EVERETT – The Association of Washington Cities has honored the city of Everett for a third year in a row by bestowing upon it the Diversity Champion Award.
Everett is one of 12 cities statewide that will be recognized at the association’s annual convention in Kennewick June 22. The association is a nonprofit corporation that represents cities and towns before the state Legislature.
“We appreciate the AWC’s recognition of our focus to make our community a better place,” Mayor Ray Stephanson said. “We are working day by day to make all community members feel welcomed and appreciated in Everett.”
The selecting judges pointed to several areas where Everett championed diversity. One such effort was Stephanson’s establishment of diversity advisory committees that meet monthly.
Other actions include the city teaming up with the YMCA of Snohomish County and the Snohomish County executive to establish an annual diversity breakfast. Those parties also teamed up to put on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.
City leaders participate with the Interfaith Association of Snohomish County and others in study circles to discuss issues of race and diversity.
The criteria to earn the award include:
* Publicly recognizing and demonstrating the value of the community’s diversity.
* Helping to enhance an understanding of diversity issues.
* Inspiring positive action among city staff and the community.
* Building leadership among diverse community members and educating and empowering staff and community.
* Demonstrating positive, tangible and measurable impacts on improving the living, working, educational, social or economic environment of the city’s diverse community.
A panel of diversity leaders judged each of the applications. That panel included Jerry Hebert, Washington human rights commissioner.
“The forming of a diversity council is an impressive commitment to fairness, equality, empowerment and representation of the diverse members of the Everett community,” Hebert said.
To learn more about the Diversity Champion Awards, go to www.awcnet.org.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
