Community News! May 2024
News, stories and recent articles from and about COO partners in community
“I Got Your Back”: COO’s Governance Group Retreat Strengthens the Work
The COO Governance Group held their 2024 Retreat March 1 at Cedarbrook Lodge in South Seattle. GG members and COO staff joined together to review accomplishments, hone goals and responsibilities, share stories and messaging, and plan for this milestone year and beyond.
In a successful and productive day, they shaped an action plan and came away with a renewed commitment to this work – both as a group and individually.
“A Paradigm Shift”: COO Leaders Speak at PEAK Conference
Communities of Opportunity Governance Group members were invited to co-present at the PEAK2024 national conference in Seattle recently.
Elsa Batres-Boni, COO’s interim director, joined fellow Governance Group members Michael Brown from Civic Commons, Seattle Foundation (COO sponsor), and Jackie Vaughn of Surge Reproductive Justice. In their workshop, they described COO’s unique funding and shared decision-making model.
“Nothing About Us Without Us” Becomes Law
Advocates with Gov. Jay Inslee at the bill signing.
Disability Rights Washington celebrated the signing of HB 1541, Nothing About Us Without Us. The landmark legislation, signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in late March, increases access and representation in policy-making processes for people with direct lived experience. It represented four years of advocacy by DRW and community partners.
Disability Rights Washington’s four-year journey was featured in the Next City and Prism series “Disability Justice for All.” Read their story, “Disabled Riders Need Comprehensive Public Transit Planning.”
Doulas For All Coalition Marks Historic Win for Families
Advocates and their families together at a retreat in 2023. Photo from Doulas For All Coalition via Real Change News.
Soon, Washington state families giving birth may be able to get Medicaid coverage for birth doulas services. Doulas For All Coalition, led by Surge Reproductive Justice, recently took a historic step closer to securing Medicaid reimbursement for birth doulas here. After helping to pass a law that made birth doulas a profession in 2022, they recently worked to pass a funding package from Washington state. Sen. T’wina Nobles (28th LD) was the legislative champion. The Doulas For All Coalition represents birth workers and anti-racist organizers who have collaborated on this effort for six years.
The funding includes reimbursements of up to $3,500 per doula – the highest in the nation.
It also provides $100,000 to establish the Doula Hub, which will support doulas in navigating the Medicaid billing system, and create a referral system for Washington state Medicaid families who want to find a doula.
Doulas For All will now work on rulemaking with state and federal policymakers, in hopes of making the reimbursements available as soon as January 2025.
Seattle Medium Story: Our media partner Seattle Medium just published a news story about this work, interviewing several doulas who are part of the coalition. Read the Seattle Medium story
Here's some more recent news and opinion coverage of the Doulas For All success:
Housing Justice and Faith Communities: The Story of Church Council’s Co-Gen Award
The award-winning Faith Land Initiative of the Church Council of Greater Seattle is featured in this profile from Co-Gen.
As we shared earlier this year, this program was one of 10 winners of the CoGen Challenge to Advance Economic Opportunity. In this interview, the initiative’s co-founder and leader organizer, E.N. West, talks about “how to create more equitable solutions that better support a changing population and align with the values of faith communities.”
Partners Are Among South End Projects Winning $18 Million in Federal Funds
Congratulations to our community partners who are among 15 projects who recently won federal funding for ethnic community centers, housing projects, and more. They include Africatown Community Land Trust, Cham Refugees Community, and Indian American Community Services.
LISC Introduces New Cohort of HEA Fellows
LISC recently introduced their 2024 cohort of the Housing Equity Accelerator (HEA) program. Among the 20 Fellows are several people with ties to COO, including our Governance Group Member Bilan Aden.
LISC reports that the Fellows represent 10 for-profit and 9 non-profit entities, all sharing a strong commitment to advancing affordable housing and community development in the Puget Sound region. 16 of the fellows have firsthand experience in affordable housing, deepening their ties to the communities they serve.
Congratulations to the new cohort! Meet the 2024-2025 HEA Fellows
More LISC news:
LISC is among a coalition of housing, climate, and community investment groups who won a $2 billion, seven-year National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The coalition, called Power Forward Communities, will use the funding to create healthier, safer, more resilient, and more affordable communities. Read the announcement about Power Forward Communities
And in this blog post, LISC tells the story of Washington state mobile home residents who fought against losing their homes and formed a cooperative to buy their mobile home park.
CHOOSE 180 Releases New Documentary about American South
CHOOSE 180 has released its documentary, “Pilgrimage to the South,” about their week-long journey through the American South learning about civil rights, the Black freedom struggle, and our shared history. In November of 2022, CHOOSE 180 team members, led by Sankofa Impact and joined by Seattle Seahawks staff and legends, embarked on a pilgrimage through the American South, learning and growing along the way. Converge Media documented the journey. The film will be released to the public on Friday, April 26.
More info is also available on the film webpage, where you can find the link to the film.
Denkyem’s Third Thursday: Building a Thriving Business Community
Next meeting: May 16, 4-6 p.m., Drum Roll Wine in Renton
On the third Thursday of each month, Denkyem Co-Op brings together Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to engage in meaningful dialog. March’s topic was “Giving and Receiving Support” — a crucial conversation for the community. Read about the March gathering and RSVP for the May event.
Build 2 Lead Hosts Successful Listening Sessions
Sign up for the next sessions May 14 and May 27
Build 2 Lead and their P.O.W.E.R. partners, with HealthPoint, recently hosted critical and candid conversations with young people. The sessions focused on the healthcare system, with community members from Auburn and surrounding areas in South King County.
They heard feedback on community experiences with personal care providers and solutions on how major hospitals and community-based healthcare clinics can create more equitable and comforting experiences for their patients.
