Business resource groups
State HR - Planning
Contact information
BRGs are statewide, cross-agency employee-led networks dedicated to supporting and advocating for specific demographic groups. These groups model belonging, facilitate networking, and offer professional development opportunities while illuminating and addressing pertinent workplace issues affecting their members.
BRGs play a pivotal role in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workforce. They create environments where employees can actively contribute, participate fully, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. They help build relationships; identify barriers to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; develop best practices; and influence workplace culture while amplifying the voices of their communities.
Washington State's BRGs
The Washington State BUILD BRG exists to improve the experiences of current and future Black employees, increase the representation of Black people in leadership positions, give voice to Black perspectives in policy decisions about Washington communities, and build each other up as we move forward.
The DIN BRG exists to engage the experience, values and knowledge of people with disabilities in state government, promoting universal access, and creating an environment where people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of the workplace.
- Website
- Charter
- Guide to Inclusive Virtual Meetings
- Annual Report
- DIN Policy and Procedures Manual
Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network (HAPPEN)
HAPPEN's mission is to improve lives by increasing ANHPI representation in leadership and general state employment and advocating for policies that promote anti-racism, equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging in the workplace. They work to build a culture of inclusion and belonging that gives voice to the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander experience.
- HAPPEN website
- Charter
- 2022-2023 Communications and Action Plan
- Annual Report 2023-24
- Subscribe to email updates
The LLN is driven by a vision to prepare outstanding Latino leaders and a qualified workforce to serve our state.
The RAIN BRG exists to help Washington state create safe and inclusive workplaces where every LGBTQ+ employee can bring their full authentic self to work, enabling them to do their best work every day for the people of Washington. The group will provide resources and support to employees and the stakeholders serviced by state agencies.
- RAIN website
- Charter
- Annual Report
- RAIN Adding Pronouns to Your Signature Line FAQ [pdf]
- RAIN Recommendation for Use of Non Gendered Language pdf]
- RAIN Recommendation Including Gender X options on Forms [pdf]
- RAIN Recommendation Inclusive Bathroom Signage [pdf]
SOVEREIGN
Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights and Indigenous Governance (SOVEREIGN) aims to empower American Indian and Alaska Native employees, partners, and allies within the Washington State government by providing resources, support, and advocacy. They are dedicated to fostering a culturally rich and inclusive environment that recognizes and values the diverse Indigenous peoples of the Americas, including Canadian First Nations and Indigenous communities from Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The VERG exists to help integrate the experience, values, and knowledge of both veterans and service members in state employment. This employee resource group supports former and active military personnel and their families through a system of comprehensive activities and developmental opportunities.
WIN’s mission is to expand opportunities for immigrants who are current and future employees within Washington state government. The group serves as a resource for all immigrants who are state employees to connect, share, and educate each other and Washington state agencies on the skills, expertise and cultural value of a diverse workforce.
