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“The world would be a paradise of peace and justice if global citizens shared a common definition of love which would guide our thoughts and action.” — bell hooks*
One theme that appears in a lot of conversations about equity, inclusion, and social justice is, “We are not doing enough and we are moving too slow.” Regularly occurring barriers people encounter have included lack of common language, lack of clarity, and lack of defined direction.
As individuals, it is important that our journey begins with self-reflection. This includes exploring why we think, act, and interact in certain ways and across different environments as well as with different groups of people. When we better understand ourselves and engage in activities with others who are also working to understand themselves and each other, we can create communities and workplaces which integrate our shared voices and values. Acceptance and integration of voice and values can be the foundation for common definitions of how we show up for each other as a community.
Think about the process for building a house. No, I am not an expert in construction, but I know there are many steps involved even before laying the foundation upon which to build. It feels like we each want to build something, and having clarity in definitions helps us to better understand what pathways and outcomes may be possible.
Several county employees had the opportunity to attend the Step Up Conference hosted by Leadership Snohomish County on April 24th. The theme this year was “stepping up for what matters to you.” This calls on attendees to engage in self-reflection and define what is most important to them as it relates to moving equity forward for themselves, in our communities and in our workplaces. The goal is to transition from conversation into purposeful collaboration where we can more clearly define what it means to have accessible, equitable and inclusive spaces for all who live, work and play in Snohomish County. If you would like to get involved, please email us at OSJ@snoco.org.
*Check out this link for more on bell hooks.
In this section, we share some of the county departments and community partners OSJ has connected with over the past month. This is not the entire list and is meant primarily to highlight special projects, events, or collaborations. We will also share links to provide more information on how these organizations work to support community. There is a lot going on around the county. Again, reach out if you would like to learn more or if you have anything to share.
District Court DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access)
Sherwood Community Services
Edmonds College Foundation
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
Paths to Understanding - Snohomish Community Potluck
Arlington School District DCET (District Community Equity Team)
Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County
Edmonds College BRIDGE Program (Building Resilience & Initiative for Development, Growth, and Employment)
Snohomish County Facilities and Fleet Leadership
With gratitude and determination,
Wil Johnson
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Snohomish County Executive Office
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Join Me for the 2026 Snohomish County Update
I look forward to giving my annual update during this crucial time as we face a mix of opportunities and challenges to ensure Snohomish County continues to be the best place in the world to live, work, and play. Residents, businesses, and other jurisdictions throughout the community have been crucial partners in all the county’s work, and they all rely on foundational county services in their day-to-day lives. I will be talking about how we preserve those foundational services to support a safe, welcoming, and thriving community.
Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) will host the annual update on June 2 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Boeing’s Future of Flight. The event is presented by Boeing in partnership with Coastal Bank, North Sound Media, Community Transit, The Daily Herald, and Snohomish County PUD. Admission includes lunch, and tickets can be purchased online.
A free livestream will be available on EASC’s YouTube channel beginning at 11:30 a.m., with a recording later aired on Snohomish County TV at www.snocotv.org and on channels 22 and 322 for Comcast cable subscribers in the county.
Dave Somers
Snohomish County Executive
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We are proud to share stories of community organizations whose work has made a meaningful difference in Snohomish County. These case studies highlight how community investments from the Office of Social Justice have empowered residents, strengthened partnerships, and created lasting change.
Leadership Snohomish County
The Office of Social Justice has been a consistent partner with Leadership Snohomish County, supporting programs including the annual Step Up conference, the Leadership for Equity cohort, and a youth-led community resource fair in Mukilteo.
In 2025, Leadership Snohomish County celebrated the 10th year of its Step Up conference, an annual gathering centered on equity, belonging, and cross-sector learning. After five years in an online format, 2026 marked the return to an in-person event, a milestone the organization had been building toward with real excitement. OSJ helped expand access to the conference by connecting county employees and community members who might not otherwise have found their way to these conversations.
OSJ's investment in the Leadership for Equity cohort has supported a program that brings together leaders from business, nonprofit, government, and the private sector to create space for the kinds of conversations that aren't always happening organically. Participants explore difference, policy, and community impact in a structured and intentional setting. When the cohort launched its first in-person sessions, it became clear how much work remained. Some participants admitted they had never talked about politics, race, or identity at work and weren't sure they were ready to. Building that trust and that capacity is exactly the point.
