News and Events

RAIN Newsletter

The RAIN newsletter is published quarterly, see the latest issues below. Find more past issues on our subcommittee page.

Spring 2025

Winter 2025

Fall 2024

Jul. 17, 2025 - July General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Linda "LC" Chastine (she/her), Deputy Director, Surge Reproductive Justice

Linda Chastine, affectionately known as "LC," is a Black Queer Femme living, working, and building community in Seattle, WA. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University's (CAU) Whitney M. Young, Jr., School of Social Work in 2015, LC dedicated her time to working with nonprofit and grassroots organizations serving Black, non-black, and LGBTQIA communities.

LC's professional expertise lies in building collective organizations through a developmental and humanistic perspective, working with individuals and organizations to align with their passion, purpose, and flow.

Linda aspires to be a creative thought partner for those seeking to amplify their work and mission, holistically finding solutions toward regenerative and reparative change and growth for her community.

Previous 2025 Guest Speakers, Special Events & Announcements

Jun. 26, 2025 - June General Membership Meeting Pride Panel:

Moderated by Marianne "Moaz" Ozmun-Wells (she/they), Department of Licensing, with Panelists Representative Emily Randall (she/her), US Congress, Aidan Key (he/him), Gender Diversity, & Joe Vansyckle (he/him), Employment Security Division

Marianne K. Ozmun-Wells, who also goes by Moaz (rhymes with froze), she/they pronouns, is the Equity and Inclusion Administrator for the Washington State Department of Licensing. She has worked for Washington state for nearly 24 years in DEI and Communications roles. Her service to and on behalf of historically marginalized groups spans 35 years, two states, in non-profit, Tribal, and public sectors. Marianne is a lifelong learner who continually aspires to be a better anti-racism activator, cultural connector, and historical truth-teller. She lives in Olympia with her wife of 31 years. They frequent the Palouse region to visit their 20-year-old daughter, a wildlife biology pre-vet major, at WSU. Go Cougs!

Born and raised in Washington’s 6th Congressional District, Emily Randall is the proud product of a union, working-class family–like many in the 6th District.

Emily is fueled by her family’s experiences. When her sister Olivia, born with complex disabilities, received access to newly expanded Medicaid, Emily became a fierce advocate for quality, affordable healthcare. And as the first in her family to attend a four-year college, Emily knows the importance of education that aligns with the community’s needs and leads to family-wage jobs. Emily’s legislative track record proves she doesn’t just talk the talk, she gets results and wins the toughest races. In 2018 and 2022, Emily won the most competitive state senate district in Washington by focusing on the most important issues and her track record of success.

Speaker, author, and educator, Aidan Key’s work centers on gender diverse children. Aidan, founder of Gender Diversity, works nationally with hundreds of K-12 schools and youth-based agencies providing professional development, strategic planning, policy development, athletics guidance, and education for parents and students. TransFamilies.org, also founded by Aidan, is a national organization providing support and resources for families of gender-diverse children.

He is the author of the seminal book, Trans Children in Today’s Schools, (Oxford University Press) and a contributing author to both editions of the anthology Trans Bodies, Trans Selves. Aidan was named Community Leader of the Year by the Greater Seattle Business Association (2017) and Seattle Magazine’s Most Influential People of the Year (2019) and whose media appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, and NPR’s Fresh Air.

Joe Vansyckle began his career at Microsoft, where he spent 13 years in various roles across recruitment, human resources, and product marketing. He served as the Chief of Staff for the division that built and launched Bing, laying a strong foundation for his professional growth and development.

Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in his hometown of Olympia, Washington, Joe transitioned into public service. He has since held leadership positions at the Washington State Healthcare Authority, the Department of Enterprise Services, and the Employment Security Department.

Currently, Joe is our Southwest Coastal Regional Director, where he oversees a talented team of workforce development professionals. He also serves on two workforce development boards: Southwest Washington and Pacific Mountain. His passion lies in ensuring that people have the knowledge, skills, abilities, resources, care, and support to excel in their roles and meet the workforce development needs of their communities.

