King County residents interested in public service and raising community awareness and involvement in civil rights issues are invited to apply for one of three positions on the King County Civil Rights Commission. If selected and confirmed by the King County Council, commissioners serve three-year terms.

The Civil Rights Commission advises the county executive and county council on matters related to the county’s civil rights programs and on human and civil rights issues. This includes reviewing and reporting on the effectiveness and progress of the county’s affirmative action, non-discrimination enforcement, and minority/women business utilization programs, as well as educating the community about preventing and eliminating discrimination. In addition, the commission works to educate the community about the county’s Equity and Social Justice Ordinance.

The Civil Rights Commission is soliciting applications from individuals in County Council District 1, represented by Councilmember Rod Dembowski, which covers northeast Seattle, Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and parts of Kirkland and Woodinville.

The Civil Rights Commission is also soliciting applications from individuals in County Council District 2, represented by Council Chair Larry Gossett. This district covers the Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Central Area, Fremont, Laurelhurst, Rainier Valley, Ravenna, Seward Park, Skyway, and University District neighborhoods of Seattle.

A third position is open in County Council District 6, represented by Councilmember Jane Hague. This district covers Beaux Arts Village, parts of Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, parts of Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Yarrow Point.

An interactive map of County Council districts is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/council.

Commission members must live in King County. If confirmed by the County Council, commissioners serve without pay. Residents from diverse ethnic and protected group backgrounds, including people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. All commission members are bound by the King County Code of Ethics and are required to complete a financial disclosure statement upon appointment and by April 15 of each succeeding year of service.

Potential candidates should have interests and experience related to the goals of the commission, live in the appropriate County Council district, and be able to commit eight to ten hours monthly to commission meetings and work projects.  This includes attending monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m., and participating in committee work, which can require additional meetings.

For more information on the Civil Rights Commission and its activities, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/exec/CRC.aspx or contact commission administrator Paula Harris-White at 206-263-2444 or paula.harris-white@kingcounty.gov.