August Newsletter: COVID-19 Updates, Job Opportunities, and Upcoming Events

Date
As Washington state COVID-19 hospitalizations reach an all-time high, Governor Inslee has announced several restrictions and requirements to address the public health crisis.

Effective Monday, August 23, all individuals are required to wear masks in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.

Additionally, Governor Inslee announced vaccine mandates for state employees, private health care workers, long term care workers, and educators. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • State workers in executive cabinet agencies, regardless of teleworking status
  • On-site contractors
  • K -12 educators
  • School staff
  • Coaches
  • Bus drivers
  • School volunteers
  • Higher education faculty and staff
  • Licensed, certified and contracted early learning and childcare programs
  • License-exempt early learning, childcare and youth-development programs
  • Contractors (coaches, volunteers, trainers, etc.)

This new requirement includes well-defined exemptions to the vaccine. Individuals with legitimate medical reasons or sincerely held religious reasons will be exempt. The exemptions do not include personal or philosophical objections.

For more information about the vaccine mandate for educators and the indoor mask mandate, read the full release here.

For more information about the vaccine mandate for state employees, private health care, and long-term care workers, read the full release here.

Additionally, a DOH vaccine fact sheet is available.

We’ve updated our sponsorship policies!

Our mission is to improve the lives of Asian Pacific Americans in Washington State by ensuring their access to participation in the fields of government, business, education, and other areas. To that end, the Commission has the capabilities to provide fiscal sponsorship as co-sponsor for a celebration, event, or organizing effort. If your organization has upcoming events, you may apply for sponsorship of up to $500 per event.

Before applying for sponsorship, please read all criteria, guideline, and stipulations at Apply-for-sponsorship

Requests must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the event.

On August 25, join us for a special edition of Conversations with CAPAA, where we hold conversations with leaders throughout the state.

We’re thrilled to welcome RaShelle Davis, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Inslee, who will be discussing the capital budget request process!

The state capital budget approves money for the construction and repair of public buildings, as well as grants and loans to local governments or nonprofit organizations for infrastructure, broadband, housing, and cultural and heritage facilities.

Wednesday, August 25th, 12 PM

Tune in live: facebook.com/wacapaa

The Center for Environmental Law & Policy (CELP) is looking for voices from ANHPI community join their Board of Directors. CELP is the leading non profit organization in our state dedicated to the protection of water resources, as well as the response to climate change.

CELP is also holding an event, Celebrate Water, on Thursday, September 9. The event is held annually to honor a local water hero, reflect on victories for our waters, and raise funds to continue protecting waters in Washington.

For more information, reach out to Steve Robinson at Water4fish@comcast.net.

Last Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau held a news conference to discuss the release of the first local level results from the 2020 Census. The information released showed that, for another decade, ANHPIs are the fastest-growing minorities in the across the nation.

The information, including interactive visualizations and data tools, is available on the Census Bureau’s website here: https://www.census.gov/newsroo…

A national project from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking AAPI-identifying individuals who are living with chronic pain in Washington State for a 2-hour online meeting to give feedback on the project. The project is focused on using cognitive behavioral therapy to help those living with chronic pain.

The meeting discussion will focus on how the team can better connect with and engage individuals about the project. No one who attends will be asked to join the project or for any commitment beyond the 2-hour meeting – we’re just interested in hearing honest opinions and feedback. Participants will be compensated $50 (Amazon Gift Card, but alternatives available including bank/cash card).

For more information, please reach out to Leah Dunkel of Vanderbilt University Medical Center leah.dunkel@vumc.org) or at 615-343-2858.

Compact of Free Association (COFA) Islander Health Care began in 2019 as a Health Care Authority program that pays the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for eligible COFA Islanders. Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) was restored for individuals from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau on December 27, 2020 through the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This means COFA Islanders living in Washington may now be eligible for Apple Health, including individuals currently enrolled in COFA Islander programs.

More information about Apple Health:

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all Washington residents ages 12 and up. If you or a loved one have not yet been vaccinated, there’s an easy way to find vaccinations near you! The Washington State Department of Health has a Vaccine Locator page available, or you can call 1-800-525-0127. Language assistance is available.

If you or someone you know is homebound and not able to leave the house to get the COVID-19 vaccine, homebound vaccination services are available through this survey: https://redcap.link/WA_HomeBasedVax.

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse residents who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of our residents. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government.

We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities.

As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities. Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application. Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved!

Civil Engineer | City of Lynwood Department of Public Works | August 24, 2021

Consensus Organizer (East and Southeast Asian communities) | EastHUB | Open until filled

Education Coalition Manager | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Immigrant Integration Director | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Managing Director | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Washington New Americans (WNA) Program Associate | OneAmerica | Open until filled

Habitat Improvement Projects Manager | Pierce Conservation District | Open until filled

Adoptions Recruitment Supervisor | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families | August 29, 2021

Pharmacy and Health Records Operations Manager | Washington State Department of Corrections | Open until filled

Construction Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Eastern Regional Compliance and Enforcement Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Fiscal Analyst 2 – Accounts Payable | Washington State Department of Ecology | August 29, 2021

Management Analyst 3 – Private Lands Access & Game Division Coordinator | Washington State Department of Ecology | September 19, 2021

Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU) Supervisor (WMS Band 1) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Municipal Stormwater Grant Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Senior Regional Shoreline Planner (Environmental Planner 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

SWM SRS Section Manager (WMS Band 2) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled

Electrician – Electrical & Preventative Maintenance – CAMP | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife | September 16, 2021

Fish Hatchery Specialist 2 | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife | August 25, 2021

Scientific Technician 2 – Fish Program | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife | August 25, 2021

Training and Development Strategist, Human Resource Consultant 4 | Washington State Department of Natural Resources | Open until filled

Executive Director | Washington State Gambling Commission | Open until filled

Administrative Assistant 3, Student Engagement & Support | Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction | September 6, 2021

Bilingual Education Program Supervisor | Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction | August 31, 2021

Director of Data Governance | Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction | September 1, 2021

Language Access Program Supervisor | Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction | August 30, 2021

Title II, Part A Program Supervisor | Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction | August 29, 2021

Access and Visitation Services RFP | Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | August 30, 2021

Adobe Experience Manager Implementation RFP | Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | September 7, 2021

Cultural Humility Training for Residential Care Services | Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | September 21, 2021