Building Toward Equity: An Update from the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission Executive Director
Beloved Community,
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a year since the official launch of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC). In that short time, we’ve laid a strong foundation and are now proud to share our first major initiatives and updates with you.
From the very beginning, our goal has been to create a system that works for all of us. I’m thrilled to say we’re making real progress toward that vision. By collaborating closely with local organizations, government bodies, and grassroots leaders, we’re beginning to cultivate the kind of inclusive environment we all want to see reflected in our systems and institutions.
Our unique quasi-governmental structure puts community power at the heart of our work. It allows us to influence decision-making in meaningful ways—and also serves as a model for how systems can co-create more effective, equitable structures. Since launching, we’ve built out the core of our operations, including drafting bylaws, establishing community agreements, and adopting a consensus-driven decision-making model. These aren’t just internal procedures—they’re the tools we use to ensure transparency, accountability, and shared power.
After a powerful and productive retreat in February, our Commission members rolled up their sleeves and got to work identifying and organizing around the major challenges facing Whatcom County. In fall 2024, we identified twelve key areas of action centering around the overarching theme of systemic and structural racism:
12 Key Areas of Action: Economic Mobility, Justice System, Education, Mental Health, Health, Environmental Justice, Food Security, Housing, Substance Use, Immigration, County Participatory Processes, Language Access
Yes—twelve action areas is a lot. We know. And we also know our communities deserve a Commission that can approach these complex issues holistically, without falling into either-or thinking. As Executive Director, I’m committed to leading with that principle in mind. We’re weaving together policy, community engagement, and data-driven research to confront the systemic barriers that persist in Whatcom County.
To do this work effectively, we’re leaning into practices like emergent strategy, collective impact, and targeted universalism. These frameworks allow us to be both proactive and responsive—to move with our communities, pivot when needed, and remain grounded in the pursuit of equity.
Emergent Strategy – a plan towards a goal that prioritizes coming together in community, building authentic relationships, and seeing what emerges from the conversations, connections, visions and needs. (Read Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown.)
Collective Impact – a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems level change. Collective Impact Forum
Targeted Universalism – an approach that combines universal goals with targeted strategies to achieve those goals, acknowledging that different groups may require different approaches due to their unique circumstances. Othering & Belonging Institute
To help move our vision forward, we created several Committees that will meet outside of our regular Commission gatherings. These include:
Policy Analysis & Development
Community Engagement & Outreach
Data Analysis & Justice
Administrative & Development (focused on internal progress and strategy)
What’s Next: Key Initiatives for 2025
We have several exciting projects and initiatives underway, including:
The WREC Policy Agenda: A clear, actionable roadmap to guide how local systems address the key issues we've identified.
Incarceration Data Analysis: In partnership with Western Washington University’s Sociology Department, this project will analyze local incarceration data to highlight inequities and help inform the Justice Project.
Justice Project Follow-Along: A central resource for updates on the development of the Jail & Behavioral Care Center—designed to keep the public informed and engaged.
WREC’s Learning Agenda 2025: A community forum centered around learning, reading, and reflecting together on systemic racism—turning those insights into action.
Whatcom County Racial Equity Matrix: A practical tool for organizations, individuals, and institutions to assess and advance racial equity in their work in Whatcom County.
Convening Events: Space for racial equity champions across the county to come together, share strategies, and collaborate toward common goals.
We want you to be involved. Whether you’re interested in joining a Committee, participating in an event, or applying to become a new Appointed Commissioner (appointments open in late summer 2025), your voice and leadership are needed.
We’re building something bold, and we’re building it together. Please join us in creating a Whatcom County where equity isn’t just an ideal—it’s the lived experience for everyone.
In solidarity,
Miriam Karamoko
Executive Director, Whatcom Racial Equity Commission
