As 2023 comes to a close, CAAA wishes everyone a very happy holiday, Kwanza and New Year!
The 2024 legislative session begins January 8th, in Olympia. Scheduled to last 60 days, we will keep you informed about important proposals and bill progression with our Legislative Updates.
Save the date: African American Legislative Day is Monday, February 19th. The fight for justice and equal access for all people requires participation. Each and everyone of us should work to ensure the success and protection of liberties for our descendants. More information to follow!
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The Washington State Department of Labor & Industry announced that the statewide minimum wage will increase from $15.74 to $16.28 an hour beginning January 1, 2024. Washington employers must pay most employees at least the minimum wage for every hour worked.
Sometimes workers do not receive the pay they have earned.
Employers must pay employees for all work performed. Employers must pay employees an agreed-upon wage on a regular, scheduled payday – and pay them at least once per month. Employers have many options to pay employees – by check, cash, direct deposit, or even pre-paid payroll or debit cards, as long as there is no cost to the employee to access their wages.
Recently, a person told us they were not being paid: their hours had been reduced and told their pay was 'going towards their taxes.' When they asked for a paystub, it was refused. This is an unlawful practice!
Employees who do not receive all wages due for work performed may file a Workplace Rights Complaint through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Businesses can not retaliate against a worker who files a complaint!
Has your claim for unemployment been denied due to a voluntary quit? File an appeal within 30 days of the denial: Under certain circumstances, you may receive unemployment anyway. If your hours were cut or the worksite moved making it a hardship - you may still qualify for benefits. Learn more about appeals
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is launching a statewide Youth Advisory Group for the HearMeWA Program. Launching early next year, the program receives and responds to tips regarding risks or potential risks to the safety and well-being of youth.
The purpose of the HearMeWA Youth Advisory Group is to get guidance from youth with lived experiences on how to make the program as effective as possible. Youth Advisory Group members will be paid for their time and will provide meaningful input to the decision making process.
Youth will have the opportunity to:
- Be in conversations with their peers and make suggestions when it comes to the program in terms of its branding, marketing and advertising, scope of influence, accountability, recruitment, and program feedback.
- Gain leadership opportunities to facilitate and conduct meetings, compose notes, and hold the group accountable to the groups’ purpose and the community agreements.
- Become more conscious of and knowledgeable about community issues and the larger factors that affect their and others lives.
- Provide a youth-orientated perspective.
- Represent the Youth Advisory Group at events to create awareness.
Youth of all backgrounds between the ages of 12-25 and living in Washington State are asked to participate! If you are motivated and passionate about helping other young people, please apply! Don't be afraid to express yourself! .
Please submit an application by 5:00 PM January 1, 2024. Applications will be thoroughly reviewed and applicants can expect to hear about their submission by January 22. Those selected members will learn more about the group and its expectations, including dates and times of meetings, roles and responsibilities, and more. Virtual meetings will occur quarterly on Tuesday evenings with the first meeting scheduled for February 20, 2024.
Click this link for the youth application: https://www.research.net/r/youthadvisorygroupapplication
Please share this information with others who may qualify. Questions? Please email us at youthprogram@atg.wa.gov. Thank you!
The 2024 Pierce County Art Grant program application window opens Monday, Dec. 8. The grant program is designed to increase access to the arts, develop educational programs, provide support for unincorporated and underserved areas of Pierce County, and celebrate cultural diversity.
This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations located in Pierce County offering arts education, art programming, or art experiences to lower-income youth or underserved individuals who reside in Pierce County outside the city limits of Tacoma. The art project must take place between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2024.
Awards range from $500 to $5,000. Applications can be submitted online by 3 p.m. on Jan. 22. A virtual application workshop will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. to help answer questions about the Art Grant program. Join the online workshop, for more information or to apply, visit the Art Grant program website: www.PierceCountyWa.gov/ArtGrant.
Know of an community event? Share it with us! Forward the details to ckerney@caaa.wa.gov
Is college or a training program on your mind? Questions about how to pay for education after high-school or adult learning programs? Financial aid available. It all starts with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid also known as the FAFSA.
Different from previous years, the form has been streamlined and will be available by Dec. 31st, 2023.
Get a head start on the process: The Washington Student Achievement Council has a wealth of information about both federal and state financial aid programs and grants. Grants do not have to be paid back! View the www.wsac.wa.gov website or call/email Student Financial Assistance staff with questions finaid@wsac.wa.gov or 888.535.0747
For those in the Vancouver area, attend one of three upcoming FAFSA help sessions. Click the poster below to register.
 Wait! Hold up! I don't know how to choose a career!
The Washington College and Career Compass website is where you begin! Find guidance and resources based on your interests. Anyone can use this tool to help you find the training or formal education you need! Do you need forklift training or training to help you get ahead? Prepare yourself for tomorrow and find a course/module near you!
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