September Newsletter: Join us for our public board meeting!

Date
The Commission will convene its Public Board Meeting on Saturday, September 18, from 10 AM – 1 PM. Based on guidance from the Department of Health related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, the meeting will be held remotely via video conference call. A dial-in option will also be available for those who are unable to access the meeting electronically.

The link to participate and dial-in information will be available along with the meeting materials to the general public on CAPAA’s website prior to the meeting. Members of the public wishing to provide public comment may contact Project Coordinator Brenda O’Brien at <brenda.obrien@capaa.wa.gov> with the following information: name, phone number, e-mail address, and affiliated organization.

This is a barrier-free event. Requests for accommodations, including translation or interpreter services, should be made to <brenda.obrien@capaa.wa.gov> by Friday, September 10th, 5 PM PT.

Refugee rights and resettlement is an issue close to many of us, and the images out of Afghanistan over the last few weeks have brought back painful memories for us, especially Southeast Asians, who hear echoes of the past in these events.

In light of these events, Governor Inslee sent a letter to President Joe Biden affirming Washington state’s support for the people of Afghanistan and encouraging the president to continue accelerated evacuation efforts and to establish safety and support services for refugees. Over the last 50 years, we have welcomed nearly 150,000 refugees from over 70 countries. We’re a better state because of it.

The Afghan Health Initiative has outlined a number of actions you can take to support Afghan refugees:

  • Open Your Home: We are helping connect host home volunteers to welcome and temporarily house new Afghan refugee arrivals with resettlement agencies in the area.
  • Volunteer your time: Refugees need Apartment Set-Up, Airport Pick-Up, Meal Assistance, Transportation Assistance, Mentorship, Tutoring, English as a Second Language Aide
  • Donate: Afghan Health Initiative has started an Emergency Fund for Afghan Refugees. We have a goal of $500,000. Our new arrivals have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Consider a gift donation to support Afghan refugees with flexible cash assistance to cover housing, utilities, food, clothes, household goods and more.
  • Lutheran Community Services NW is collecting Welcome Kits for refugees. New Items only please! Learn more and donate kits here.
  • World Relief is collecting Welcome Kits with essential household items (new items only) for our refugee families.

The Governor’s Subcabinet on Business Diversity is drafting a new Executive Order focused on Equity in Public Contracting. We are hosting three listening sessions in September to hear directly from BIPOC and women business owners. Your comments are essential to the success of this executive order.

Zoom Listening Sessions:

  • Wednesday Sept. 15th (9:00am – 10:30am)
  • Saturday Sept. 18th (12:00pm – 1:30pm)
  • Monday Sept. 20th (6:00pm – 7:30pm)

Feedback can be submitted by email until October 15th.

Please email your feedback to diversitysubcabinet@omwbe.wa.gov.
Download the Draft Executive Order using one of the links below.

Compact of Free Association (COFA) Islander Health Care began in 2019 as a Health Care Authority program that pays the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for eligible COFA Islanders. Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) was restored for individuals from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau on December 27, 2020 through the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This means COFA Islanders living in Washington may now be eligible for Apple Health, including individuals currently enrolled in COFA Islander programs.

More information about Apple Health:

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all Washington residents ages 12 and up. If you or a loved one have not yet been vaccinated, there’s an easy way to find vaccinations near you! The Washington State Department of Health has a Vaccine Locator page available, or you can call 1-800-525-0127. Language assistance is available.

If you or someone you know is homebound and not able to leave the house to get the COVID-19 vaccine, homebound vaccination services are available through this survey: https://redcap.link/WA_HomeBasedVax.

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse residents who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of our residents. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government.

We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities.

As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities. Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application. Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved!

Consensus Organizer (East and Southeast Asian communities) | EastHUB | Open until filled

Metro Transit Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (EIB) Manager | King County Metro Transit Department | September 19, 2021

Education Coalition Manager | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Immigrant Integration Director | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Managing Director | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Washington New Americans (WNA) Program Associate | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Habitat Improvement Projects Manager | Pierce Conservation District | Open until filled

Pharmacy and Health Records Operations Manager | Washington State Department of Corrections | Open until filled

Construction Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Eastern Regional Compliance and Enforcement Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Management Analyst 3 – Private Lands Access & Game Division Coordinator | Washington State Department of Ecology | September 19, 2021

Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU) Supervisor (WMS Band 1) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Municipal Stormwater Grant Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Senior Regional Shoreline Planner (Environmental Planner 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

SWM SRS Section Manager (WMS Band 2) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Committee Member – Volunteer Position | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife | September 15, 2021

Electrician – Electrical & Preventative Maintenance – CAMP | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife | September 16, 2021

Training and Development Strategist, Human Resource Consultant 4 | Washington State Department of Natural Resources | Open until filled

Executive Director | Washington State Gambling Commission | Open until filled

Associate Leadership Legislative Assistant | Washington State House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus | Open until filled

Administrative Assistant 3, Student Engagement & Support | Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction | September 6, 2021

Program Manager, State Work Study | Washington Student Achievement Council | September 30, 2021