In 2016, community leaders and organizations came together to address the real fear of racialized violence throughout southwest Washington and in Clark County. What transpired was an opportunity to collectively organize to address overt racism expressed in U.S. national rhetoric and policy, and how it manifests in southwest Washington at the local level. 

Through training and planning over the next couple of years, the Southwest WA Equity Coalition (SWEC) was formed and an initial Charter developed. Leaders of SWEC represent a cross-sector group of organizations and community leaders seeking to advance racial equity through policy advocacy, institutional change, and creating an inclusive culture in southwest Washington. SWEC in context is transformational in promoting equity and inclusion in meaningful and collaborative relationships built on trust.

SWEC has identified the need to nurture relationships between racial equity leaders and provide healing and support for people of color in southwest WA. SWEC recognizes that racism is institutional and seeks to both address racial disparities and advocate for racial equity in local, state, and organizational policy and processes. Setting the foundation for SWEC’s transformational work is the Advancing Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion virtual teach-ins.