Becoming an Anti-Racist Organization

Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region is committed to creating and sustaining a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in our organization and across our communities. This begins with an immediate focus on becoming an anti-racist organization that actively works to dismantle structural and institutional racism and condemns racist practices and behaviors in all forms. With this aim in mind, we will advance and administer anti-racist, equity-based policies and champion diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and the communities we serve.

We have created and are implementing a multi-component and expanding strategy and plan to help us fulfill this commitment. The initial components of our strategy and plan include:

  • Foundational Learning
  • Policy Review, Development, and Practice
  • Recruitment Process
  • Employee Insights
  • Employee Advisory Group
  • Leveraging ED&I Expertise
  • Leadership Development

As we move forward, our strategy and plan will expand, drawing upon input from employees and other key stakeholders and from the evolving dynamics and pressing needs of the communities we serve. We welcome your feedback and input as we take this journey.

Public Statements

We posted the following statement on our website and social media platforms on Sunday, May 31.

Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region is outraged over the murder of George Floyd and other senseless acts of violence against African Americans and all people of color. As a part of the vibrant and diverse community we serve, we grieve and join our voice in calling for unity with all who want to build a better world. That starts with each one of us speaking out against hatred and using our privilege to defend those without power. Goodwill stands ready to work alongside communities of color to put an end to systemic racism and injustice.

The following statement is posted in all of our stores, our work opportunity centers, and offices.

Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region does not tolerate racism in any form, including racist behavior or language at any time. We are outraged over the murders and other senseless acts of violence against African Americans and all people of color. As a part of the vibrant and diverse community we serve, we grieve and join our voice in calling for unity with all who want to build a better world. That starts with each one of us speaking out against hatred and actively working to put an end to systemic racism and injustice.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the holiday that marks the day — June 19, 1865 — that the last slaves were freed in the United States. As we work toward becoming an anti-racist organization, it is important that we recognize this day, not only in celebration for the freedom it brought, but also in deep regret and sorrow for the horrors and hatred of the slavery system that preceded it and upon which our United States was built. It is equally important to take this time to recognize the continued racism and injustices that have continued in our country – despite the abolition of slavery – and the urgency and criticalness of eliminating racism in all its forms.

Organizational Policies

Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region is committed to becoming an anti-racist organization and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.  This commitment is foundational to our ability to realize our vision alongside community partners and deliver our mission to all we serve. We have instituted and strengthened a number of organizational policies and will continue to evaluate our policies and practices going forward.

Educational Resources

We are proactively gathering and sharing resources from leading experts on eliminating racism and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion for all. Here is the first resource we are sharing, which is a guide for us as we seek to become an anti-racist organization. If you have resources you would like to contribute, please contact us.

Community Engagement

A number of community organizations have taken a stance against racism. Below are just a few of those organizations. If you have statements you would like us to post, please contact us.