Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR)
Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Statement
Washington’s Lottery is committed to a pro-equity, anti-racism environment. We will work together with those experiencing inequities to ensure our policies, programs, practices, and regulations provide equitable access to Lottery opportunities and resources so that we reduce disparities and improve equitable outcomes for our employees, customers, and business partners. We will build an inclusive environment in which not only all our employees, but also our customers and business partners, have the opportunity to engage, be heard, and belong as we contribute to a better future for ourselves, each other, and for Washington State.
2023 Pro-Equity Anti-Racism Accomplishments
Washington’s Lottery stands in support of Washington’s Office of Equity and a vision that “everyone in Washington has full access to the opportunities, power, and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential and there is equity and justice for all, for the next seven generations and beyond.” To achieve this vision, three strategic initiatives have been completed: Supplier Diversity, Equitable Access to Information, and a PEAR policy, statement, and video. As part of Lottery’s strategic plan, these initiatives were supported by Lottery employees and our vendor partners to successfully complete the projects.
Supplier Diversity
Washington’s Lottery believes that diverse and small businesses strengthen our communities and help build our economy. We are continuously looking for ways to build inclusive and equitable relationships. This initiative provided an opportunity to bring together internal and external stakeholders to brainstorm potential changes to our internal supplier diversity processes.
Through brainstorming and discussion, the changes we implemented included adding supplier diversity information to our website, enhancing transparency about Lottery purchases, and providing guidance for those interested in becoming a state and/or Lottery contractor.
Additionally, each procurement will undergo analysis to determine the most effective outreach strategy for the corresponding goods and/or services. This involves conducting open houses before solicitation, participating in product-specific tradeshows, and sharing future procurement information. Direct notification will also be sent to vendors from the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) vendor directories.
have also established a process to annually reach out to suppliers and current contract holders regarding certification through the OMWBE and the DVA, as well as the utilization of subcontractors.Wa
shington’s Lottery is committed to offering equitable opportunities for Washington’s diverse vendor communities, and we believe these changes, along with future initiatives, will enhance our ability to increase participation from small and diverse businesses. This commitment is ongoing, and we will persist in making improvements while continually evaluating our processes.
Equitable Access to Information
In our commitment to ensuring that customers are well informed about their requirements, obligations, and available benefits, we have implemented an initiative aimed at enhancing access to services and information, particularly for customers with disabilities and those whose primary language is not English. As part of the initiative, we have taken the following measures:
We introduced a language translation feature on our website, walottery.com, to facilitate access to information in multiple languages.
We identified key forms critical for both customers and retailers and translated them into the most common languages in the state.
To assist external individuals in comprehending the Lottery provided information, we developed an external form, outlining our dedication to offering translation services or other communication support.
To better support our customers and retail partners, we established an internal process to secure interpretation services. This ensures effective communication and understanding between all parties involved.
These initiatives represent our ongoing commitment to fostering equitable access to information for all stakeholders. By implementing these measures, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of language or ability, can fully participate and benefit from our services. We will continue to assess and improve our practices to uphold the principles of accessibility and inclusivity.
PEAR Policy, Statement, and Video
By adopting a PEAR policy and statement we established clear guidelines and practices that actively oppose discrimination. The PEAR policy and statement actively contribute to a workplace culture that values diversity. The statement serves as a public commitment, signaling our dedication to combating systemic biases.
The PEAR policy and statement are not only morally imperative but also strategically advantageous for fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace culture.
In a collaborative effort, we partnered with Wunderman Thomson to translate our commitment into a compelling PEAR video. This initiative harnessed the diverse talents and voices of our staff from across the agency, allowing us to express our dedication to fostering a pro-equity anti-racism environment. Through this visual representation, we aimed to not only communicate our values but also inspire meaningful engagement with our employees, customers, and community, reinforcing a collective commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future for all Washingtonians.
Lottery’s full commitment to pro-equity and anti-racism initiatives contributes to the success of our agency and the people of Washington State. When individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, leading to improved decision making and overall productivity. It is critical to recognize that this commitment represents just the beginning of an ongoing journey. Continual work and dedication to identify initiatives are necessary to ensure lasting positive changes and a more equitable, inclusive future for all Washingtonians.
Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Ecosystem
The PEAR framework prioritizes investments in 15 determinants of equity to achieve outcomes that benefit all tribes, communities, and employees of Washington’s ecosystem, and calls for investing more of our state’s resources “upstream” to address root causes where the needs are greatest to ensure that individuals in underserved communities have their basic needs met long term in Washington’s ecosystem.” – Executive Order 22-04
Image description: A bright sun peeks through white clouds above a fruitful pear tree in the center of the image. The tree’s roots are shown extending into the soil which provides stability and nutrients. To the left of the tree, a body of water is home to fish and aquatic plants. Flowers and other plants are visited by a bee and a butterfly as they grow from a green field to the right of the pear tree.
Community is the guiding light for planning, implementing, continuously improving, evaluating, and measuring government actions to achieve pro-equity anti-racism outcomes in the state of Washington.
Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Building Our Path Together
With diversity comes innovation and with innovation comes success. We intend to celebrate that here at Washington’s Lottery as we build our path to a truly inclusive culture together. We have begun the work to understand where we are, envision where we want to go, and empower everyone to join us on our journey. Along the way, we will encourage, support and celebrate one another; we will share, acknowledge and respect differing views; and we will be given the opportunity to engage, be heard and belong. Together we will forge a better future for ourselves, each other, and for Washington’s Lottery.