identifying supports and resources for those in need with an overarching goal of ensuring that anyone who lives, works, or plays in Snohomish County has access to what they need to thrive. Over the past few months, this has manifested itself in several ways.
One of our key focus areas is youth engagement. Local organizations such as The Access Project and Make It Worthy are examples of programs that serve our youth to promote access to education opportunities, enhance community engagement, and provide support to minimize challenging behaviors. I enjoyed recent opportunities to connect with these groups. Speaking at school assemblies, meeting with individual classrooms, and connecting with school leaders and community members also have provided chances to focus on supporting and maintaining inclusive school communities.
Another key focus area for our office is providing support and resources for our internal county departments. I have continued to meet with department leaders to coordinate professional development opportunities and community engagement. Recently, a group from our Planning and Development Services Department visited the Hibulb Cultural Center, and I was glad to join them. For anyone wanting to learn more about Native culture in our area, I highly recommend a visit.
Thank you all for your support of the Office of Social Justice. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just to chat with us. I will leave you with this final question. How are you showing love in 2026? We will share some responses in our next newsletter. Email us at osj@snoco.org
Be well.
- Wil Johnson
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Snohomish County Office of Social Justice
Through all of this, I have been reminded of the resilience of our community. People here pull together to help one another. Agencies throughout the county have coordinated on an intensive emergency response. Friends and neighbors offered help, from filling sandbags to transporting livestock out of flood-prone areas. One of the most common questions we received was “how can I help,” and organizations stepped up to channel that giving spirit. Community Foundation of Snohomish County made a portal available for donations, Economic Alliance Snohomish County rounded up business resources, Boeing Charitable Trust announced a $500,000 donation for recovery efforts, and Community Transit and Volunteers of America hosted a Stuff the Bus event to gather holiday gifts. Partners like Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest have helped us ensure that we could provide language access for things like gathering damage information and providing recovery resources, and Volunteers of America Western Washington hosted a Disaster Assistance Center featuring a variety of public agencies and nonprofits with flood recovery resources. Those are just some examples of how the community has come together.
I encourage people to stay informed and take care of themselves and their loved ones. Check https://bit.ly/snocoflooding for the latest information.
- Dave Somers
Snohomish County Executive
 Aerial view of flooding over roads, fields, and buildings near Snohomish
Events are coming up around Snohomish County to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday is on Monday, January 19. There are events on the day, over the weekend leading up to it, and during the week at local schools, faith organizations, cities, and nonprofits.
We encourage you to participate in an event that is meaningful to you and honors the legacy and life of the Rev. Dr. King. Examples include community gatherings or local service projects. Below are some options (it is not an exhaustive list).
There also are more events and assembles at local schools, churches, or other venues.
In November, we notified organizations that had applied for the latest round of community investments that we were postponing the next funding awards. This was done to redirect money to support food access at a time when food banks and resource centers were seeing rising need – to the point of empty shelves before the end of the day – and disruptions in federal food assistance had pushed too many families to the brink. The County directed an initial $300,000 to support food access through family resource centers and the Snohomish County Food Coalition
We know ensuring that everyone in our community can meet their basic needs is one of the foundations of social justice. We also know that there is a long and beautiful tradition of mutual aid in communities that have experienced long-term marginalization in our country.
When systems fail communities, these local partnerships demonstrate the long history of resilience our residents bring to supporting one another.
The County also hosted a food and funds drive. Our community came together in a powerful way during this collaborative effort between the Snohomish County Executive Office, Sheriff's Office, and Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOA). County employees and community members brought in more than $4,000 in less than two weeks, along with 244 pounds of nonperishable food items. Our partners at VOA tell us that equals 1,782 meals for neighbors in need.
Veterans Day brought renewed recognition of the integral role veterans play in our community. More than 50,000 veterans live in Snohomish County, and they continue their service in significant ways throughout our region.
Veterans in Public Service
Our county workforce reflects this commitment to continued service, with more than 270 county employees having served in the armed forces. These veterans bring invaluable experience, leadership, and dedication to serving our community through local government. On Veterans Day, Snohomish County participated in Operation Green Light, a nationwide initiative where some buildings were illuminated in green to show support for veterans.
Wall of Honor Memorial
The Wall of Honor, located in the first floor entryway of the Admin West Building on the Snohomish County Campus, serves as both a memorial and a celebration of service.
Veterans who are new to the county or who have not previously participated can request a medallion to be added to the wall, ensuring this living memorial continues to grow. The display is accessible to the public during business hours and anyone is welcome to come see the Wall of Honor.
Wil Johnson at Centennial Middle School
Wil Johnson, Snohomish County’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and a U.S. veteran, spoke at Centennial Middle School’s Veterans Day Assembly.
He shared how his military service shaped his commitment to fostering belonging for all. He encouraged students to find common ground and to "leave the world better than you found it,” a message that reflects both his military values and his current mission in county government.
December 1 marked World AIDS Day, observed globally since 1988.
Everett Pride, Lifelong, AIDS Project, and the Snohomish County Health Department and Executive Office hosted an event that evening to raise awareness, honor those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and show solidarity with people living with HIV.
The event began at the Snohomish County Health Department with refreshments, displays and activities, followed by a walk to the AIDS Memorial, behind the County Courthouse in the plaza west of the Mission Building at Pacific and Wetmore avenues. Dedicated on World AIDS Day 2005, the AIDS Memorial is believed to have been the state's first memorial of its kind. Born from grassroots organizing by community members including the AIDS Memorial Project and Gay Men's Task Force, this memorial represents years of dedicated advocacy.
We remember and honor the many loved ones whose lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS. December 1 marked 20 years since the memorial was dedicated, and the beautiful artwork was recently restored. This shared space is as important as ever, and the work being done on education, prevention and treatment for HIV and AIDS remains vital.
 Snohomish County AIDS Memorial
These initiatives - food security partnerships, veterans support, AIDS awareness, and transitional housing assistance - demonstrate the interconnected nature of giving and service in our community. When we support basic needs during crisis, we strengthen the foundation that allows all residents to thrive.
From the coordination between county departments and community organizations to the daily service of veterans in our workforce, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to ensuring no neighbor is left behind.
Have an inclusive community event you'd like to share? Send event details to osj@snoco.org. Due to space constraints, not all submissions can be published.
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