“If my colleagues had the right language, it would make conversations a thousand times easier.” –David Baboolall (they/them)

It is important to have a shared vocabulary in equity and social justice work. Below is a short list of common terms and abbreviations used throughout this document, along with their meanings.

“Everything seems impossible until it’s done.” –Nelson Mandela

The Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Ecosystem Plan & Playbook outlines the framework and tools that Washington state agencies will use to create a PEAR ecosystem in which all Washingtonians have full access to the opportunities, power, and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.

“Teamwork makes the dream work.” –John Maxwell

Washington’s Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Ecosystem Plan & Playbook was developed in partnership with a team of expert consultants who also created an online toolkit and data maps for use by state agencies and other stakeholders across the state to collectively measure progress toward broad goals that advance equity and justice in Washington.

PEAR Plan & Playbook Design Team

Karen A. Johnson, Ph.D.
Director, WA State Office of Equity

Why? The legislature established the Office of Equity because:

1. They found that the diversity of Washington’s population has increased over the last several decades.

Change in race and ethnicity of Washington residents from 2010 to 2020

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2010 and 2020 5-year Estimates Detailed Tables, last accessed 12/22/2022.

“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.

“…equity and justice for all, now and for generations to come.”

The year 2020 ushered in a decade of both historic challenge and historic opportunity.

We acknowledge our ancestors, our elders, and those who began the quest for equity, social justice, access, and belonging for all people long before the state of Washington put forth this five-year Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Ecosystem Plan & Playbook (“PEAR Plan & Playbook”). We recognize and honor the commitments and sacrifices made by so many champions for equity in Washington state government, in our communities, in our region, across the nation, and worldwide.

Thank you for spending time with us today in reading our September Issue of the Office of Equity Newsletter. We’re so excited to fill you in on the amazing work that’s been happening in the Office of Equity since our last newsletter. This issue has some powerful news -the launch of our Advisory Board and the launch of the Toolkit & 7 Pit Stops!

Click here to read on!

As we embark on the last quarter of the year, we take time to reflect on our accomplishments, areas for growth, and plans for the year to come. Sharing our work over the last year and showcasing how we’ve engaged with agencies throughout the enterprise, reminds us why our office was established.