In addition to his professional commitments, Joe is dedicated to nurturing future leaders. He teaches leadership at South Puget Sound College, where he finds joy in helping people learn, explore, and grow. Most weekends, you can find Joe coaching surfing on the beautiful Washington coasts or coaching snowboarding and cuddling with his puppies, Vinnie and Hope.

May 15, 2025 - May General Membership Meeting Presentation & Discussion:

Redefining Relationships: Sick & Bereavement Leave Use Updates, Presented by Marisa Sanchez-Reed (she/they), Office of the Washington State Auditor & Caroline Kirk (she/her), Office of Financial Management

In our most recent RAIN BRG newsletter, Marisa Sanchez-Reed's article talked about updates to our sick and bereavement leave policies regarding how state and school employees can use their leave to care for important people in their lives - those updates required us to redefine relationships. We were inspired by the article and felt that the work should continue with a discussion of where else we could potentially redefine relationships to benefit both state and school employees and Washingtonians. To that end, we asked Marisa, a Performance Auditor with the Office of the Washington State Auditor, to talk to us today about the recent policy updates, how they came about, and why they're so impactful. We also invited Caroline Kirk, OFM State HR Planning and Strategy Advisor, to share her experience with the workgroup that handled the policy updates. Caroline has worked in the HR field for almost 20 years in OFM/State HR, in various capacities, such as labor, rules and appeals, classification, compensation, and policy direction that have enterprise-wide impacts.

Apr. 17, 2025 - April General Membership Meeting Guest Speakers:

Tariq Ra'ouf (he/him), Journalist and Activist

Tariq Ra'ouf is a Palestinian writer, journalist and activist who only recently came into his identity. For most of his life, he ignored his heritage because of the homophobia he experienced in his family and community, but has recently discovered the ability to love every aspect of his identity. Today, he's on a mission to educate people about Palestine, queerness, and the revolutionary act of being proud of every part of yourself.

Melannie Denise Cunningham (she/her), founder of the Cunningham Network and Peaceworks United International

Melannie Denise Cunningham is, among many other descriptors, founder of both the Cunningham Network and Peaceworks United International.

The Cunningham Network, Inc. (TCN) is a consulting and coaching firm specializing in anti-racist community building. We offer services to businesses, groups, and individuals aiming to improve intercultural relationships and eliminate racism in their workplaces, communities, and personal lives. Our expertise extends to community partnerships and fundraising, broadcast production/media services, business development, and international trade and travel with Africa. TCN was founded and is led by Melannie Denise Cunningham, a humanitarian and entrepreneur. TCN is a certified Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) in the State of Washington.

Melannie’s professional experience spans a wide range, from being a radio personality and grassroots community activist to government service, academic management, and global entrepreneurial partnerships. A resident of Pierce County, Washington, for 50 years, Melannie graduated from Lakes High School in Lakewood. In 1981, she earned a B.A. in General Studies from Washington State University in Pullman. She later obtained a certification in Broadcast Production Technology from Bates Technical College in 2000 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Pacific Lutheran University in 2012. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Development and Change from Fielding Graduate University.

Mar. 20, 2025 - March General Membership Meeting Panel:

Transgender Day of Visibility Panel

Join the RAIN BRG as we gather to celebrate and honor Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)—a day dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the incredible transgender, two spirit, non-binary, gender diverse, and gender expansive communities. In recognition of TDOV, RAIN is hosting a moderated panel discussion of community members sharing their experiences.

