Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

On November 30, 2009, I introduced an RSJI Resolution to the Full Council which reinforces and energizes efforts to: 1) end racial and social disparities internal to the City; 2) strengthen the way the City engages and provides services to all communities; and 3) lead in efforts to eliminate socio-economic disparities in our city. I have asked that the policy work of Seattle’s Office of Civil Rights fall under my ETC Committee for 2010 and 2011. The Council’s chambers were filled with RSJI supporters from city departments, the Mayor’s office and community leaders. I wrote an op-ed in the Saturday, November 28th edition of the Seattle Times (link). You can find the long version of that piece here: http://www.bruceharrell.org/2009/11/moving-seattle-beyond-race-to-inclusiveness/

In 2005, Mayor Nickels launched the RSJI to raise awareness and end institutional racism and social disparity. All city departments were expected to implement an RSJI work plan. I will work with the new executive in making sure this important work reaches new heights. Our goal of inclusiveness will result in economic development, improved public safety and improved schools. I am committed to ensuring that this work moves beyond City government and into our communities and that services are equally obtainable to everyone regardless of skin color, socioeconomic status or language spoken. With inclusion, everyone wins.

You can view the Resolution here: http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~scripts/nph-brs.exe?s1=&s3=&s2=&s4=Race+and+Social+Justice&Sect4=AND&l=20&Sect2=THESON&Sect3=PLURON&Sect5=RESN1&Sect6=HITOFF&d=RES3&p=1&u=%2F~public%2Fresn1.htm&r=1&f=G

Link to Seattle Channel Full Council Video: http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=2020947