Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Committee Meetings
Values Forward: a special DEI&J event. All LWVTC members are invited!
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM on Zoom
(4th Thursday each month)
Join us for an evening of active learning via Zoom as we individualize effective tools for intercultural agility, led by Leni Marshall, Ph.D. The activities derive from her 10-year research quest for what works to improve equity and inclusion across a wide range of differences. We will apply our own values and goals to tools that support how we want to engage with the world when we respond to others, choose our next actions, process challenges, and reflect on our successes.
Supplies for Workshop:
Writing utensil: a pen or a pencil is fine. If you have colored pens or pencils, this is a good time to use them.
Things to write on: notebook paper is fine. It is helpful if you have two sheets to write on and ten smaller pieces – the size of a note card or post-it or a notebook sheet cut into 10 pieces.
Click to see the DEIJ Committee Goals and Actions Work Plan:
2026-2027 DEIJ Goals & Actions
CENTERING BELONGING IN COMMUNITY
Thurston Forward Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Summit
May 1st & May 2nd 2026
Celebrating DEIB in Thurston County!
We are honored to be in community with so many leaders, presenters and contributors who have given their time, expertise, perspectives and commitment to the work they do building and strengthening relationships making Thurston a place to belong, live, work, play, learn and love.
The Thurston Forward DEIB Summit would not be possible without the generous co-sponsors for their financial support as well as the on-going and painstaking work it has taken to plan this utterly unique experience.
Pictured DEIB Summit Planners:
Right to left – Golden Neal, Monk Works; Kenny Yarbrough, Thurston County; Veronica Hand, City of Lacey;
Alli Ewing, YWCA Olympia; Carol Goss, LWVTC; Nicole Miller, LWVTC; Amity Muntz Reed, OlyFed; Tobi Hill-Meyer, City of Olympia; Denise Mino, NAACP; Kyeshia Likely, YMCA of Olympia; Lin Crowley, APIC/SPS
In addition to those pictured here, our heartfelt gratitude to all of the contributing planners of the Youth Summit, Resource Tables and to the community volunteers.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Committee Meetings
e Committee member activities - Download report by clicking: DEI & Justice Activities and Events 2020-2025
Activities: 2023 - 2025
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Racial Justice & Belonging: A Community Conversation with Local Leaders.What Jurisdictions Are Doing to Create a More Equitable Thurston County. Panelists presented diversity and equity plans and initiatives to create a more welcoming Thurston County. 2023 and 2024
- Walk with Erin Jones
- Attended “pop-up” Black History Museum sponsored by New Life Baptist Church
- Lunch with the League at ASHHO Cultural Community Center
- Co-sponsored panel discussion, “Committing to Equitable, Inclusive K-12 Schools”. Panelists represented Professional Educators Standards Board; WA State School Director’s Association; Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight & Accountability Committee and students.
- Co-sponsored 5/10/25 inaugural Thurston Forward: A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit for Progress brought together 15 community partners and more than 100 participants from across Thurston County.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION POLICY
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socio-economic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization's mission and achievements as well.
LWVTC Board Approved 8/28/24
Land Acknowledgement
Today, we acknowledge the original stewards of the land we call Thurston County: the Nisqually, the Chehalis, and the Squaxin Island people who thrived here for thousands of years. We also confront the truth that their land was unjustly taken, causing generations of trauma to its people.
Acknowledgement is just the beginning. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves on the history of these tribal nations, on our joint history, and on the role they continue to play in the Thurston County community. We must create authentic connections with our neighbors, amplify their voices, recognize the unique concerns they face, and support their continued call for justice.