What sets OSJ apart as a partner, in Adrianne Wagner's words, is how they show up. "They follow up after investments. They attend the events they fund. They ask who was there, what happened, and how they can help amplify the work. They bring together people who know each others’ names but have never been in the same room, creating shared spaces for connection and dialogue that extend well beyond any single program."
May brings many opportunities, including a chance to celebrate the richness of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage, raise awareness for mental health, and honor the contributions of Jewish Americans.
Asian American Pacific Islander Month
This May, we proudly celebrate Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI)—a vibrant and diverse community whose cultures, histories, and voices enrich our nation in countless ways.
The term AANHPI reflects an incredible spectrum of traditions and identities, spanning the Asian continent—East, Southeast, and South Asia—as well as the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, including Native Hawaiian communities.
From breakthroughs in science and medicine to powerful storytelling in literature and art, from achievements in sports to leadership in government, activism, and law, AANHPI communities continue to shape the American experience with creativity, resilience, and brilliance.
To learn more about Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month visit: https://asianpacificheritage.gov/.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual tradition started by Mental Health America in 1949 to emphasize the importance of mental wellbeing, educate communities and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions.
Mental health awareness plays a vital role in breaking down stigma, encouraging people to reach out early, and fostering empathy and understanding within our communities. By normalizing open, compassionate conversations about mental health, we create a society where individuals feel supported and empowered to seek help. We can cultivate stronger connections and promoting overall wellbeing.
Each year, people and organizations across the country come together to raise awareness, share resources, and advocate for a world where everyone feels seen, understood, and supported on their mental health journey.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), celebrated each May, honors the enduring influence and countless contributions that Jewish Americans have woven into our nation’s history, culture, and everyday life.
Originally recognized as Jewish Heritage Week in the 1980s under President Carter, this observance later expanded into what we now celebrate as Jewish American Heritage Month.
In 2006, President George W. Bush issued a formal proclamation designating May as Jewish American Heritage Month, a national invitation to recognize and honor the countless ways Jewish Americans have shaped the social and cultural fabric of the United States.
Connecting with your heritage often begins by looking back; exploring the generations who came before you and discovering the stories, traditions, and experiences that shaped their lives. Here are a few ways you can take part in Jewish American Heritage Month and help celebrate it within your community: 5 Ways to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a time for heartfelt remembrance. It is a day dedicated to honoring all those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, in both peacetime and war. Many people spend the day visiting cemeteries and memorials, while volunteers place American flags on graves at national cemeteries, ensuring that every sacrifice is remembered with gratitude. |
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Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day, a tradition that began after the Civil War when communities placed flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. The first national observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868. As the years passed, this day of remembrance grew in meaning and, by the early 1900s, it became known as Memorial Day. In 1971, federal law officially designated the last Monday in May as the day we honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
This Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, invites us to pause and remember the brave men and women who served our country and gave their lives for our freedom. It’s a time to reflect on why we honor these heroes and the sacrifices they made. For veterans, it is also a moment to remember and pay tribute to those who stood beside them. As we observe this day, may we carry a deep sense of gratitude for their courage and a renewed commitment to ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.
 During April, more than 400 pinwheels were suspended under the main lobby awning outside of the Snohomish County Admin East building at 3000 Rockefeller in Everett, near the elevators between the plaza and parking garage.
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Division of our Human Services Department, in partnership with Facilities, created this Pinwheels of Possibility display. Every pinwheel represents a child in our community who has been removed from the care of their parents due to abuse or neglect, either being served by a CASA volunteer now or waiting for one.
A CASA volunteer commits to knowing one child's story deeply and amplifying that child's voice until their case is resolved. The Pinwheels of Possibility campaign, introduced in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America, was built on the idea that preventing abuse starts with community support and families at the center. The blue pinwheel represents the joyful, carefree childhood every child deserves and the proactive community effort required to make that possible.
Learn more about CASA and how to become a volunteer at snococasa.org or stop by the display for information.
May's local community events and gatherings are here! We encourage you to participate in any event that is meaningful to you.
