PO Box 2543
Olympia, WA 98507
February 11, 2022
Dear Washington State Chapter Members and Guests –
Throughout the pandemic, workforce development professionals have responded to the call for essential workers, with resilience, compassion, and a commitment to providing the highest level of customer service.
Your Washington State Chapter of the International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) extends its gratitude and deepest thanks for your service to this great state.
IAWP Membership is made up of individuals, like you, with a passion for workforce development. Our Membership is made up of Young Workforce Professionals (30 years of age or younger); Workforce Professionals; and Retired Workforce Professionals representing multiple state agencies, educational providers, non-profit and for-profit organizations (to name a few). We salute your specializations within the world of workforce development, as essential workers, whether you served in person, virtually, or in a hybrid capacity throughout the Pandemic.
Celebrations of Board Member Excellence
Since our last update in April 2021, your State Board has experienced many transitions. The first of which, was a celebration of service, honoring the departure of Clint Hede, Veterans Chair; Laura Westergard, Northwest Subchapter President; and Rebekah Wilkes, Southwest Subchapter President. Through retirement and new careers, your Board once again wishes you the very best in all endeavors.
Our Board also experienced catastrophic loss, with the passing of long time Board Member, Clarion Editor, Parliamentarian, and Policy Committee Chair, Judy Johnson. In the wake of this loss, our Board Members faced COVID and within their own communities, if not closer to home, experienced enormous loss.
Our current Board Members include Cheryl Brown (Immediate Past President & Chapter Development Manager); Talia *Jaide* Ní Dufaigh (International Board Member & WA Chapter President), Donna Glacken (Past International Director at Large & WA Chapter President); Rebekah Wilkes (International Director at Large); Sheila Johnson-Teeter (Chapter Secretary & Retiree Manager); Suzanne Nichols (Vice President, Recognition Director, & Education Manager); Cheryl Martin (Treasurer); Esther Ramos (Communications Director, Clarion Editor, Marketing Manger & Social Media/Website Manager); Kevin and Jessica Sullivan (Veteran Program Directors); and Luana (Chapter Historian). As noted, several individuals are holding multiple roles in our organization due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is our goal for 2022 to open up many of these positions, welcoming new and exciting ideas for our organization.
Board Structure
For the period of 2020-2021, your Washington State Chapter engaged in an unprecedented and difficult decision. At that time, the Board declared the need for emergency procedures, to carry governance through the end of 2021. This decision was not taken lightly. Those who have retained their roles, throughout the pandemic have faced innumerable, unimaginable loss and change, while caring for our members interests. It is with a heavy heart, that the board recognized the necessity to continue these practices, through the end of 2022. Amidst this during this emergency, which prevented quorum of the board and committee, our organization has strengthened its financial position.
Yet our organization has endured and, in many ways, has strengthened. The Board voted to roll-up Subchapters and created new roles on the State Board designed to provide work experiences and sharpen résumés with modern terms. Presently, we are updating our Standing Rules, Policies, and Procedures for a more transparent and contemporary organization; further to enhance our accounting and contacting practices.
To the Future
As we emerge begin the process of emerging from the Pandemic, expect your Chapter to look and feel different. New guidelines and opportunities will be developed for local virtual events; international events are envisioned to be presented in a hybrid capacity; and new opportunities for participation – to include connections with business and other professional development organizations are in store. There is a bright future ahead for your Washington State Chapter of IAWP.
Innovation in Membership
Suzanne Nichols has graciously funded our first work experience project: The position of Clarion Editor, in memoriam to Judy Johnson. The position description will soon be posted. In exchange for service in this role, for one year, the membership dues will be paid in full. Two additional roles are under consideration, to include Social Media Influencer and Marketing Manager – reporting to Esther Ramos, Director of Marketing. IAWP is waiving the requirement for these new positions to be in continuous Membership for at least three years.
2021-2022 Events
In 2021, your WA IAWP Board was able to partner with the Employment Security Department to provide free virtual attendance at IAWP’s International Conference. Out of this first event, ideas for virtual, hybrid and in-person events flourished. January of 2022 presented another opportunity for a virtual event, with “Workforce 360: A Virtual DEI Event for Human Resource & Workforce Development Professionals” with two speakers representing Washington State – Cheri Willoughby and Dr. Rhetta Barker.
