This October marks the second year that Filipino American History Month has been officially recognized in Washington state. In the spirit of this year’s theme of “The History of Filipino American Activism,” we will be taking this chance to highlight the work of Fil-Am activists in shaping Washington history.

Join us on our Facebook page as we highlight Fil-Am changemakers then and now: Uncle Bob Santos, Fred and Dorothy Cordova, Tukwila City Councilmember Cynthia Delostrinos-Johnson, Bremerton City Councilmember Leslie Daugs, CAPAA Commissioner Julio Diaz, Commissioner Emeritus Rey Pascua, and so many more.

Small business owners now have more places to seek culturally and linguistically relevant help for dealing with COVID-19, thanks to expansion of the Small Business Resiliency Assistance program announced today by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Twenty partner organizations are available to help small businesses and nonprofits. API-specific organizations include:

For a full list of community trusted messengers partnering with the Department of Commerce, go to https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/technical-assistance-from-trusted-community-messengers/

To contact the outreach team for the Department of Commerce:
Community Engagement and Outreach
Community.Outreach@commerce.wa.gov
206-256-6153

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is hiring for a Legislative and Policy Liaison to join their team. This position, located in Olympia, Washington, will play a key role in developing, communicating, and advocating for legislative change related to PESB education policy issues in a fast-paced environment. This position will also assist in external relations, communications, and community engagement initiatives that foster statewide partnerships and opportunities for the agency.

Applications are due by Wednesday, September 30th.

For more information and to apply to the job, go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2861586/pesb-legislative-and-policy-liaison

The Department of Health (DOH) is hiring 2 Equity and Social Justice Consultants.  Both positions will be focused on engagement & outreach to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and one of these positions will have an intentional focus on the disability community.

The salary is $5,630.00 – $7,387.00 Monthly

Applications are due by Tuesday, October 6th.

For more information and to apply to the job, go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/doh/jobs/2868486/covid-19-equity-and-social-justice-consultant-ma-5-project-doh5079

The City of Salinas, CA is looking for a City Manager.

The qualified candidate will be able to negotiate challenging political waters, while remaining focused on organizational goals, managing a strong executive team, and working with a passionate and involved City Council. The successful candidate will be a visionary, strategic leader and planner who can work with City Council, staff, union representative, and other key stakeholders to achieve economic growth and improve the quality of life for all City residents.

The salary range for the City Manager is $224,085 – $248,577 DOQ.

Applications are due by Monday, October 19, 2020.

For more information, go to https://executivesearch.cpshr.us/JobDetail?ID=1686

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is hiring for a number of different positions. A diverse and representative DSHS workforce is beneficial to the people of Washington State because a diverse skills base allows for a broader, higher quality, and more adaptable range of services.

For more information on specific positions, go to www.careers.wa.gov
For questions, call 360.725.5810.

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse citizens 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 citizens.  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.

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!

This gubernatorial appointment openings list was last updated 9/9/2020.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced $15,000,000 in grant funds to expand aerospace workforce training and education in the state. The grant is focused on expanding the following in Washington State:

• The number of Registered Apprenticeships;
• Apprenticeship Preparation opportunities;
• Aerospace-related training and education programs.

To view the full details of this opportunity, login now at:
https://pr-webs-vendor.des.wa.gov/Search_BidDetails.aspx?ID=44415

Applications for the grant are due by Sunday, October 11, 2020.

For grant details, contact Jordan Shepherd, Management Analyst, Apprenticeship Section
Desk: (360) 902-5520
Cell:   (360) 628-1314

The Washington State Department of Commerce is partnering with School’s Out Washington to distribute approximately $9 million in state COVID-19 funding to support programs serving school age kids and young adults facing the most significant challenges to educational and economic opportunity.

A call for reviewers from communities around the state is needed to evaluate proposals on a regional basis to make awards by November 2020.

