III. Preface

“Everyone is different. Everyone belongs here.” –Unknown

As the inaugural Director of the Washington State Office of Equity, located in the Office of the Governor, I am honored to present the Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Ecosystem Plan & Playbook.

The premise of the PEAR ecosystem is that each and every state employee, no matter their title or position, wants to bring their A-game and authentic self to work, to be seen, heard, and valued as they team up with their colleagues to deliver superior services in a way that affirms the humanity, dignity, and value of every person they encounter. Everyone is different. Everyone belongs here.

What follows is a description of why this historic work is necessary, how the PEAR Plan & Playbook was created, who created the plan, and how the PEAR Ecosystem will advance equity and justice for all across the state of Washington, now and for generations to come.

We believe the PEAR strategy will disrupt longstanding injustice and inequity and create sustainable change, innovation, and productivity statewide and across state government, giving Washington a competitive advantage for becoming the first Belonging state in the nation, the number one “state of choice” to live, learn, work, own a business, play, and stay.

The PEAR Plan & Playbook positions Washington as a national leader in partnering with communities to transform state government to work for everyone, and as a model for other public and private sector organizations to follow, especially those with whom we seek voluntary partnership.

Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that I present Washington’s Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Ecosystem Plan & Playbook and online tools to help Washington and its state-supported agencies, as well as other public and private sector organizations, achieve visible progress in equity, justice, access, and belonging.

Equity & Justice for all,

Karen A. Johnson, PhD (She/Her/Beloved)
Director, Washington State Office of Equity, Office of the Governor