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“The challenge of social justice is to evoke a sense of community that we need to make our nation a better place, just as we make it a safer place.” – Marian Wright Edelman*
It feels like just yesterday that it was cold and gray out. Actually, that was earlier today and is the forecast for later this week. Oh, the joys of spring in the Pacific Northwest. I am not complaining. I appreciate the lush green, vibrant landscape of this area.
I feel similarly when I reflect on the wide variety of people and organizations working to ensure that everyone who lives, works, or plays in Snohomish County has what they need to thrive (yes, this statement is a common thread in The Thread).
Since our last newsletter, there have been even more opportunities to develop connections with internal departments and community partners.
In a recent tour, staff at the Denny Juvenile Justice Center helped me learn about programs and resources available to youth there. Keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system is an important goal, but for those who do become involved in the system, having support can change their future. It was inspiring to learn about the opportunities available to educate and guide young people during a challenging time in their lives.
Over the past few weeks, intentional connections with chambers of commerce and Rotary clubs have also given me a lot to think about. If you are looking to support local businesses or if you have a business, I encourage connecting with your local chamber. I needed to replace the roof on my home and was able to talk with several roofers and other local businesses for things like landscaping or interior design. Meanwhile, during my conversations with Rotary clubs, I have been inspired by the work to provide youth scholarships and to bring people together.
Snohomish County is lush and vibrant with opportunities to connect and be part of a dynamic community. These are just a few of the resources available to make our county a better place.
Do you have a group you’ve interacted with or an experience in your community that has inspired you recently? I’d love to hear about it. You can reach me at OSJ@snoco.org.
*For more information on Marian Wright Edelman, please visit this link.
Be well.
- Wil Johnson
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Snohomish County Office of Social Justice
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We are pleased to introduce Cortney Murphy as the newest member of the Office of Social Justice.
As the Administrative Assistant, Cortney plays an active role supporting the Office of Social Justice with developing relationships, communicating with employees and community partners, collaborating on internal and external events, such as professional development opportunities and community forums, and facilitating the Community Investment Program to help advance social justice for all who live, work, and play in Snohomish County.
Cortney is already actively engaging in the community. You may have seen her at Artisan’s Books and Coffee in Everett, where she attended a reading by Nico Lang author of American Teenager, whose work highlights the resilience and lived experiences of transgender youth. She also recently represented the Office of Social Justice at the 2026 Student Career Conference at Everett Community College.
Reflecting on the event, Cortney shared, “Even as an adult, I took something away from it. The guest speaker, Philip ‘Sharp Skills’ Jacobs, was very engaging—the students were loving it, and I really enjoyed my time there.”
Cortney thrives when she’s out in the community, making connections and building relationships. Her enthusiasm and commitment to engaging with others are already making a positive impact.
Please join us in welcoming Cortney to the team—we’re excited to have her with us!
Keep an eye out for more Office of Social Justice sightings and community highlights from Cortney in the future.
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National Women’s History Month in March celebrated “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” to recognize women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.
Women from every background have long realized that an uneven playing field will never bring equality or justice. Many feel the critical need to speak up and work harder for fairness in our institutions and social interactions.
We recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. They know that people change with the help of families, teachers and friends, and that young people in particular need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with different points of view as they grow up.
Today, equity, diversity and inclusion are powerful driving forces that are having a wide-ranging impact on our country. As members of families, civic and community groups, businesses and legislative bodies, women are in the forefront of reevaluating the status quo. They are looking anew at what harmful social policies and behaviors exist and, often subtly, determine our future. In response, women in communities across the nation are helping to develop innovative programs and projects within corporations, the military, federal agencies and educational organizations to address these injustices.
It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. We honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.
Who are the women in your community or organization that you honor?
During April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) and the importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
Child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). They can have long-term impacts on health, opportunity, and wellbeing. This issue includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (such as a religious leader, a coach, a teacher) that results in harm, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. There are four common types of abuse and neglect:
Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that can result in physical injury. Examples include hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other shows of force against a child.
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Sexual abuse involves pressuring or forcing a child to engage in sexual acts. It includes behaviors such as fondling, penetration, and exposing a child to other sexual activities.