More details regarding this opportunity, and how to apply for a grant or to become a reviewer, are available at: http://youthdevrelief.schoolsoutwashington.org/

Registration is now open for OneWorld Now’s afterschool program for students grades 8-12! This year, they will be offering three tracks:

The deadline to register is September 27th, but all classes will be capped at 17 students, and it is first-come, first-served. The program begins the week of October 12th and is open to all youth in 8th-12th grade.

Students can learn more here: https://oneworldnow.org/programs/program/

And register here: bit.ly/oneworldnow2020

Disability Rights Washington is co-hosting a transit storytelling workshop with Asian Counseling and Referral Services, Hopelink, King County Mobility Coalition, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness and Transportation Choices on Wednesday, September 30th, from 9 – 10:30 AM.

Every day, people take the bus to essential jobs and services. Transit is a lifeline for so many of us; but the COVID pandemic has threatened transit in Seattle and across the country.  As we look toward recovery from the pandemic, we must keep transit rider stories front and center to maintain support for transit service!

For more information and to register for the workshop, go to https://transportationchoices.org/event-interactive-storytelling-workshop/

Join Helping Link for their virtual gala to celebrate 27 years of service! The gala will be on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.

All proceeds will go to supporting Helping Link’s mission of connecting and empowering the Vietnamese community through education, social service, and culture.

For more information, contact Helping Link via email: events@helpinglink.org or at our website: www.helpinglink.org.

The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is convening a listen and learn session for communities of color to discuss upcoming new programs for social equity in cannabis. Communities of color have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs while also denied the economic opportunities after the legalization of cannabis.

Learn about LCB’s Social Equity Task Force and share your experiences at these virtual community meetings. Register now at https://lcb.wa.gov/socialequityevents

Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC), Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, and Pierce County Office of Emergency Management are partnering to host free drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Saturday Sep 26, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. No health insurance or I.D. required for testing. You do not need to show symptoms to qualify for testing. The drive-thru testing address is: 4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409

Call APCC at (253) 383-3900 for more information or visit the TPCHD site at https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/diseases/covid-19/testing-information

For the first time ever, the Washington Business Fair is going virtual! We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit our API businesses particularly hard, and we need resources to help our businesses and communities get back on their feet. Join us on Tuesday, November 10th for a day of networking with business experts, local government agencies, advisors, and many more to learn about resources available to business owners.

For more information, email info@bizfair.org

The June 30, 2020, edition of WSDOT’s quarterly performance report (Gray Notebook 78)  is now available and follows the agency’s progress with its strategic plan by focusing on inclusion, practical solutions and workforce development. Gray Notebook 78.

The Gray Notebook can be viewed at and printed from the WSDOT accountability website (www.wsdot.wa.gov/accountability). Please feel free to share this message with staff and colleagues. For more copies, or if you have comments and suggestions, please contact Sreenath Gangula, Assistant Director, Performance Management, at (360) 705-6888 (Sreenath.Gangula@wsdot.wa.gov) or Joe Irwin, Performance Reporting Manager, at (360) 705-6879 (Joe.Irwin@wsdot.wa.gov).

The State Department of Commerce just unveiled a new Economic Recovery Dashboard for tracking recovery efforts across the state. It is a unique tool for analyzing and visualizing data from public and private organizations to reliably examine the impact of COVID-19 on the state’s economy. The dashboard details, on regional, demographic and industry sector levels, numerous metrics that could help guide state and local leaders as they chart a path to an equitable, statewide economic recovery.

The dashboard is available to the public on the Commerce website.

On August 3rd, the Census Bureau announced that it would be shortening the time to respond to the Census from October 31st to September 30th. However, on September 24th, a judge in the Northern District of California ruled in the case against the current truncated timeline for the 2020 Census. She deemed the decision to shorten the timeline to have been arbitrary and capricious, and she suspended its implementation, especially as it relates to ending data collection on September 30, 2020 and delivering apportionment data to the President on December 31, 2020.

While the Administration is expected to appeal this decision to the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, this is a victory for our communities. If the court order remains, people will have until the end of October to fill out the Census. Many communities in Washington, especially rural communities, have yet to be counted.

