WithinReach's DEI Newsletter: July/August 2022 | |
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Update: Abortion and Reproductive Rights
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June is a direct attack on reproductive justice and bodily autonomy for many in our communities. We know many of you have been and continue to experience many confusing and challenging emotions during this time. We also know that equitable and safe access to health care is a human right, and the impacts of this decision will be most exacerbated by communities already impacted by deep health inequities, especially BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled and other marginalized communities.
Recently, in our own state, Seattle has been deemed a “sanctuary city” for those who seek or provide abortions. As a “sanctuary city”, Seattle police will not cooperate in arrests or investigations related to abortion bans in other states. With this good news, we also acknowledge that this is not the same reality and remains a very uncertain time for many. We hope you take time to take care of, be gentle of and do what you need for yourself and your communities.
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Celebrating Joy this Summer | |
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On another note, we’d like to acknowledge that celebration and grief can happen simultaneously and it’s important to take care of yourself and find things that bring you joy, especially now. Summer is a time for these experiences, and we hope to share community activities that help bring some joy into your day-to-day life! We encourage you to take time for yourself, reenergize and reconnect.
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Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: July 1-31 | |
This month brings awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. For 2022’s Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI will amplify the message of “Together for Mental Health.”
Read more on “How to Decolonize Mental Health Treatment for BIPOC” by Gabes Torres.
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Disability Pride Month: July 1-31 | |
Although not yet officially recognized in the United States, since 2004 Disability Pride Month has been celebrated with parades in cities including New York, Chicago, Madison, and Los Angeles. July was chosen because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990.
Learn More
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International Nonbinary People's Day: July 14 | |
A day to shine a light on those who identify as non-binary, International Nonbinary People’s Day celebrates the rich diversity of this community. Non-binary folks may identify as being both a man and a woman or as falling completely outside these categories. Many non-binary people also identify as transgender, though not all do.
Learn More
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International Self-Care Day - July 24 | |
Since 2011 International Self-Care Day has been symbolizing that the benefits of self-care are experienced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Self-care can help to reduce anxiety, depression, assist with stress management, increase concentration, improve energy levels and much more.
Learn More
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What's happening in August? | | |
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International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples - Aug. 9 | |
Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every August 9 commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Learn More
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International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition - Aug. 23 | |
This International Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. It was first celebrated in a number of countries, in particular in Haiti (1998) and Gorée Island in Senegal (1999).
Learn More
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Women's Equality Day - Aug. 26 | |
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting the right to vote to women. The amendment was first introduced in 1878. In 1971, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.
Learn More
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Team Updates | | |
August Affinity Groups and Prep Work | |
Thank you to our staff for showing up to June and July’s affinity groups and to our facilitators for holding these spaces! In preparation for our upcoming August affinity groups, please complete the pre-work below. See email from Kai Horton (sent on 7/26) for more information.
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It is important that you all make time to watch this recording ahead of joining an affinity space so you can have more context entering the sessions. Watching this recording is paid time and should take you about 1.5 hours to complete.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming August affinity groups:
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BIPOC: 8/10 from 9:30 – 11 am
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White-bodied: 8/17 from 9:30 – 11 am
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LGBTQIA+: 8/24 from 9:30 – 11 am
As a reminder: Please only attend the groups in which you hold that specific identity. You may hold more than one of these identities, we will be doing the same activity in each session so feel free to join just one session or multiple if you would like to do the activities with different aspects of your identity in mind more than once.
Do you have any DEI-related/DEI Newsletter feedback, resources or ideas? Email us at DEI@withinreachwa.org or utilize our DEI Feedback Form. This is a space for you to use your voice and be heard. This form gives you the opportunity to submit feedback anonymously as well.
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WithinReach would like to acknowledge that we occupy the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, Suquamish and Sauk-Suiattle Tribes and the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, past, present and future, and honor with gratitude the land itself. We see you, respect your right to sovereignty and self-determination, and are committed to being better listeners, learners and in lifting Indigenous voices. | | | | | |