Feb. 27, 2025 - February General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Dr. Marcus Hunter (he/him), Professor of Sociology & African American Studies, UCLA

Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter is the Scott Waugh Endowed Chair in the Social Sciences Division, Professor of Sociology & African American Studies at UCLA. Coiner of #BlackLivesMatter, he is the author and editor of five books, including Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation (HarperCollins / Amistad, 2024). Professor Hunter served as the Inaugural Chair of UCLA’s African American Studies Department and President of the Association of Black Sociologists. In addition, Hunter drafted and advised Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s historic Bill to establish the first-ever US Truth, Racial Healing, & Transformation Commission. He has appeared on C-SPAN’s BookTV, MSNBC, BBC, NPR, the Sacramento Bee, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Sentinel, USA Today, the Daily Beast, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

Jan. 16, 2025 - January General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Lisa Keating (she/her), Executive Director, LGBTQ Commission & Sam Fennell (he/him), Operations & Policy Manager, LGBTQ Commission

Lisa Keating (she/her) has extensive experience advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Washington state and nationally. From 2021 to 2023, she served as the director of family engagement and policy with the GenderCool Project, a youth-led movement helping replace misinformed opinions with positive experiences meeting transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving. Prior to that, Keating founded and ran My Purple Umbrella, where she provided training on LGBTQ+ safety and inclusion for schools, healthcare facilities and community organizations.

Keating has also worked as an ELO (expanded learning opportunities) provider at the Tacoma Public Schools. She was elected to the school board for Tacoma Public Schools in 2019 and currently serves as the board's president.

Sam Fennell (he/him) is a dedicated advocate and trainer. Originally from Henderson, Nevada, he lived in Oregon and New Hampshire before finding his home in Olympia. Sam’s initial involvement in LGBTQ+ activism began during his undergraduate years where he was the Coordinator for Western Oregon Universities LGBTQ resource hub, the Stonewall Center, and discovered joy and delight participating in the annual Drag Show. Sam received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University, then studied Business Administration at Northeastern University, and will graduate with a Master’s in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College in 2024.

Sam most recently served as the Trans & Queer Initiatives Coordinator for the BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Intersectional Support Services office at The Evergreen State College. He is passionate about transformative justice, equal access for all, and ensuring our communities are places where all queer people can thrive. Sam can often be found on the Sound, snowboarding down a mountain, or playing board games with his wife and friends.

2024 Guest Speakers, Special Events, & Announcements

Nov. 21, 2024 - November General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

RONN!E, the Blue Eyed Native (they/them), Daybreak Star Radio

As the Production Manager for Daybreak Star Radio, a 24/7 Native American/First Nations/Indigenous radio station, and as a Two-Spirit artist and designer, RONN!E offers a unique perspective on the intersections of Indigenous identity and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to RONN!E's work at Daybreak Star Radio, they serve as the Pow Wow Chair for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and are an active member of the tribe's Cultural Resources Board. RONN!E is also honored to soon be inducted into the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for their art and work in indigenous communities.

Through RONN!E's radio programs, such as "Reel Natives," which explores Indigenous cinema and storytelling, and "Hearts & Arrows," a music program aimed at connecting with our community on a deeply emotional level, they aim to amplify Native voices and stories. RONN!E will share their personal experiences as a Two-Spirit individual, discuss the historical and contemporary significance of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities in Indigenous communities, and explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced at this intersection.

RAIN 2024 Outstanding Agency Awards!

Congratulations to this year's winning agencies! See more details on our Agency Awards page.

Sep. 19, 2024 - September General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Darrow Brown (he/him/his), Chief of Inclusion, Belonging, and Well-Being, WA State Department of Health (DOH)

Darrow Brown (pronouns he/him/his) is the Chief of Inclusion, Belonging and Well-being at Washington State Department of Health’s Center for Inclusion, Belonging and Well-being. The role and the Center were established in July 2023. Darrow joined DOH in August 2023. He and his growing team support efforts to design, develop, implement and enhance systems, policies and practices centered on equity, inclusion, belonging and well-being throughout the employee life cycle.

Darrow began his public service career with Washington State Department of Enterprise Services in June 2020, leading the Washington State Employee Assistance Program for just over three years. The EAP program serves nearly 150,000 public service employees.