Over the holidays, as promised, the Board hosted the now annual Fall Harvest Festival: Pies for Spirit 4 created by the Northwest Subchapter. Winners included Jenni Flemming & Family, Debra Kavanaugh, Sondra Barrington, Suzanne Lister and Tiffany Rothwell. In November, we held our Veterans close to our hearts; missing our ability to celebrate the many sacrifices made by Veterans and their Families, due to event restrictions. For the second year – and now a new tradition – IAWP held the annual Ugly Sweater contest. Thank you, to all who participated in these events.
This February and March 2022, IAWP is partnering with the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) to provide a virtual series of Financial Literacy available for free, to anyone interested in workforce development. Depending on participation, additional hour-long workshops may be scheduled through the end of 2022.
In-Person Activities
The Board hears the call for in-person activities; especially, for the Winter Institute and Crab Feed. Unfortunately, with the rise in COVID Variants and your safety in mind, we are not able to deliver this beloved event, at this point, in 2022. Your Board has discussed the possibility of a Institute or gathering, later in the year.
There is news on connecting in-person. Your International Board is interested in celebrating the PNW with an in-person event, toward the beginning of June of 2022. Mark your calendars! This event will not be offered in a hybrid capacity, unlike WorkForce360. The location is slated to be in Salem Oregon and the event, will be more of a reunion. Professional Development activities will be held in a hall. The event will not be catered by a hotel and will have more of a down-to-earth, relaxed vibe. Look for more information to come. If you have any interest in presenting at this event, we strongly encourage you to reach out to WA IAWP.
In reflection on potential opportunities to gather in-person, we would be remiss to mention the possibility of hosting the annual IAWP Baseball Game (Rainiers and Spokane Indians). Not to mention, partnering with the Combined Fund Drive for the annual Softball event. As a Board, we will need more time to observe the direction of the Pandemic, prior to committing to these events. Please bear with us, as we honor your safety and act within the guidance set forth by the direction of the Governor.
With my personal heartfelt close, I turn to our Membership at Large. You are the heart and soul of this organization.
Be safe. Be healthy. We love you.
Olympia, WA 98507
February 11, 2022
Dear Washington State Chapter Members and Guests –
Throughout the pandemic, workforce development professionals have responded to the call for essential workers, with resilience, compassion, and a commitment to providing the highest level of customer service.
Your Washington State Chapter of the International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) extends its gratitude and deepest thanks for your service to this great state.
IAWP Membership is made up of individuals, like you, with a passion for workforce development. Our Membership is made up of Young Workforce Professionals (30 years of age or younger); Workforce Professionals; and Retired Workforce Professionals representing multiple state agencies, educational providers, non-profit and for-profit organizations (to name a few). We salute your specializations within the world of workforce development, as essential workers, whether you served in person, virtually, or in a hybrid capacity throughout the Pandemic.
Celebrations of Board Member Excellence
Since our last update in April 2021, your State Board has experienced many transitions. The first of which, was a celebration of service, honoring the departure of Clint Hede, Veterans Chair; Laura Westergard, Northwest Subchapter President; and Rebekah Wilkes, Southwest Subchapter President. Through retirement and new careers, your Board once again wishes you the very best in all endeavors.
Our Board also experienced catastrophic loss, with the passing of long time Board Member, Clarion Editor, Parliamentarian, and Policy Committee Chair, Judy Johnson. In the wake of this loss, our Board Members faced COVID and within their own communities, if not closer to home, experienced enormous loss.
Our current Board Members include Cheryl Brown (Immediate Past President & Chapter Development Manager); Talia *Jaide* Ní Dufaigh (International Board Member & WA Chapter President), Donna Glacken (Past International Director at Large & WA Chapter President); Rebekah Wilkes (International Director at Large); Sheila Johnson-Teeter (Chapter Secretary & Retiree Manager); Suzanne Nichols (Vice President, Recognition Director, & Education Manager); Cheryl Martin (Treasurer); Esther Ramos (Communications Director, Clarion Editor, Marketing Manger & Social Media/Website Manager); Kevin and Jessica Sullivan (Veteran Program Directors); and Luana (Chapter Historian). As noted, several individuals are holding multiple roles in our organization due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is our goal for 2022 to open up many of these positions, welcoming new and exciting ideas for our organization.
