Pro-Equity Anti-Racism, or PEAR, is an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts to drive systemic change, aiming to dismantle oppressive systems and promote equity in all facets of society. This approach recognizes that systems of oppression are the upstream sources of all our inequities, and therefore, addressing these systems is crucial to creating a more equitable world. Oppressive systems such as racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism cause inequities and hurt all people.

Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh sense of energy and momentum. This season initiates growth, renewal, and change, which is what we'll be highlighting today.

Over the last few months, the Office of Equity team has gotten more settled into our work. We’re clearer on what we each do, how we support one another, and how our efforts connect across Washington State. People are not only focused on their own tasks but are also reaching out, offering help, and working together more intentionally.

Thank you for taking the time with us to reflect on our most popular event: our 3rd Annual Office of Equity Convening, which occurred in October 2024. This event sets intentional time aside for Washingtonians, both in and outside of State Government, to build, learn, and support a Washington For All.

It's been a few months since we've reached out to you all. We are grateful for your messages, joy, partnership, concern, and collaboration. We are nothing without the Washingtonians we serve.

Our workload at the end of 2024 skyrocketed as we hired new team members, put on a hugely successful event (look forward to more about that in our next newsletter coming out in March!), and well... you should probably read on to learn from each team about what we accomplished this past year. They'll say it best!

WOW! This is a long update! It has been a few months since we’ve written you all and we have a lot to catch you up on.

The Office of Equity has been hard at work all over Washington state, plugging in new team members, having retreats and strategic session, attending events, working through conflict, hosting webinars and community building spaces, and looking into taking on a lot of new projects.

Click here to read this issue of the newsletter.