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Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name-calling, shaming, rejecting, withholding love, and threatening.
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Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, access to medical care, and having feelings validated and appropriately responded to.
Child abuse and neglect are common. At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. This is likely an underestimate because many cases are unreported. In 2020, 1,750 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.
Children living in poverty experience more abuse and neglect. Experiencing poverty can place a lot of stress on families, which may increase the risk for child abuse and neglect. Rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status.
Child maltreatment is costly. In the United States, the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was about $592 billion in 2018. This economic burden rivals the cost of other high-profile public health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Here are some ways you can help to raise awareness during National Child Abuse Prevention Month:
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Wear Blue: On April 3, 2026, wear blue clothing, accessories, or even paint your nails blue to show solidarity with the cause.
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Spread Awareness: Share your participation on social media using hashtags like #WearBlueDay and #CAPMonth to raise awareness and encourage others to join in.
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Engage Your Community: Encourage friends, family, and coworkers to wear blue and discuss the importance of child abuse prevention. Organizing group activities can amplify the message.
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Plant a Pinwheel Garden: Raise awareness throughout the month by planting a pinwheel garden at your home or business.
Need more information or want to check out more resources in your community? Check out the links below to help you get started.
April is the perfect time to start attending local community events and gatherings! We encourage you to participate in any event that is meaningful to you.
- Leadership Snohomish County: Step Up 2026 Moving Equity Forward is in-person this year. It's not just a conference—it's a powerful movement dedicated to understanding and advancing the intersectionality of race, equity, diversity and inclusion. Tickets are limited! Friday, April 24, 2026 from 8:30am to 5:00pm at Hotel Indigo - Everett.
- NAACP Snohomish County 2026 Freedom Fund Gala -Turning Dreams Into Reality is an annual event, awards ceremony honoring individuals and organizations who have contributed to our county in a positive way, towards the betterment of all Snohomish County citizens. It is also an opportunity to raise funds for the ongoing expenses of running the branch to meet the needs of our county residents. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Angel of the Winds, Edward D. Hansen Conference Center 2000 Hewitt Ave, Suite 200 Everett, WA 98201
Stay tuned for more community inclusive events!
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day annually on April 2, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about autistic individuals throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution, passed in council on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. This resolution was passed and adopted without a vote in the UN General Assembly, mainly as a supplement to previous UN initiatives to improve human rights. It was first observed in 2008.
Autism affects girls and boys of all races and in all geographic regions and has a large impact on children, their families, communities, and societies. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries around the world. Caring for and educating children and young people with this condition places challenges on health care, education and training programs. World Autism Day is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days.
For more information on April's recognitions, check out the Office of Social Justice Calendar of Observances & Recognitions.
You may have seen the news last February that Snohomish County is expanding its Agricultural Advisory Board with the addition of two new positions to better reflect the breadth of the county’s agricultural economy. In fact, a variety of board and commissions in Snohomish County currently have vacancies. If you are interested in participating or know someone who might be, please find more information on vacancies and how to apply at https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3339/Apply. Boards and Commissions assist and advise departments and special groups within Snohomish County, some working more closely with various departments than others. Snohomish County is always looking for people interested in serving on a board or commission. Diverse voices and a range of experiences make these groups more impactful and can help shape important areas of county work and public service.
In Snohomish County government, we’re always looking for ways to improve connections and information sharing so that people have more options to access public services, information, and decision-making. One of our newer ways to share information is Snohomish County Television, or SCTV. First launched in 2025, our new government channel is gaining momentum this year. Along with being available on Comcast channels 22 and 322, we now have a digital platform. A mobile app is coming soon, as well. You can watch online at www.snocotv.org. The channel broadcasts County Council meetings as well as Planning Commission and Board of Health, along with a variety of informational videos about county services, programs and staff. And don’t miss our new original show, “Hello, Snohomish County,” with three episodes available and more to come.
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.
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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To subscribe to “The Thread," go to the subscriber page, enter your email, and click "Submit." On the next page, select "The Thread" under the "County Executive" section, then click "Submit" at the bottom of the page.
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