Board Structure
For the period of 2020-2021, your Washington State Chapter engaged in an unprecedented and difficult decision. At that time, the Board declared the need for emergency procedures, to carry governance through the end of 2021. This decision was not taken lightly. Those who have retained their roles, throughout the pandemic have faced innumerable, unimaginable loss and change, while caring for our members interests. It is with a heavy heart, that the board recognized the necessity to continue these practices, through the end of 2022. Amidst this during this emergency, which prevented quorum of the board and committee, our organization has strengthened its financial position.
Yet our organization has endured and, in many ways, has strengthened. The Board voted to roll-up Subchapters and created new roles on the State Board designed to provide work experiences and sharpen résumés with modern terms. Presently, we are updating our Standing Rules, Policies, and Procedures for a more transparent and contemporary organization; further to enhance our accounting and contacting practices.
To the Future
As we emerge begin the process of emerging from the Pandemic, expect your Chapter to look and feel different. New guidelines and opportunities will be developed for local virtual events; international events are envisioned to be presented in a hybrid capacity; and new opportunities for participation – to include connections with business and other professional development organizations are in store. There is a bright future ahead for your Washington State Chapter of IAWP.
Innovation in Membership
Suzanne Nichols has graciously funded our first work experience project: The position of Clarion Editor, in memoriam to Judy Johnson. The position description will soon be posted. In exchange for service in this role, for one year, the membership dues will be paid in full. Two additional roles are under consideration, to include Social Media Influencer and Marketing Manager – reporting to Esther Ramos, Director of Marketing. IAWP is waiving the requirement for these new positions to be in continuous Membership for at least three years.
2021-2022 Events
In 2021, your WA IAWP Board was able to partner with the Employment Security Department to provide free virtual attendance at IAWP’s International Conference. Out of this first event, ideas for virtual, hybrid and in-person events flourished. January of 2022 presented another opportunity for a virtual event, with “Workforce 360: A Virtual DEI Event for Human Resource & Workforce Development Professionals” with two speakers representing Washington State – Cheri Willoughby and Dr. Rhetta Barker.
Over the holidays, as promised, the Board hosted the now annual Fall Harvest Festival: Pies for Spirit 4 created by the Northwest Subchapter. Winners included Jenni Flemming & Family, Debra Kavanaugh, Sondra Barrington, Suzanne Lister and Tiffany Rothwell. In November, we held our Veterans close to our hearts; missing our ability to celebrate the many sacrifices made by Veterans and their Families, due to event restrictions. For the second year – and now a new tradition – IAWP held the annual Ugly Sweater contest. Thank you, to all who participated in these events.
This February and March 2022, IAWP is partnering with the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) to provide a virtual series of Financial Literacy available for free, to anyone interested in workforce development. Depending on participation, additional hour-long workshops may be scheduled through the end of 2022.
In-Person Activities
The Board hears the call for in-person activities; especially, for the Winter Institute and Crab Feed. Unfortunately, with the rise in COVID Variants and your safety in mind, we are not able to deliver this beloved event, at this point, in 2022. Your Board has discussed the possibility of a Institute or gathering, later in the year.
There is news on connecting in-person. Your International Board is interested in celebrating the PNW with an in-person event, toward the beginning of June of 2022. Mark your calendars! This event will not be offered in a hybrid capacity, unlike WorkForce360. The location is slated to be in Salem Oregon and the event, will be more of a reunion. Professional Development activities will be held in a hall. The event will not be catered by a hotel and will have more of a down-to-earth, relaxed vibe. Look for more information to come. If you have any interest in presenting at this event, we strongly encourage you to reach out to WA IAWP.
In reflection on potential opportunities to gather in-person, we would be remiss to mention the possibility of hosting the annual IAWP Baseball Game (Rainiers and Spokane Indians). Not to mention, partnering with the Combined Fund Drive for the annual Softball event. As a Board, we will need more time to observe the direction of the Pandemic, prior to committing to these events. Please bear with us, as we honor your safety and act within the guidance set forth by the direction of the Governor.
With my personal heartfelt close, I turn to our Membership at Large. You are the heart and soul of this organization.
Be safe. Be healthy. We love you.
Washington State Chapter President
WorkSource Thurston County, Washington State Employment Security Department
WorkSource Thurston County, Washington State Employment Security Department
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