BySenators Wilson, C., Cleveland, Das, Hasegawa, Hunt, Kuderer, Liias, Lovelett, Nobles, Pedersen, Randall, Warnick, and Wellman

WHEREAS, Over 23 percent of people in Washington state identify as having a disability; and

WHEREAS, To truly achieve our equity goals, our state must promote the health and overall well-being of people with disabilities, respect their dignity and needs, and include them in meaningful opportunities for recreation and growth; and

WHEREAS, Washington state's beautiful outdoor spaces include a world-class network of hiking trails, awe-inspiring landmarks like Mt. Rainier, the Olympic National Rainforest, the Ginko Petrified Forest, and more, which provide unique and endless opportunities for exploration, education, and play; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Leadership Board, a statutory nonprofit organization, is directed by the State Legislature to promote opportunities for youth, including youth with disabilities, and does so through its two-year Boundless Washington program; and

WHEREAS, Boundless Washington is a statewide program that seeks to turn Washington state's equity goals into a reality by creating opportunities for young people with disabilities to explore the outdoors and build their leadership skills; and

WHEREAS, The Boundless Washington program has attracted support from prominent local sports teams, including the Seattle Storm and the Seattle Mariners, due to its emphasis on equity for young people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The Boundless Washington program operates in partnership with our state's premier outdoor disability service provider, Outdoors for All; and the nationally-acclaimed No Barriers organization; and

WHEREAS, The Boundless Washington program was inspired by Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest, and aims to instill the same sense of audacity and potential in each of the Boundless Washington fellows; and

WHEREAS, The Boundless Washington program was created through a partnership between the Washington State Leadership Board and the Lieutenant Governor's office; and

WHEREAS, The Boundless Washington program recently accepted its second cohort of young leaders with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The inaugural Boundless Washington cohort has demonstrated great resilience and creativity for the past year, remaining active and engaged while practicing social distancing; and

WHEREAS, The Boundless Washington fellows exhibit the care for community, independent-mindedness, and self-confidence that characterize good leadership and inspire those around them;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate reaffirm the importance of the Boundless Washington program in promoting strong, equitable leadership in Washington state, and commend the Boundless Washington fellows: Noah Sutherland, Ayden Harris, Charles Johnson, Grace Perleberg, Ritika Khanal, Jaida Barrows, Derrek Butterfield, Josiah Morrow, Kelhana Miller, Finn Paynich, Annie Guo, and Wesley McNutt; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Leadership Board staff to share with the Boundless Washington fellows and their families.