Dear Supporters,
Wase Forward is supporting SB 6070, The Ebony Alert, important legislation designed to address the disproportionate rates at which Black youth and young women go missing without receiving adequate public attention.
We have included this link to an article written by the Silent Task Force that explains the purpose and urgency of the Ebony Alert. We encourage you to take a moment to read it and learn more about why this bill matters and how it seeks to improve the safety and visibility of vulnerable community members.
In the coming days, I will follow up with details on how you can get involved—whether by testifying, signing in with your position on the bill, or helping spread awareness. For now, please review the attached article and familiarize yourself with this critical piece of legislation.
As always, thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared mission.
With appreciation,
Noel Gomez
WASE Forward
Bill 2ESSB 5105
Senator Orwall’s bill relating to sexually explicit depictions of minors, 2ESSB 5105, is scheduled for a public hearing on:
Thursday, 2/19 at 8:00 AM
In the House Community Safety Committee meeting.
View the Agenda here
- It will be held in House Hearing Room D (HHR D) in the John L. O’Brien (JLOB) building on the Capitol campus in Olympia, and virtually.
- Here is information about testifying. (You’ll have the option of testifying in person in Olympia, or remotely. You may also submit written testimony).
- Here is the link to sign up to testify.
Please note: Testimony registration will close 1 hour before the start time of the hearing. Anyone who does not register before this deadline will be unable to testify before the committee.
Substitute Senate Bill 5114
WASE Forward is thrilled to announce that Governor Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 5114 on May 4, 2023, providing an infusion of funding for culturally responsive and survivor-centered programs that will support adults who have experienced sex trafficking in Washington. This bill was written specifically by and for survivors of adult sex trafficking and marks a significant milestone for WASE Forward. We’re honored to have played a role in bringing this legislation to fruition and remain committed to advancing the well-being of survivors in Washington.
In 2023 SSB 5114 passed to support adults, over the age of 18, with lived experience of sex trafficking by funding Healing ,Support and Transition Services. Adults are eligible for support and services if they have experienced sex trafficking as an adult or as a child or youth (under the age of 18).
Healing, support and transition services mean safe and trauma-informed services that are tailored to the self determined needs of each individual.
Download the “Healing Support & Transition Services Purpose & Services Provided” and for more information on the 12 recipients. | PDF.
WASE Forward is proud to be recognized as the 2022 Organization Human Rights Leader by the Seattle Human Rights Commission.
We are a grassroots movement working to strengthen policies and systems for those experiencing sex trafficking and exploitation. We advocate and amplify human rights by lifting up the voices of our most vulnerable communities in Washington state.