Kitsap County Council for Human Rights

Kitsap County, Welcome to March!

This month brings two powerful celebrations, National Developmental Disabilities Month and Women’s History Month! We’re excited to honor the people in our community who represent these identities and make our county stronger every day.

Check out the events, resources, and stories below as we celebrate you!

Community Events

📅 March 10, 2026 — 4:00–6:00 PM We Heart Kitsap📍 Easterseals Gateway Adult Services, 4414 Perry Ave NE, Bremerton A free, all‑ages event celebrating community inclusion and awareness. Includes snacks, giveaways, hands‑on activities, and information about Easterseals Washington. RSVP: https://wa.easterseals.com/take-action/attend-an-event/we-heart-Enlighten Kitsap Community Forum

📅 March 19, 2026 — 8:30 AM–3:30 PM 📍 Kitsap Conference Center, 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton A county‑wide, day‑long gathering focused on women’s empowerment, leadership, and personal/professional growth. Hosted by Leadership Kitsap & Greater Kitsap Chamber. Tickets available ($35 GA).
RSVP: https://leadershipkitsap.org/kitsap-womens-summit/

📅 March 19, 2026 — 4:30–7:00 PM Kitsap Youth Forum 2026 📍 Olympic College Bremerton, 1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Gather to present your ideas and concerns to local policy makers. Your fresh perspectives can contribute to the creation of laws, rules, and regulations for the future.
RSVP: www.bit.ly/KitsapYouthForum26

📅 March 20, 2026 — 11:30 AM–1:30 PM📍 105 National Avenue North, Bremerton
Community Health Gathering: Reducing Harm Through Poison Prevention This event centers on community health, safety, and harm reduction. Includes free lunch, networking, and a prevention‑focused workshop. RSVP: https://allevents.in/bremerton/community-health-gathering-reducing-harm-through-poison-prevention/100001981624962607

📅 April 24, 2026 — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM📍 Central Kitsap High School Satellite Gym, 10182 Frontier Pl, NW, Silverdale
Allows attendees to explore the available services in our community in the areas of Education, Advocacy, Support, Employment, Care, Housing, Recreation, Leisure, and more!
Link to Website: https://hollyridge.org/events/2026-dd-fair/
Resources
Women's History Month Books — Kitsap Regional Library
Check out Kitsap Regional Library’s curation of Women’s History Month Books: https://www.krl.org/womenshistory/
Vitalize Kitsap – Community inclusion programs for teens & adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.https://www.vitalizekitsap.org/
Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board – Regular updates, advocacy, and community planning (no March meeting listed, latest was Feb 3, 2026).

Notable Dates:
March 1 – Zero Discrimination Day
March 8 – International Women’s Day
March 15 – International Day to Combat Islamophobia
March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 25- International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility

Join us as we honor, celebrate, and remember the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

February 2026
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Community Members,

Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the loss of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and honor the work and legacy he leaves behind. The Kitsap County Council for Human Rights is writing this acknowledgment to recognize the voice and courage that Reverend Jackson gave to the American people. His leadership shapes the civil rights movement to this day and the effects of his work continue to echo in communities like ours here in Kitsap County.

Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to expand civil rights, increase voter participation, and advocate for equity in accessing education. He developed several opportunities for marginalized communities and elevate awareness for justice in America by founding organizations such as Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the Rainbow Coalition (which have since merged and now known as Rainbow/PUSH). His fearless activism spanned through civil rights efforts, including his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, the Selma marches, and global human rights advocacy. Opening conversations for human rights, anti-discrimination protections, LGBTQ+ rights, access to the ballot box, and representation in public life conversations has influenced policies, community efforts, and grassroots movements across the country.

Though his path did not physically cross Kitsap County, the ripple effects of his advocacy have been felt here for years. His calls for coalition-building, civic engagement, and the defense of human rights helped shape the frameworks and values that guide our local work today. Our Kitsap Community- diverse, resilient, and committed to equity have benefited from the standards of justice and inclusion that he helped uplift and reminds us that every community, no matter its size, has a role in the broader movement towards justice.

As we honor his life, we reaffirm our commitment to carrying forward the values he championed. In Kitsap County, our council will continue to advocate for safety, dignity, and belonging for all people. We will continue to develop opportunities for dialogue, advocating for equity, and building a community where every person is respected and protected.

Reverend Jackson’s legacy calls us not only to remember, but to act with compassion, courage, and unity.

Today, we remember a leader whose impact transcended geography and time. We honor the life of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and we pledge to uphold the principles he stood for, ensuring that his work continues in our county, our communities, and our daily actions.

In solidarity,
Kitsap County Council for Human Rights

We wrote this open letter in solidarity with so many members of this community and communities all over the country.

What a great Fall Forum we had! 📣 Thank you to all of the members of the community who joined us in rich discussion and a sharing of resources. 🤝
A special thank you to our facilitator and panelists from law enforcement and mental health services for the wealth of information and experiences they shared---->THANK YOU! 👏👏

Save the date for NAACP Bremerton 1134's upcoming banquet, themed "The Urgency of Now." Details below!

Greetings Community Members,

Tickets for the 2025 NAACP Bremerton Unit 1134 Freedom Fund Banquet are now on sale at the Admiral Theater box office or online at the link below:

https://ci.ovationtix.com/36645/performance/11649979?performanceId=11649979

This is going to be a fun evening of fellowship, community building, & networking.

We thank you in advance for your support and look forward to seeing you at this community event.