SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT
The truth doesn’t belong in someone else’s report. It belongs in yours. Share what’s really happening in your life and your community. On the record.
This is more than a survey.
It’s a declaration.
For the Record, WA is a statewide initiative to capture what’s real in Black communities and beyond. Your voice shapes services, funding, and policy. This is your chance to speak up and be counted.
DATA GETS COLLECTED. TRUTH RARELY DOES
SHIFT THE NARRATIVE
Your lived experience matters more than anyone else’s assumptions.
SHAPE THE FUTURE
Your answers impact programs and policies across Washington.
BE SEEN, BE HEARD
This is for the community, by the community.
About the Washington Statewide
Community Needs Assessment
For the Record is a bold, community-centered effort to listen, document, and act on the needs and experiences of people across Washington State. Led by Byrd Barr Place, this Statewide Community Needs Assessment (CNA) is conducted in partnership with Community Action Agencies and grassroots organizations to uncover the issues affecting everyday life in our communities—especially among those historically left out of the data.
Every three years, CNAs are conducted to assess barriers, strengths, and unmet needs across Washington. This year’s effort goes deeper, amplifying voices that are often unheard in statewide conversations.
Your input matters. What you share will help inform the programs, services, and policies that directly impact your community—guiding how local governments, nonprofits, and funders prioritize resources.
- The survey takes about 15–30 minutes and is completely anonymous.
- It’s available in multiple languages and formats, including digital, paper, and through an interactive avatar.
- Responses will be used to develop a public report in 2026.
Why We Ask About Demographics
Demographic questions help ensure we hear from a full range of voices across age, race, gender, income, ability, and more.
These details help us understand how different communities experience services and systems. All questions are optional and anonymous, and your privacy
is respected.
Led by Byrd Barr Place and backed by trusted community partners across the state.
Real Talk From The Community
“Feels good to finally be heard.”
“They’ve asked us for numbers. This time, they’re asking for truth.”
“If we don’t say it, they’ll never fix it.”
Get Involved
Help us spread the word about the survey and ensure every voice is heard!
DOWNLOAD THE FLYER
Share our printable flyer in your community, at events, or within your organization.
PARTNER WITH US
Are you part of a community organization, service provider, or local agency? We’re looking for partners to help with outreach, host listening sessions, and share the survey with your networks.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Support our engagement efforts by funding stipends, marketing materials, community events, or data collection. Sponsors will be recognized in project materials and final reports.
CONTACT US
Interested in partnering or sponsoring?
Reach out to: Chelsea Zibolsky at chelsea@byrdbarr.place
LISTENING SESSIONS
In addition to the statewide survey, we’ll be hosting community-based Listening Sessions across Washington. These sessions are designed to create space for deeper conversations about lived experiences, community strengths, and barriers to access.
Stay tuned for more details on dates, locations, and how to register will be available soon.
If you’re interested in hosting or supporting a Listening Session in your area, please contact us.
ANSWER WITH THE AI AVATAR
Prefer to talk instead of type?
You can choose to take the survey with an AI-powered, voice-activated tool that guides you through the survey in a conversational way. This virtual interviewer is available in multiple languages and is designed for ease of use, accessibility, and comfort.
Your privacy is important to us. When using the AI Avatar to complete the survey:
- All spoken answers are converted to anonymous text and analyzed without linking back to individual respondents.
- Your voice data is not stored or used beyond the purpose of this survey.
- The AI system is designed to meet high standards of data protection and confidentiality.
IT STARTS WITH YOUR TRUTH
This is your moment to be heard—for real. Say what’s missing, what’s working, and what needs to change.
