Thurston County is calling on residents with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to step forward and join the Council on Racial Equity & Inclusion.
Established under Resolution 16097, the council consists of seven to 15 members who live or work in the county.
The advisory body shall advise county officials on policies that impact historically overlooked communities. It is also a working blueprint aimed at helping government services be more inclusive and accountable.
The county officially confirmed on Tuesday, Feb. 25, that the council will guide policies on public access and civic representation.
The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), the Board of Health (BoH), and other county officials will use the council’s input to improve service accessibility.
Additionally, the council shall also work to elevate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices in policymaking so that local laws, ordinances and regulations accurately reflect the experiences of those people most impacted by inequities.
Council members will contribute to developing and updating the county’s Racial Equity Action Plan, a policy roadmap that advocates for fair and responsive government practices.
According to a statement, the council shall also provide input on recurring community assessments to track disparities in county services and recommend improvements based on their findings.
Beyond drafting recommendations, the council shall function as a platform for direct engagement with grassroots organizations, local advocacy groups and residents.
The county invites applications from all county residents, preferably with "diverse perspectives and experiences.”
Applicants must be willing to actively advocate for the historically underrepresented backgrounds and engage in activities uplifting racial equity. There are no specified term limits, but members must commit to consistent participation.
Applications are available through the county’s website. Interested individuals can reach out to PHSS_Boards@co.thurston.wa.us for more details.
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Southsoundguy
“Applicants must be willing to actively advocate for the historically underrepresented backgrounds and engage in activities uplifting racial equity.” In other words, anti-white. When is this boomer civil rights stupidity going to stop? It’s not 2015 anymore, this crap isn’t hip (not that it ever truly was).
Saturday, March 1 Report this
Snevets
@Southsoundguy STFFASTFU...You are the one that's antiquated.
Saturday, March 1 Report this
Andy_Crow
People other than white or Christian isn't the same as anti-white or anti-christian. Playing victim as the majority is the highest form of cowardice.
Saturday, March 1 Report this
JW
Can we get someone on this council to represent property owners trying to get permits so they can get some equitable treatment instead of crapped on?
Saturday, March 1 Report this
Boatyarddog
S.S. GUY once again you SHOW this Community HOW Immature and Frankly OUT OF PLACE IN OLYMPIA YOU truly are.
SNEVETS IS completely Correct.
So, This position is NOT FOR YOU!
Others Much better suited and MUCH MORE rounded in LIFE in General will Head this up Beautifully!
While You continue to ACT THE PART OF A STAUNCHY FOOL.
CIVIL RIGHTS NEVER END.
GO TO YOUR CORNER AND CRY IT OUT!
Saturday, March 1 Report this
Boatyarddog
HOW ABOUT YOU JW get that Council position and Just See If you gain any Traction.
Move to RAINER, or Yelm... you just might get elected there.
Saturday, March 1 Report this
Southsoundguy
lol! Peak liberalism was 2015 and it is crashing like a meteor. BYE!
Saturday, March 1 Report this
Boatyarddog
@southsoundguy.
Racism, is A rampant disease for Those White People that feel they are special and Priviledged. You fit that culture, and feel threatened! That is NOT Truth. No one Is Trying To replace you. This Disease is Pretty darn Common in America, considering that most White People came To America as Immigrants.
Sunday, March 2 Report this
JW
If you think rampant racism is a public health emergency in Thurston county then congratulations, the woke mind virus has reached peak replication in your brain.
Monday, March 3 Report this
burkemeister
No, Boatyarddog, I’m afraid he’s right—both you and Snevets are holding onto outdated ideas. Southsoundguy is simply expressing frustration over the widespread indoctrination of destructive ideologies. Ironically, in the name of inclusion, these very ideologies end up telling people they are neither valued nor welcome in the conversation.
Racial Equity & Inclusion councils and administrators, which come at a steep financial cost, also bring a deeper price: division. These initiatives are direct products of Critical Race Theory, which itself is rooted in Marxist ideology—an ideology with a long history of failure and destruction. By replacing class struggle with racial struggle, CRT inevitably fosters division rather than unity. It promotes race-based discrimination under the banner of "equity" and fuels resentment rather than reconciliation—exactly what we see playing out here in this discussion.
Addressing racial injustice is important, but CRT’s approach undermines individual rights, equal treatment under the law, and social cohesion. A better path forward would focus on colorblind fairness, personal responsibility, and shared principles that unite rather than divide.
Friday, March 7 Report this