Kids & Family

Snohomish County to Take a 'Stand Against Racism'

The event is Friday in Everett.

Snohomish County employees and elected officials will join the YWCA Seattle-King-Snohomish on Friday, April 27, to take a “Stand Against Racism.” The hour-long event, which begins at noon, is open to the public.

Snohomish County was one of the first governments throughout the state to “Stand Against Racism” when it joined the YWCA last year in pledging to fight against racism while promoting inclusion and diversity.

Employees and elected officials from Snohomish County will gather on the County Campus Plaza, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, from Noon to 1 p.m. for the reading of a joint resolution in support of the “Stand Against Racism” as well as a joint resolution reaffirming the county’s own pledge in 1999 to create a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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“We cannot and will not tolerate racism at any level of Snohomish County government,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “As our county population continues to diversify, we must also be sure we’re offering services that take into account all differences.”

The 1999 joint resolution created the county’s Diversity Council, an advisory council representing the employees of Snohomish County. The Diversity Council is composed of a cross-section of employees from the organization with at least one representative from each Executive department, the County Council and offices of individually elected officials. 

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The Snohomish County Diversity Council recommends resources, education, training, outreach and support to enhance a diverse and inclusive environment within Snohomish County Government so as to respect and support the ethnic identity and cultural diversity of all employees and citizens Snohomish County serves. 

“We are excited and pleased to have found such a strong and supportive ‘Stand Against Racism’ partner in Snohomish County,” said Mary Anne Dillon, the YWCA’s senior regional director for Snohomish County. “The YWCA of Seattle-King-Snohomish focuses on eliminating the enduring disparities which disproportionately affect women and families of color. The Stand is not only intended to raise awareness of the issues of racism but to affect real change in the lives of family, friends and co-workers through a process that identifies and eradicates the barriers that divide us and perpetuates racism and other forms of oppression.”

The YWCA’s Stand Against Racism is a program dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. More than 260,000 people nationwide took a stand last year.

Racism can take many different forms. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Discrimination.
- Personal attacks of any kind, including violence.
- Written or verbal threats or insults.
- Damage to property, including graffiti.


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