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Cinco de Mayo Latin Night is bringing the festivities to Everett on Friday, May 1 at the Kings Hall Apex Everett located at 1611 Everett Ave, Everett, 98201. This event is 18 and over with an immersive mix of food, music, art, and community from 6:00pm–10:00pm (free entry). Then keep the night going just next door in Kings Hall for a pre–Cinco de Mayo Latin dance party.
- K-Fair Job Fair "Connecting Community Through New Opportunities" at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, 19509 64th Ave, Lynnwood, 98036 on May 2 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
- The City of Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission invites everyone to come celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month. The AANHPI Heritage Festival: Celebrating Cultures Across the Pacific is a great opportunity to have fun, learn about new cultural traditions, meet your neighbors, and learn about local community resources. Stop by anytime during the event for as long as you can on Saturday, May 2 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Terrace Park Elementary School located at 5409 228th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, 98043.
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Compass Health's Mental Health First Aid event will take place on Monday, May 4 from 9:00am to 4:30pm. You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Learn how to help a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor in need. Get trained in Mental Health First Aid. For registration and location information, visit their link provided above.
- Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) and partners will host a Senior Event Fair which connects with local organizations to provide programs and services for older adults. It is free and open to the community on Wednesday, May 6 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Carl Gipson center located at 3025 Lombard Ave, Everett, 98201.
- The Lynnwood Library presents the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Seattle Shaolin Kungfu Academy featuring a Kung Fu demonstration and Lion Dance on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, 98036.
- The families of the Monroe, Snohomish and Sultan School Districts Consortium, Skykomish Valley Indian Education program are holding their 22nd Annual Traditional Pow Wow on Saturday, May 23 from 12:00pm to 9:00pm at the Monroe High School Commons, 17001 Tester Rd, Monroe, 98272. Everyone is welcome! Free admission, free dinner, and cultural art vendors!
- You are invited to a Memorial Day Ceremony as we remember those who have died in service to our country. Lynnwood American Legion Post 37 and Lynnwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1040 are sponsoring the 2026 Remember & Honor Memorial Day Celebration, on Monday, May 25 at 11:00am and includes music, laying of a wreath, and a rifle salute.
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Learning and Growing with Grief is a free monthly gathering at Solie Funeral Home and Crematory in Everett, WA, designed for anyone seeking awareness, insight, and connection following a loss. Whether you are newly grieving or years into your journey, you are welcome here. These gatherings are open to the entire community and on the third Wednesday of every month from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.
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Helmet Day hosted by Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Trauma Department is on Saturday, May 30 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. This is a free bike safety event for Snohomish County kids which includes free bike helmets, professional helmet fittings, free bike repairs (by Sharing Wheels) and much more! Come to the Seattle Children's North Parking Lot, 1815 13th St, Everett, 98201.
 Stay tuned for more events in our community!
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A strategic priority of the health department is to promote equitable language access. One of the tools the Snohomish County Health Department recently introduced is Pocketalk translation devices to improve communications needs. This effort is part of the department’s broader language access initiative to reduce communication barriers to access services.
Some other language access efforts include implementing a multilingual phone line, translating vital documents on our webpage, increasing awareness of our language assistance services, and language access training for staff as part of our departmental language access plan.
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Did you know the top 10 languages currently most commonly spoken other than English in the County are:
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
- Ukrainian
- Russian
- Arabic
- Telegu
- Chinese-Mandarin
- Korean
- Hindi
- Marshallese
About Pocketalk
Pocketalk is a handheld device, similar in size to a small iPhone, that translates both voice and text. It provides translations across 92+ languages.
Pocketalk can also translate text and documents. Using its built-in camera, the device can capture text and display a translation directly on the screen. Pocketalk can provide an optional audio translation for the camera-translated text, as well.
The Health Department has started using Pocketalk in the field. The device supports clearer communication during food inspections, at vaccine and health clinics, and at customer service counters, helping staff better assist people who speak languages other than English.
The Pocketalk purchase is one step in improving accessibility in the Health Department’s larger language access project.
For more information about how the Health Department is using Pocketalk, contact Helen Wong at helen.wong@co.snohomish.wa.us
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.
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.
Want more information about the Office of Social Justice and our community impact? Be sure to check out the Snohomish County Office of Social Justice website by using the QR code.
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