Darrow holds a Master of Social Work and has been licensed at the advanced level for over 16 years. He has 30 years of professional experience in information technology, social work, mental health, behavioral health, employee and student assistance programs and workplace bullying and violence prevention.

Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Darrow describes himself as "a human being living at a busy and sometimes chaotic intersection of Black, gay and male, parent, friend and servant leader”. Moving from Baltimore, MD in 2018, he, his spouse, a demanding tween, a growling teen and two dogs now reside in University Place, Washington.

Jul. 18, 2024 - July General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Sam Fennell (he/him/his), Program Manager, LGBTQ Commission

Samuel Fennell (he/him) is a dedicated advocate and trainer. Originally from Henderson, Nevada, he lived in Oregon and New Hampshire before finding his home in Olympia. Sam’s initial involvement in LGBTQ+ activism began during his undergraduate years where he was the Coordinator for Western Oregon Universities LGBTQ resource hub, the Stonewall Center, and discovered joy and delight participating in the annual Drag Show. Sam received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University, then studied Business Administration at Northeastern University, and will graduate with a Master’s in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College in 2024.

Sam most recently served as the Trans & Queer Initiatives Coordinator for the BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Intersectional Support Services office at The Evergreen State College. He is passionate about transformative justice, equal access for all, and ensuring our communities are places where all queer people can thrive. Sam can often be found on the Sound, snowboarding down a mountain, or playing board games with his wife and friends.

Jul. 5, 2024 - RAIN Annual Report Released

2023-2024 RAIN Annual Report [PDF]

Jun. 20. 2024 - June General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Lenora Sneva (she/her), Office of Financial Management (OFM)

Lenora is the Director of the Organization Strategy and Performance team at the Office of Financial Management. She oversees the agency’s efforts in pro-equity anti-racism, strategic planning, organization change management, and continuous improvement. She has worked for the state of Washington since 2010 and holds a master's degree in public administration and bachelor's in communication from the University of Washington. Her free time is consumed with family, shuffling her teen daughters to competitive volleyball tournaments, exercising and hosting a podcast.

Lenora will be presenting on Juneteenth and the history of Juneteenth in the Olympia/Lacey area.

Apr. 18, 2024 - April General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Kayla Boutillier (she/they/we), Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF): Improving Outcomes for LGBTQ+ Youth

DCYF is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. Yet we know that underlying systems, policies and practices are driving disparate outcomes and experiences for children of color and LGBTQ+ youth. DCYF’s Licensing Division (LD) is responsible for the licensure and monitoring of childcare and foster care providers, supporting and monitoring kinship caregivers, and investigations of abuse and neglect in these settings. Kayla will be discussing LD’s efforts to eliminate disparities for LGBTQ+ youth including some general stats, policy change initiatives, and the individual and organizational learning (and un-learning) necessary in leadership and staff.

Mar. 21, 2024 - March General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Ebo Barton (they/them/theirs or he/him/his), Lavender Rights Project

Ebo Barton (They/Them/Theirs or He/Him/His) is a passionate artist, educator, and activist dedicated to creating healing spaces and driving social change. They proudly embrace their mixed Black and Filipino heritage, and as a Transgender and Non-Binary Queer individual, they highlight the value and significance of intersectional identities.

Currently serving as the Director of Housing Services for Lavender Rights Project, Ebo advocates tirelessly for inclusive housing opportunities for LGBTQ+ communities. Their expertise also extends to the Seattle Social Housing Developer Board, where they contribute to equitable housing initiatives. Additionally, Ebo engages with the Community Advisory Board for Creative Justice Northwest, using art-based interventions to transform the juvenile justice system.

