Title
OPARD Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Program Update
Recommended Action
None. Briefing only.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the 2026-27 work plan and initiatives of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program in Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation.
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Culture and Belonging Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Culture and Belonging Manager
Background and Analysis:
In January 2022, Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation (OPARD) created an Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (EIB) Specialist position (now the Culture and Belonging Manager) to administer and coordinate a series of City-sponsored cultural events, and to lead and build upon the EIB initiatives already underway in the department. Staff will provide an update on existing program conditions, planning efforts, benchmarks, and goals.
Climate Analysis:
One of the celebrations sponsored through the Cultural Event program is a zero-waste festival, minimizing environmental impact by implementing vendor and parade participant policies preventing single-use plastic products. Resources and education could greatly benefit other sponsored cultural event hosts to support waste reduction and conservation processes.
Equity Analysis:
The cultural event program raises awareness and celebrates histories, experiences, traditions, and contributions of generations of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Hispanic and Latine, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities here in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation. This benefits Olympia residents as well as those in neighboring communities by increasing a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community interest has been strong for the cultural events with growing attendance and more folks interested in hosting cultural events with sponsorship from the City. In the recent update of the City's Comprehe...
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