Special campaign to support people affected by war in Ukraine

The King County Employee Giving Program has set up a special campaign to support the people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Between now and 5 p.m. March 28, King County employees can convert accrued vacation leave and/or earned compensatory time – a minimum of four hours to a maximum of 40 hours – into cash donations to one or all of these organizations:

• Global Impact - Ukraine Response Fund #3500
• Médecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders #4172
• Ukrainian Community Center of Washington #9385

In addition to leave and compensatory time, one-time payroll donations, e-check, or credit card are also accepted. Prosecuting Attorney's Office employees can donate by one-time payroll donations, e-check or credit card, but may not donate leave or compensatory time.

This special campaign will be open through 5 p.m. March 28. Please use this form to contribute and find answers to your questions here.

Recognizing the “face” of Metro on Transit Operator Appreciation Day!

Cross-posted from Metro Matters

Friday, March 18, is Transit Operator Appreciation Day, an opportunity to thank and recognize the people who help us get from a place to place, by land, sea, rail and streetcar, vanpool, and Access van.

A celebration with Seattle roots is now a global event, thanking the most visible people in our mobility system: our operators. Click here to read the full story.

Celebrating Transit Appreciation Week on the water!

Cross-posted from The Captain's Blog

While the majority of the trips Metro provides is of the “wheeled” variety, Metro is proud to have a waterborne component of the regional transportation system, the King County Water Taxi!

The staff that supports the West Seattle and Vashon Island service is responsible for the operation, moorage, and maintenance of the vessels providing passenger-only services from Pier 50. Whether it’s taking a family for a bike trip on Vashon, or helping people avoid the traffic during the repair of the West Seattle Bridge, Metro is on the water every day.

"Dream big. Never stop trying and learning."

Patti Cole-Tindall, interim King County Sheriff, recently spoke to the graduating class of TRAC, which stands for Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching. This program is a 16-week state registered pre-apprentice opportunity that prepares incarcerated women for entry into an apprenticeship with the building trades industry.

Students shared heartfelt stories of their struggles and inspirations during the virtual graduation and Sheriff Cole-Tindall offered words of advice to those who completed the program. Read the full story here.

New movie shows off the 'reel' Seattle thanks to county support

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express

HBO’s new Steven Soderbergh film, KIMI, showcases Seattle in a way few films do, with Zoë Kravitz running around the city as tech worker Angela. While most movies featuring Seattle are produced elsewhere, the outdoor scenes in the film were actually shot in the city, 

One of the pivotal scenes in the movie was filmed outside the King County Administration Building last May. Read how the Facilities Management Division employees helped make it all possible.

Superior Court Women's History Month event March 30

The Courts and Community Committee presents a special Women's History Month event entitled Black Women Judges: Trailblazers and Contemporaries. This is a retrospective of Black women on the bench and the implications for today's judiciary. 

The guest speaker is the Honorable Angela C. Robinson, retired Connecticut Superior Court Judge and author of First Black Women Judges: The Story of Three Black Women Judges in the United States. 

• Wednesday, March 30 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Access the event on Zoom. 

Secondary trauma in the workplace Balanced You webinar March 31

Secondary trauma in the workplace is a common occurrence that can happen when employees are exposed to traumatic events or to individuals coping with their own reactions to trauma. The effects of secondary trauma can include emotional exhaustion, a lack of energy, and feeling that one’s emotional resources are depleted.

Join Karla Clark, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, Tierra Lovelace, Employee Assistance Program Counselor, and Megan Jourdan, Balanced You Project Manager for a one-hour conversation on how secondary trauma affects us and how we can heal.

• Thursday, March 31 from 1 to 2 p.m. Register here.

Administrative Professionals networking event 

March 22 on Equity and Social Justice 

At the next networking event, Keith Clarke, Equity and Social Justice Educator and Trainer, will provide insights and answer questions on the County’s Equity and Social Justice training opportunities, and how we can effect change by learning about equity and social justice, and in particular racial justice, at King County.

This event is open to all King County employees.

• Tuesday, March 22 from noon to 1 p.m.  Register here. 

Coffee Connections: Pet Meet and Greet IV

Back by popular demand, Balanced You will host the fourth Coffee Connections: Pet Meet and Greet on Wednesday, March 23 at 12:30 p.m. Whether you attended a previous one,  or are stopping by for the first time, join Balanced You to introduce your pet to other employees and meet their furry friends!

• Wednesday, March 23 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

Disability awareness resources, recorded trainings from 2021, and planning ahead for 2022

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated every October by King County to honor the many contributions made by people with disabilities, and how these individuals strengthen our workforce, our communities, and our country.

This past year, the Disability Awareness Committee organized a wide series of articles and events to highlight these contributions, including:

Universal Design for Meetings, Events and Trainings: This event was hosted by the King County Department of Human Resources and featured Blayne Amson, City of Bellevue Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI Program Administrator. Amson discussed his work applying the principles of Universal Design to meetings, trainings, and events. Blayne is a powerchair user, holds a Masters in Disability Studies, and has over 15 years of experience helping the non-disabled adopt an anti-ableist lens in the work they do. View the event online here.

View the full list of disability resources and information here.

Pet of the Week: Safari

Hi, I'm Safari, a four-year-old female Pit Bull/Labrador Retriever mix. I am a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality, described as very curious, outgoing and protective. I am still working on my manners, so I would do best with a family who is willing to work with me to help me become the best pet I can be.

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved to adoptions by appointment only. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.

Featured Job: Deputy Executive Director, KC Flood Control District