Ebo's artistry has made a profound impact, with their poetry featured in "Black Imagination" curated by Natasha Marin and their performances showcased on esteemed online platforms. Their exceptional talent led them to a 5th place finish at the Individual World Poetry Slam in 2016. They co-wrote and co-produced the award-winning play "Rising Up" in 2017, and their portrayal of "Invisible One" in Anastacia Renee's production "Queer. Mama. Crossroads" resonated with audiences.

In 2020, Ebo released their first published poetry collection, "Insubordinate," which received critical acclaim. The following year, the collection was named a finalist for the Washington State Book Award. A respected leader in the arts and activism, their transformative work fosters societal introspection and empowerment.

Feb. 15, 2024 - February General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

M Foley (they/them), Volunteer Coordinator, Peer Seattle

M Foley is the Volunteer Coordinator and former Housing Specialist for Peer Seattle. Peer Seattle is an LGBTQ+ organization that offers a peer-based model of services for those in recovery or seeking to get into recovery. The peer model means that lived experience is the forefront of what we do. All staff are in recovery, whether it be for mental health, HIV, and/or substance use disorders, and we use our own recoveries to connect and empathize with the members who come through our doors.

The organization began in the 1980s as an HIV/AIDs support group and has grown into a larger recovery space that offers peer led groups, peer coaching, employment and housing support, and volunteer opportunities. Peer Seattle follows the harm-reduction model of recovery, meaning we believe that there are many, many paths to recovery and it will look different from person to person. Folks who utilize our services are not required to be sober a certain length of time, nor are they required to be sober at all to receive services. Our approach is low-barrier and allows members to have autonomy and dignity in their own lives. As an organization that predominantly works with queer folks, there are unique challenges that we see with our members.

Jan. 18, 2024 - January General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Elizabeth Coyle (they/them/theirs): RCW 68.50.160 Right to Control Disposition and Why It's Important

In an ever-changing world it’s important to understand the RCW on who has the right to control the final decision made for a deceased loved one. This brief presentation will go over the RCW, the differences between POA, DPOA, and why Express Written Wishes and Designated Agent Paperwork is so important to having the right to make decisions.  

Elizabeth has been in the Funeral Industry for ten years. They have a passion for Funeral Education and DEI. They volunteer with organizations such as The Crisis Text Line, Be My Eyes, and the Emergency Medical Core in Kitsap.

2023 Guest Speakers, Special Events & Announcements

Nov. 16, 2023 - November General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Christina Pourarian, Co-Chair of Washington Immigrant Network (WIN) Business Resource Group

Christina Pourarien (she/her) is an Information Technology Services Division Executive Operations Manager for the State of Washington Employment Security Department (ESD).  After graduating from Central Washington University, she began her state service career in 1999 at the Washington State Lottery. She has worked at General Administration (currently known as Department of Enterprise Services), Department of Retirement Systems, The Evergreen State College, Department of Social Health and Services, Department of Licensing and Labor & Industries before joining ESD in January of 2022. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Employee Resource Group at ESD. She is the current co-chair in WIN.

RAIN 2023 Outstanding Agency Awards!

Congratulations to this year's winning agencies!

Washington State Parks Washington Department of Licensing Office of the Corrections Ombuds

See more details on our Agency Awards page.

September General Membership Speakers - Sept. 21, 2023

Mario Brown, LGBTQIA+ Biomedical National Partnership Manager for the American Red Cross. Mario will help us understand the new rules for blood donation now that the blanket ban has ended. Latino Leadership Network - Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with LLN Leaders and learn what they're up to!

RAIN Transitioning in the Workplace Toolkit Training Now Available!

The RAIN Training subcommittee has developed a training to guide staff through the transitioning in the workplace toolkit that was released earlier this year. See available dates to register and more information on our trainings page.

RAIN 2022-23 Annual Report

RAIN Leadership published the 2022-23 Annual Report detailing the activities over the past fiscal year.

June 1, 2023 RAIN Best Practices Committee releases the Transitioning in the Workplace Toolkit

Download Toolkit

The Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN), Washington State’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group, is excited to announce our development of a guide for supporting individuals transitioning in the workplace.

