County, partner agencies hold listening sessions on systemic racism


These sessions will be a part of informing the county’s response to systemic racism

VANCOUVER – The Clark County Council and partner agencies YWCA Clark County, NAACP Vancouver, SW WA LULAC, and Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program have scheduled three listening sessions to learn about how systemic racism has impacted residents of Clark County.

Members of the Clark County Council, shown here at a meeting prior to the coronavirus pandemic, will hold a series of three listening sessions on systemic racism. The first of the series will be held Friday. Photo by Mike Schultz
Members of the Clark County Council, shown here at a meeting prior to the coronavirus pandemic, will hold a series of three listening sessions on systemic racism. The first of the series will be held Friday. Photo by Mike Schultz

These sessions will be a part of informing the county’s response to systemic racism and representing first steps in the county’s effort to take action surrounding racial justice, systems inequities and structural racism in Clark County.

Session details are as follows:

  • Session 1: Fri., July 31, 6-8 p.m.
    • Representatives from the four partner agencies will share information and background on the impacts of systemic racism in Clark County as it pertains to their organizations. The public is invited to watch and listen to this moderated series of presentations.
  • Session 2: Wed., Aug. 12, 6-8 p.m.
    • Members of the public are invited for a moderated opportunity to share their experiences and answer the question, “How has systemic racism in Clark County impacted you?” Speakers will be asked to follow a three-minute time limit. This listening session will be recorded and will become a part of the public record.
  • Session 3: Wed., Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m.
    • Members of the public who would prefer to share their experiences privately are invited for a moderated opportunity to answer the question, “How has systemic racism in Clark County impacted you?” Speakers will be asked to follow a three-minute time limit. This meeting will not be recorded, and a summary without identifying details will be provided afterward for the public record.

Anyone interested in registering to attend the sessions as a viewer, or signing up to speak at Session 2 or Session 3 may do so at the following links:

Session 1: https://tinyurl.com/y343tkz3

Session 2: https://tinyurl.com/yyyj4s8j

Session 3: https://tinyurl.com/yydpeuhc

Clark Vancouver TV will livestream Sessions 1 and 2 on www.CVTV.org and cable channel 23. Session 3 will not be recorded. A summary of Session 3 without identifying details will be made available at a later date. Spanish language and ASL interpretation will be available.

Information on the sessions is available on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/councilors/listening-sessions.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.