Employee Giving Program committee recruiting new members

New members are being recruited for the Employee Giving Program committee. This team works on strategic planning, policy development and recommendations, process improvements, employee engagement, communications and marketing, and project planning and implementation.

The committee is looking for members that are passionate about creating opportunities for King County employee engagement, are interested to learn about and strengthen relationships with participating nonprofit agencies, and are lifelong learners wanting to further develop their leadership skills as part of a high performing team. Read more.

Black Women's Experience Project and Survey

A message from Anita Whitfield, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

The Black/African Women’s Affinity Group is conducting a study, called the ‘Black Women’s Experience Project,’ to identify and better understand the root causes of any issues that may lead to an unhealthy workplace culture for Black women and ultimately all employees.

A key part of the Black Women’s Experience Project is an all-employee survey, which we are inviting you to participate in between now and Feb. 20, 2023. While the overall project centers on the experiences of Black women, King County encourages all employees to take the survey as we ultimately want to understand the experiences of any employees who may be experiencing inequities in the workplace.

Responses to the survey are meant to collect general information on employee experiences and will be anonymous, with no personally identifying information. Please see the FAQs to learn more about the Black Women’s Experience Project.

If you have a specific concern about your experience as a county employee, please see the County anti-harassment policy for information about reporting those concerns.

Raptor rescued and relocated from airport

Cross-posted from Plane Talk

Thanks to George Pierce, airport operations specialist at King County International Airport (KCIA), and Scott Gilbert, a wildlife biologist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an adult red-tailed hawk has been relocated safely from the airport to a rural environment.

Birds who make their homes near the airport are a hazard to pilots, planes, and passengers. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there are more than 10,000 bird strikes per year in the U.S., with an average of more than 26 hits each day. Read more.

Security tips: Keep devices and software up to date

You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important?

As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, take a closer look. Read more.

Black History Month film series: In the Heat of the Night

In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of Executive Services is presenting a three-part film education series from the golden era of Black cinema. 

The first film in the series is In the Heat of the Night, starring Sidney Poitier, from 1967. This neo-film noir is considered one of Hollywood's greatest classics. In 2002, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.

The presentation will include commentary from Marlon Brown, activist, community strategist, and co-owner of Racial Equity Consultants. 

• Friday, Feb. 10 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Passcode required.

To obtain the passcode for this event, or for more information, contact Cecelia Hayes.

Financial Wellness for people of African descent

In observance and celebration of Black History Month, My Secure Advantage (MSA) is hosting a special presentation that anyone can attend. During this webinar, MSA presenters will provide a roadmap to help identify and address opportunities to reduce financial stress and increase financial wellness in African American communities.

The webinar will lay the foundation for developing a personalized action plan to build, grow, and transfer wealth using budget, credit and debt management strategies. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about investing and retirement education and participate in a discussion of asset protection and transfer to future generations through insurance and estate planning.

• Thursday, Feb. 16. Register for 9 a.m. Register for noon. 

Administrative Professionals Partners presents: The Dynamics of Project Management.

The next Administrative Professionals Partners (APP) event will feature subject matter experts Ronald Atherley, Cristina Mccalla (Metro PMO), Brad Steinmetz, and Martine Kaiser (PSB PMO), along with peer administrative professionals, sharing their experiences, tools, skills, and career path options in Project Management.

Join other administrative professionals for this informative session and discover the project manager in you. The session is casual and conversational with a Q&A. 

• Tuesday, Feb. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Join via Teams.

Join the KC-Admin Professionals Network Teams site to stay connected.

Find a primary care provider

Research shows that people with a primary care provider (PCP) enjoy better health outcomes. People who have a relationship with a primary care provider as their usual source of care are more likely to receive high-value care, have better access to care, and report a higher satisfaction with their health care. 

A PCP who you see regularly is likely to find problems sooner and can be a trusted resource who follows you over time. Seeing your PCP regularly can also help save money and avoid more costly care, such as an emergency room visit.

Now is the time to schedule your annual wellness visit and to find a PCP you like, if you haven't already. Read more about how to find a PCP on the Balanced You blog.

Pet of the Week: Dottie

Hello, my name is Dottie. I'm a two-year-old female German Shorthaired Pointer/Australian Cattle Dog mix that would love to be your new bestie! I am very treat motivated, and enjoy toys. I may not get along with other dogs - but I really love people!

You can find out more about me and my friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has moved back to walk-in services. Find out more information about our adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.