Thursday, October 1, 2026
Universal Human Rights Month was declared in Thurston County with the unveiling of a proclamation featuring a message about choosing to see people as human beings connected by shared place in the world rather than strangers divided by difference.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners endorsed the proclamation during a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Universal Human Rights Month derives from the Dec. 10, 1948, adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The declaration enshrined basic rights and protections for all humanity.
The Washington State Human Rights Commission enforces laws barring discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and insurance transactions. The agency investigates complaints and provides education on civil rights protections.
Andreta Armstrong, Executive Director for the Washington State Human Rights Commission, addressed the board remotely. The observance rests on inherent human dignity shared across communities rather than characteristics that divide them.
"Every person, regardless of race, religion, belief or culture, shares the same inherent dignity," Armstrong said. "It is time to pause, look around us and choose to see one another, not as strangers, divided by difference, but as human beings connected by our shared place in this world."
Armstrong recounted a professional relationship years ago with someone from a different country, faith tradition and cultural background. Both parties exchanged questions about customs and traditions.
"At first, I'll admit, I approached the relationship cautiously," Armstrong said. "I worried about saying the wrong thing or not understanding something important about their customs, but they welcomed my questions, and I invited them to ask about mine."
She learned about the person's celebrations, food, expressions, and values related to family and community. The other person learned about Armstrong's history, traditions and experiences that shaped her world view.
"What surprised me most was how natural understanding developed, where assumptions once lived, how quickly connections grew once curiosity replaced hesitation, and how beautifully my own life was enriched far beyond anything I could have predicted, simply because I chose to embrace someone whose culture differed from my own," Armstrong said.
Approaching differences with humility and openness yields returns greater than risks, she told the board. Such engagement produces wisdom, perspective and empathy.
"We gain wisdom, we gain perspectives. We deepen our capacity for empathy, one of the most essential tools we have in building communities that are safe, inclusive and strong," Armstrong said.
Thurston County can build connection through policies, programs and everyday interactions at schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and in small moments of daily life, Armstrong said.
She then invited all residents to dig deeper and slow things down.
"Who in my life might I understand better if I slow down and reached across our differences?" she said.
Answering that question affirms a foundational human rights principle, she added.
"Every person deserves to be seen, heard and valued," Armstrong said.
She thanked the commissioners for recognizing Universal Human Rights Month and for their commitment to “fostering a community where every individual can live with dignity, respect and opportunity.”
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AugieH
"Universal Human Rights Month was declared in Thurston County with the unveiling of a proclamation featuring a message about choosing to see people as human beings connected by shared place in the world rather than strangers divided by difference. "
Putting words in a proclamation requires no effort from the proclaimers. So, how does one observe Universal Human Rights Month? Put up decorations similar to Christmas lights and a tree? Fly a special flag?
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
OldKid
For AugieH
Be the person who is open to all who cross your path. Be interested in others' stories and beliefs. Share yourself with others, and honor their differences.
When the government takes actions that harm others, but not you, stand up for the others. You could be next.
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
No such thing.
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
Look at the MAGA trash here proclaiming their disdain for human rights.
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
HappyOlympian
Hooray for everybody! Except for...."Look at the MAGA trash here proclaiming their disdain for human rights.".....so kind of universal, as long as you agree we like you. Not even a MAGA and find this a bit hypocritical, right on, CobraFollower.
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
Snevets
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
RiriSD
Thank you, The JOLT News and Thurston County
Friday, December 5, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
HappyOlympian - Yes, trashy people don't believe in human rights. Thank you for letting us all know where you stand.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 Report this
Snevets
Bravo.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 Report this
Wesley
Was the universal/fundamental human right of armed self defense with the gun of one's sole choosing mentioned?
Saturday, December 6, 2025 Report this
ClownPenis88
Hopefully the will encourage these rights during hearings and investigations through the Thurston Superior Court BACK LOGGED
Monday, December 8, 2025 Report this