Whatcom Human Rights Taskforce

Who we are: The Council is a 27 member board responsible for governance and oversight of the workforce development system in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties. Authorized under the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), the Council convenes private and public sectors to address workforce development issues. Led by a business majority, the Council includes representation from businesses, labor, education, economic development and government. The Council, in partnership with local elected officials, operates using a strategic plan whose regional strategies support the state's strategic workforce plan while addressing local issues and economic development priorities. What We Do: The Council is dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of workforce needs through an outcome and customer based model that addresses the needs of both employers and job seekers. We envision that a cohesive workforce strategy created through the common goals of business, education, labor, and community organizations will yield strong economic outcomes and an adaptable and skilled workforce. Advocating for Regional Workforce Needs: The Council identifies current and future workforce trends, needs and priorities, and works with stakeholders and constituencies to execute priority initiatives. The Council is the regional advocate for efforts to identify sector-specific strategies that better align education, economic and workforce development initiatives. The Council ensures the local perspective is incorporated in state and national policy forums. Building a Skilled Workforce: The Council's core business is to improve the ability of our workforce to meet the demands of business and industry. Our system provides an array of business services, with resource investment in targeted industries. Innovative solutions are drawn from vibrant partnerships and through strategic resource investment of training and the leveraging of other public/private funds.

SpecialtiesKulshan Community Land Trust strengthens community by holding land in trust for permanently affordable homeownership and other community needs, and by offering financial and educational services to people of limited means. Kulshan Community Land Trust is a member-based nonprofit organization located in Bellingham, a community situated between the mountains and the sea in northwest Washington State. KulshanCLT works in partnership with residents, community groups, and local government to preserve equitable and sustainable housing in Whatcom County. To find out more please visit our website www.KulshanCLT.org.

The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center promotes lasting peace, social justice, and a culture of nonviolence at home and worldwide. We accomplish this through partnerships, education, and direct action. The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center works to create a voice for peace and social justice in Whatcom County through partnerships with local community and religious organizations, direct action, public witness, and education on alternatives to violence and war. We call on our government and society to disavow policies of violence and seek a culture of peace. Bellingham is home to the longest-running weekly peace vigil in the nation started in 1966. The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center provides educational programming; leadership on legislative advocacy; and opportunities to resist injustice through public protest, writing, media reform, & organizing. Since opening in 2002, WPJC has become a voice at the table of community stakeholders and policymakers, bringing consciousness of U.S. foreign policy into the local sphere. WPJC has hosted Amy Goodman, Rev. John Dear, Dahr Jamail, Dr. Vincent Harding, Lt. Ehren Watada, Camilo Mejia, Ray McGovern, Elizabeth de la Vega, Dr. Dahlia Wasfi, Kathy Kelly, and others. 50% of our income comes from individual donors. Thank you! In addition, WPJC received funding from the following foundations and congregations in 2009 and/or 2010: