Racial Equity Team
Our Mission
The Racial Equity Team which began 12 years ago, serves as a non-partisan forum for identifying and sharing legislative and procedural actions that impact, involve, or specifically address communities of color in Washington State.
Who We Are
Membership in the Racial Equity Team is voluntary and includes individuals, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local and state governmental entities. All members collaborate to provide accurate and comprehensive information as well as contextual insight into the origin and consequences of legislation that impacts communities of color in Washington State.
What does the Racial Equity Team do?
- Serves as an informational clearinghouse and resource for members, legislators, and staff regarding legislation, budget appropriations and/or procedural actions that address or impact communities of color in Washington State.
- Analyzes legislative proposals for their impact on communities of color utilizing a racial equity form.
- Provides regular legislative updates to members, legislators, agencies, State officials, and staff using email and social media.
- Meets regularly with legislators and staff to discuss the context, meaning, and/or impact of specific legislative actions.
- Maintains a current legislative “Watchlist” that is published weekly.
- Convenes weekly meetings virtually to discuss items on the legislative Watchlist and share information with Racial Equity Team members, legislators, and staff.
- Disseminates action requests to the Racial Equity Team membership.
- Offers mentorship opportunities for student interns and staff during the legislative session.