This guide is intended to support discussions around transitioning in the workplace, but the safety and wellbeing of the employee transitioning should be the center of this process. This document is not all-inclusive nor is it legal advice. There may be updated resources and changes that should also be consulted when engaging in this process.

When using and distributing this guide center folks with lived experiences and consider the following:

Distributing to and connecting with affinity groups in your agency Building your process before you need it Sharing this across your agency, including any supplemental agency specific information your organization has Adding to onboarding and regular agency wide updates

Please distribute this document to your entire agency. We encourage everyone to keep this document somewhere that is accessible to all employees. There are people in every agency who can benefit from this information, especially those who may be assumed to not need it.

RAIN will be facilitating training on the content of this guide to support a thorough understanding of all the information. We would love to hear any feedback from employees regarding the guide so that we can continue to improve it. The RAIN Best Practices subcommittee is also available to provide feedback on policies and procedures at your organization, not just to do with this guide. You can check out RAIN trainings to see what opportunities we have for you coming up.

Transitioning can be one of the most stressful and wonderful time of someone’s life. The goal and intention of this guide is to support anyone on this courageous and beautiful journey.

In love and solidarity,

The RAIN Best Practices Subcommittee Co-Chairs

Ariel Kay-Barto & Rueben Otero

Mar. 31, 2023

multiple trans and nonbinary presenting people in pink and blue colors

You are invited to the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) panel hosted by RAIN. TDOV is an annual day meant to celebrate, bring awareness, and elevate the visibility and voices of trans folks. Join us for this information packed panel where folks will share their stories and talk about what TDOV means to them.

Date: March 31, 2023

Time: 11 to 12 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Download the TDOV Event Flyer

*The panel is only open to Washington state employees and employees of Washington Institutions of Higher Education. To register for the event please use your work email. Personal emails will be denied access.

Mar. 16, 2023

Chandler in friends at OYM event in Spokane, Sign says teen zone.

March General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Chandler Wheeler, Odyssey Youth Movement Spokane.

Odyssey Youth Movement is a 501(c)3 nonprofit promoting equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth in the Inland Northwest through youth-driven programs and community education since 1992. We provide four nights a week of programs & resources for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults at our drop-in center in the South Perry district of Spokane. In addition, Odyssey hosts a handful of annual events to connect with the Spokane community and maintains a presence in local schools to help support LGBTQ+ students. Visit https://www.odysseyyouth.org/ for more information.

Jan. 19, 2023

Jan. General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Stephanie Sampedro, Student Loan Advocate with the Student Achievement Council.

Learn about Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Do you have questions about the qualifications of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, types of loans & payment plans, or just dealing with student loan debt in general? If so, please join us on at our next general membership meeting Jan 19 at 2 p.m. We’ll be joined by Stephanie Sampedro, the Washington Student Loan Advocate to learn about PSLF and will provide time for questions and links to resources.

Slides

2022 Guest Speakers, Special Events & Announcements

Dec. 2022 - Reminder: No December General Membership Meeting!

Time for a break! Reminder that RAIN does not have a general membership meeting in the month of December. We do host an after hours holiday get together. Active members received an invite. Otherwise, we will see you next year!

Oct. 2022 - RAIN's 2022 Outstanding Agency Awards

Event Flyer

Event Agenda

This year's Agency Award Celebration will be hybrid in-person and over zoom! The event takes place Oct. 20, 2022. No registration required.

When: October 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission: Hearing Room

621 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Parking: There is free visitor parking in front of the building and throughout Woodland Square Loop. View a printable parking map, and print a visitor parking pass to park in reserved lots. Parking passes will be available to pick up at the event as well.

Accomodation: ASL interpreters and Live captioning will be available at the event for both in-person guests and those who join via zoom. The UTC Hearing Room is accessible. For other accomodation requests please email rain@ofm.wa.gov.

