We were honored to be invited guests at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma for our May public meeting. Information is linked in the text and full meeting materials are available on our website. Here is a quick summary of the meeting highlights and topics.
- The Council received funding in the state’s operating budget to staff two task forces. The Equity Office Task Force will develop a proposal for the creation of a state office of equity. The Environmental Justice Task Force will develop recommendations for how state agencies can implement environmental justice principles.
- Policy analysts from the Health Impact Review team shared examples of how recent HIRs have incorporated lived experience.
- Members received an update from the Council’s subcommittee on future planning, including adopting the following vision statement that reads: Guided by our North Star that is Equity, we honor the broad differences and bonding similarities that make up this state. The power entrusted to us by the people inspires us to be channels for change. We shift power by sharing priorities, being transparent and reflective and disrupting oppressive practices so everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We intentionally act to heal wounds and cultivate thrust; instilling equity into every level of government and beyond, assuring true democracy’s light shines on all communities.
- Member Nandi shared a document that the Department of Health is using to guide its State Health Improvement Plan development. The document describes five fundamental initiatives for health equity.
Our next meeting is scheduled for September 5, location to be determined. Add your name to our email distribution list to stay connected, receive updates on Council work, and receive information on future meetings.