Contact:

Nicole Miller MA, CDE®, Racial Equity Program Manager, (360) 754-3362 or Nicole.Miller@co.thurston.wa.us 

​OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) is pleased to announce applications are now open for the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion. You can find the application and apply here.

The BoCC is initially seeking seven Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, or BIPOC, community members to serve as the founding members of the council, with a minimum of 50% of those members residing outside the city limits of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Applicants ages 16 years and older are encouraged to apply, with the initial review occurring on May 31, 2022

Over the next three years, the racial equity council will grow to a total of 15 members with a goal of a vibrant membership representative of the many intersecting identities community members hold. The work of the advisory council is to provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, Board of Health, and elected and appointed officials to effect change in policy and practice so Thurston County is a vibrant community ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of generations to live, work, and play equitably. 

Current data is clear the outcomes and experiences of BIPOC community members are not equitable to their non-BIPOC counterparts in Thurston County. Thurston County government has an essential role in changing harmful public policies and practices that perpetuate systemic racism. This council will help advance racial equity so all lives can flourish. In addition, it will help foster a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in services to our diverse community. 

As a diverse county with approximately 29% of residents identifying as BIPOC), this council will be representative of BIPOC residents throughout all of Thurston County. This includes, Bucoda, Lacey, Olympia, Rainier, Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm, Chehalis Reservation, Nisqually Reservation, and unincorporated Thurston County.  

If you are interested in more information about the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion, please call Nicole Miller, MA, CDE® at 360-754-3362 or email at Nicole.Miller@co.thurston.wa.us

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