Definitions

"Statutory Entity” or “Workgroup”

Both of these phrases can be used interchangeably to refer to the collaborative groups that this toolkit is designed to support.

HB 1541 defines a “statutory entity” as any group such as a multimember task force, workgroup, or advisory committee, that is temporary and is established by legislation for the specific purpose of examining a particular policy or issue directly and tangibly affecting a particular underrepresented population, and which is required to report to the legislature on the policy or issue it is tasked with examining. A group that is comprised solely of appointed legislators is not considered a statutory entity.

A simplified definition of “statutory entity” or “workgroup” is a group of people who work on a project required by legislation to review an issue that affects an underrepresented population (group of people who do not have sufficient representation or power in influencing government decisions) and must report their findings or recommendations to the legislature. If the legislation that created the workgroup does not specify whether the Nothing About Us Without Us Act (codified at Chapter 43.18A RCW (Revised Code of Washington)) applies to a workgroup, the requirements of the Act may still apply to the workgroup. In keeping with the intent of the Act, agencies should give broad effect to the Act’s language when determining whether a workgroup should be expanded to include additional members from underrepresented populations who have lived experience on the policy or issue being examined by the workgroup.

In this toolkit, we use the term “workgroup” instead of “statutory entity” because it is an easier term to understand. The guidance is written for all workgroups, not just statutory entities. 

“Consulting State Entities”

Government entities such as the people-focused commissions (LGBTQ Commission, Women’s Commission, Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA), Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA), Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)) that advise agency staff on when and how to engage with specific communities as required by section V of the authorizing proviso.

“Underrepresented Population”

"Underrepresented population" means a group of people, joined together by age, location, or another common characteristic, who are more likely to experience negative outcomes of government actions because there are not enough people in government from that group with decision-making power. Examples of negative outcomes are higher rates of unemployment, lower income, lack of stable housing, arrest and incarceration, lack of quality healthcare, shortened life expectancy, and more.

“Community Workgroup Members”

For this toolkit, “community workgroup members” refers to people who are members of a workgroup and are not elected officials, government staff, or paid consultants. This includes people who have lived experience with the issue or topic the workgroup is reviewing or members of underrepresented communities whose service on the workgroup brings valuable perspective to the group.

“Workgroup Manager”

The agency staff person in charge of managing the day-to-day functions of the workgroup such as recruiting and interviewing prospective members, scheduling meetings, setting agendas, facilitation, project management, completing deliverables, etc. 

“Lived Experience”

This means that a person has direct, personal experience in the subject matter being addressed by the group (source: RCW 43.03.220). While the exact definition of what lived experience means for each workgroup will vary depending on the topic, it always refers to personal experience rather than academic knowledge or second-hand observational experience. 

“Advocates”

Any advocates (whether they be individuals or a nonprofit, organization, or group) who have taken an active leadership role in the work leading up to the establishment of the workgroup or who are actively involved in the workgroup on an ongoing basis. Stakeholders are not necessarily appointed members of workgroups. They may have been involved in developing the underlying legislation or executive action that established the workgroup or may represent people or interests that would be key to implementing the workgroup’s outcomes.