Nearly 4 out of 10 households still have not responded to the census. Once the count is over, we will have to wait another 10 years for the next one. Everyone needs to be counted.

Asians and Pacific Islanders are among the traditionally under-counted populations. We need an accurate count now, to plan for our community’s needs and account for proper government representation. The future of our community starts right now. Remind and encourage your friends and family to complete the #2020Census.

If you want to avoid a home visit from a census taker, respond now. It only takes a few moments to complete the census questionnaire at online at https://2020census.gov/

Assistance for Small Businesses Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Advance Program: In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners and non-profit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).  EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and loan advance SBA Express Bridge Loans: Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan. SBA Debt Relief: As part of our coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. This relief is not available for Paycheck Protection Program loans or Economic Injury Disaster loans. More information can be found below: Overview Additional Debt Relief Lender Guidance IRS Highlights Online Resources during Small Business Week; Many Resources Available in Multiple Languages (HERE) In support of National Small Business Week– September 22 to 24 – the Internal Revenue Service is emphasizing the many IRS online resources available to help small business owners and self-employed individuals handle the tax aspects of their business. SBA National Small Business Week Virtual Conference September 22-24 (HERE) As part of National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host all virtual events September 22-24, 2020. This year’s National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation’s small businesses look to pivot and recover, contributing to a stronger economy. The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year. Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2: President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on September 17 that USDA will implement an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, CFAP 2, will provide producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. CFAP 2 follows the first round of CFAP, which had an application period of May 26 through September 11. You can learn more about USDA’s initial Coronavirus Food Assistance Program by visiting gov/cfap1. Producers can apply for assistance beginning Sept. 21, 2020. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 11, 2020. Additional information and application forms can be found at gov/cfap. Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested. All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap/apply. For existing FSA customers, including those who participated in CFAP 1, many documents are likely already on file. Producers should check with FSA county office to see if any of the forms need to be updated. In addition to CFAP 2, USDA has other programs and services available to farmers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more at gov/coronavirus. Assistance for American Workers and Families American Workforce Policy Advisory Board – Call to Action: The American Workforce Policy Advisory Board has released a call-to-action to help the millions of workers who need assistance now, and build the resilient and agile workforce of the future powered by skilled American workers. Specific actions: Expedite American workers’ return to employment and upward mobility by investing in career pathways and implementing skills-based hiring practices. Remove obstacles to the modernization of American education and training to accelerate reskilling and facilitate innovation in workforce development. Build the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work. Find Something New: FindSomethingNew.org can help workers of all ages and backgrounds identify the right path for their career goals by recommending multiple educational pathways, providing aptitude testing, offering a directory of critical resources for child care, food assistance, internet access and more. Educational pathways featured include online learning, professional certification programs, associate’s degrees, and vocational, technical and trades education. Economic Impact Payments: The CARES Act provides for Economic Impact Payments to American households of up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000 ( or $198,000 for joint filers) and $500 per child under 17 years old – or up to $3,400 for a family of four. More information can be found here. Preserving Jobs for American Industry: The CARES Act offers meaningful financial support to American businesses and job creators so they can better support employees and be prepared to get back to business as soon as possible. More information can be found here. Supporting Child Care: The CARES Act provided an additional $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support families with child care options during this public health crisis. Additional information and State-level information can be found here. Dislocated Worker Grants: The U.S. Department of Labor is providing Dislocated Worker Grants to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. State-by-State data and additional details can be found here. Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions: On August 8th, 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure Americans facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus do not face eviction or foreclosure. CDC Notice: Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19 CDC Declaration: Halt Evictions to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19 FHA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium for Homeowners Through Year End Executive Order on Fighting the Spread of COVID-19 by Providing Assistance to Renters and Homeowners President Donald J. Trump is Working to Stop Evictions and Protect Americans Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic WATCH: President Trump’s Executive Order Protects from Eviction School and Child Care Programs: The CDC and U.S. Department of Education continue to provide resources and tools for school administrators, teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers as schools open this fall. The Importance of Reopening America’s Schools this Fall School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians Operating schools during COVID-19: CDC’s Considerations Cleaning, Disinfection, and Hand Hygiene in Schools – a Toolkit for School Administrators Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020 Guidance for K-12 School Administrators on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations Interim Considerations for K-12 School Administrators for SARS-CoV-2 Testing Strategies for Protecting K-12 School Staff from COVID-19 Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers FAQ for School Administrators on Reopening Schools CARES Act Emergency Relief Remote Learning: Resources for Educators, Administrators and Related Service Providers Resources for Learning at Home Program Information: FAQs and Responses Waivers and Flexibility Assistance for Communities CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. These grants are being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit the recently updated EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page. Opportunity Zones: Opportunity Zones were created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on December 22, 2017, to stimulate economic development and job creation, by incentivizing long- term investments in low-income neighborhoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump directed the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to focus on underserved communities impacted by the virus. For more information, visit opportunityzones.gov. Opportunity Zones Best Practices Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 1 Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 2 Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Is Lifting Up and Driving New Prosperity in Previously Forgotten American Communities How to Help Donate COVID-19 Plasma If you have fully recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to help patients currently fighting the infection by donating your plasma. Because you fought the infection, your plasma now contains COVID-19 antibodies. These antibodies provided one way for your immune system to fight the virus when you were sick, so your plasma may be able to be used to help others fight off the disease. Learn more here. To find where you can donate source plasma, visit org. Donate Blood The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to the U.S. blood supply. Donor centers have experienced a dramatic reduction in donations due to the implementation of social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Blood is needed every day to provide lifesaving treatments to a variety of patients. You can help ensure that blood continues to be available for patients by finding a blood donor center near you to schedule your donation. Learn more here. To find where you can donate blood, visit org. Donate Supplies and Equipment If you represent a business that would like to donate medical supplies, equipment or pharmaceuticals, please provide details on what you would like to give. This form is for donations only. Sell Supplies and Equipment If you are interested in doing business with FEMA with your company’s non-medical goods and/or services, submit your inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Procurement Action Innovative Response Team (PAIR) team at DHSIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov. The federal government is purchasing medical supplies or equipment under the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Request for information (RFI). Visit the DLA website for more information. Developing Medical Countermeasures If you would like to meet with a federal agency regarding a vaccine, diagnostic, therapeutic or other medical device that you are developing for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, please go to gov. Other Forms of Help If you or someone you know represent a hospital or healthcare provider in need of medical supplies, please contact your state, local, tribal or territory department of public health and/or emergency management agency. If you represent a private sector business and wish to learn more about getting involved in a way that is not listed here, please e-mail nbeoc@max.govor visit our National Business Emergency Operations Center  For additional information, please visit FEMA’s website: www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. Guidelines for Opening Up America Again President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives. Testing Overview (HERE) Testing Blueprint (HERE) Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes (HERE) CDC guidance for Camps, Child Care Programs, Schools, Mass Transit, Restaurants And Bars, and Workplaces CDC Activities and Initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President’s Plan for Opening America Up Again (HERE) 🎬 WATCH: CDC Videos: Washing Hands Wearing Gloves Practicing Social Distancing Cleaning and Sanitizing Toys and Child Care Programs Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Homes Staying Safe at Aquatic Venues Considerations for Bars and Restaurants Wear a Mask to Protect You and Your Friends Key Times to Wear a Mask Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 COVID-19 Stop the Spread of Germs Know Your Risk of Getting COVID-19 How to Wear a Mask The Difference Between Quarantine and Isolation Maintaining Heart Health in COVID-19 Emergency Care for Heart Disease in COVID-19 How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home if Someone has COVID-19 Shopping for Food and Other Household Essentials I Think or Know I had COVID-19, and I had Symptoms. When Can I Be With Others? Stay Safe At Summer Camp Stop the Spread of Germs Spending Time with Friends and Family Who Need to Take Extra Precautions Visiting Friends and Family with Certain Medical Conditions​Stay Safe at the Pool and Beach How Did COVID-19 Get its Name?