Congratulations to this year's winners and nominees!

Winners:

Eastern Washington University - Student Affairs
Department of Social and Health Services - Economic Services Administration
Department of Enterprise Services - Buildings and Grounds

Nominees:

Employment Security Department Department of Health

Department of Services for the Blind- Orientation and Training Program

Department of Enterprise Services- Washington Enterprise Services

Department of Licensing

Department of Ecology

Department of Children, Youth, and Families

June 16, 2022 - RAIN Pride Month Virtual Panel and Celebration June 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Join RAIN in celebration Pride Month on June 16 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. RAIN is joined by leaders in state government to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, their personal journies through state government, finding and helping others find belonging in the community while at work, and increasing LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Followed by membership mingle time to celebrate pride from 4 to 4:30. Please email rain@ofm.wa.gov for accomodation requests. This event will not be recorded.

Download Pride Month Panel Booklet

May 16, 2022 - May General Membership Meeting Guest Speaker:

Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director of the Lavender Rights Project

Portrait of Jaelynn Scott smiling for the camera

Jaelynn Scott, M.Div., is the Executive Director of Lavender Rights Project. Lavender Rights Project offers holistic, wrap-around care and legal services for LGBTQ persons and especially Black Trans people. Jaelynn provides leadership in the community and with nonprofit organizations as they work to center Black life and especially Black trans life in their mission and organizational structure. She has helped religious organizations and nonprofits radically reimagine policies and procedures as well as expand and refocus their work towards racial and gender equity.

Jaelynn is an ordained minister and regularly preaches and facilitates workshops. She has experience in Human Resources and Operations. Jaelynn is passionate about trans liberation, sacred practices for self-care, decolonized labor practices, and mindfulness in the workplace.

March 3, 2022

RAIN hosts Transgender Day of Visibility Panel for State Employees

Mar. 31, 2022 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Please join RAIN in celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). TDOV is an annual event to celebrate and raise visibility and awareness around transgender folks. This year we are hosting a panel of transgender state employees who will share their stories and experiences.

Feb. 1, 2022

RAIN hosts Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, Feb. 17, 2022 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The RAIN employee business resource group will be hosting a special guest speaker to celebrate Black History Month. Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter is the Scott Waugh endowed chair in the Division of the Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology and African American Studies at UCLA, coined the term #BlackLivesMatter, and author of four books. His research, activism and commentary have been featured in various journals, social media platforms, and news media. Join us in having a conversation with Dr. Hunter as he discusses the quest for systemic racial equality in America.

Jan. 25, 2022

The RAIN Best Practices subcommittee has completed an FAQ for Adding Pronouns to Your Signature Line. State employees have worked to create more inclusive workplaces for each other and the general public. Using pronouns in email signatures sends a message that state agencies are inclusive of everyone in Washington state and acknowledges gender diversity. As this practice becomes more commonplace, many people have raised questions about its use. The Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN), developed an FAQ document to attach to pronouns in your signature line for reference. Please feel free to share this resource with your agency and workgroups.

Example:

Your Name

Pronouns: they/them

Agency

2021 Guest Speakers, Special Events & Announcements

Oct. 22, 2021

Outstanding Agency Awards: Congratulations to this year's RAIN Outstanding Agency Award winners!

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families The Department of Social and Health Services - Developmental Disabilities Administration - Rainier School The Employment Security Department

Every year, Washington state employees nominate agencies that have led the way in work to help create a safe and inclusive environment for LGTBQ+ employees. Nominations highlight specific changes in policies, practices, and culture that each agency has done to promote LGTBQ+ awareness and inclusivity. These awards are so special because the nominations come from employees within the agency that appreciate and recognize the work being done agency wide. We celebrate and thank all the nominated agencies for the work they are doing!

The 2021 Agency Awards Ceremony was on Oct. 21, 2021 during our October general membership meeting.