Oceania Youth Summit: Island Roots, Global Impact
May 24 in Federal Way
Pacific Islander youth from around Washington state are invited to the Oceania Youth Summit on Friday, May 24, in honor of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This free event is an opportunity for Pacific Islander youth & young adults ages 15-27 to come together for a day filled with workshops, prizes, collaboration, and more!
The theme is “Island Roots, Global Impact.” Workshops will include Mental Health and Awareness, Career Readiness and Pathways, Implications of Environmental Health, and Cultural Appreciation.
More than a dozen young people are the core planning partners for this day. They include youth and young adults from Pacific Islander Health Board, UTOPIA Washington, Tongan Resource Center, Voice of the South Pacific, Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington (PICAWA), Pacific Islander Health Alliance, Asian Pacific Cultural Center, Western Papuan Organization, and University of Washington’s Pacific Islander Research family.
Get ready to connect, celebrate culture, and make waves together.
Pearl, Kathleen, and Moussa at the March 30 event
“Like Speed Dating for Houses”: A Recap of March 30 Affordable Housing Event
Affordable housing experts and anti-displacement advocates came together March 30 for “Building Communities: Your Key to Affordable Housing,” a free event at New Holly Gathering Hall. Pearl Nelson from HomeSight, event organizer, described the day:
“We hosted a cafe conversation-style event, which was likened to speed dating but for houses, haha! The setup involved participants rotating around four tables, each dedicated to a housing project. Representing various projects were Ali from Habitat for Humanity, Kathleen from HomeStead Community Land Trust, Kateesha from Urban Black, and of course, us from HomeSight showcasing our U-lex Co-op.
“We had an excellent turnout, with about 35 people joining us for engaging discussions led by our speakers. It was a fantastic chance for networking and learning about the different housing opportunities in our community.”
Want to learn more about HomeSight’s affordable housing work? Contact Pearl Nelson or visit HomeSight’s web site.
Together We End Gun Violence Conference
June 5-6, Seattle
The 2nd Annual Together We End Gun Violence Conference will highlight a range of efforts to combat gun violence, from grassroots initiatives to high-level policy advocacy. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) professionals, community members, organizations, cross-systems partners, health professionals, educators, youth changemakers, advocates, lawmakers, and national experts will join for two days of engaging discussions, inspiring speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of effective strategies and learn ways to address gun violence in our state.
The Together We End Gun Violence team is comprised of community-based organizations such as Urban Family, Community Passageways, State of Washington, King County, City of Seattle, and Alliance for Gun Responsibility.
If you’re interested in attending the 2nd Annual Together We End Gun Violence Conference, please email rgv@kingcounty.gov for more information.
South Seattle Emerald Profile: Marty Jackson “Serving South Seattle, Showing How You Can Too”
Marty Jackson is a champion for people in South Seattle, and she was recently recognized in a South Seattle Emerald series.
“For people living, working, and raising their families in South Seattle, Marty Jackson has been a familiar face throughout her entire life and community pillar for peace as the executive director of SE Network SafetyNet for over 13 years.” That’s what the says about her in this profile from their “Grassroots Responders” series. They say her “love for the neighborhood is a big part of what drives her service.”
Marty is also a former member of the COO Governance Group.
Read about Marty’s latest activities serving the community in South Seattle Emerald
Poetry In Place Campaign Takes Five Emerging Poets to Seattle Streets
“In the lush greenery of the Central District, a lavender poster on the home-turned-art-gallery Wa Na Wari’s front porch is visible from the sidewalk.” Reporter Jas Keimig takes us on a National Poetry Month journey through Seattle Civic Poet Shin Yu Pai’s Poetry in Place public poetry campaign. The campaign features poems from five emerging poets “and plasters them onto different locations in Belltown, the Central District, downtown, South Park, Little Saigon, and Greenwood.”
Take a visit to Poetry in Place in the South Seattle Emerald article
Podcast Bridges Health Care Gaps for ANHPIA Community
The Internal Examiner profiled the two health care providers from the Asian Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander American community, Dr. Raj Sundar and Tessa Chu, who founded the Healthcare for Humans podcast. The highly rated program, founded in 2022, bridges systemic gaps in patient care.
The International Examiner says, “The series serves as a reflective lens, deeply exploring the intricate relationship between cultural identity and medical services, born from the lived experiences and challenges faced by the ANHPIA community and others.”
Read the full story about Healthcare for Humans in International Examiner
“The Invisible Shield” series examines public health, features local partners
“Public health saved your life today and you don’t even know it.” The Invisible Shield on PBS, a four-part series, explores public health as an underrecognized invisible shield keeping us safe. It features many public health officials and leaders from our region who helped guide the COVID-19 response. You can also download a discussion guide.
Learn more about the series and where you can watch.
Light Rail Art Installation Brings Mixed-Race Experience in Focus
Loie Gong, who designed art for the new Spring Hill light rail station. Screen grab from the KING-5 story.
When the Spring District station for Sound Transit’s East Link opened on Saturday, April 27, riders could see public art about the experience of mixed-race people in our region. Chinese-Indigenous Artist Louis Gong told KING5’s “Facing Race” series that he created “a design that is a mix of Coast Salish design and Chinese papercut, and I think the result is really cool.”
Gong also founded Eighth Generation, the Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe.
Watch the KING5 “Facing Race” Story about the Spring District Station Art
Native Women’s Leadership Forum:
Submit Your Proposal to Present; or
Apply for Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy
Both Due by Sunday, June 16, 2024
Photos by Hall Visuals
Native Action Network is seeking proposals for their 2024 Annual Native Women’s Leadership Forum, Oct. 24-25, their biggest leadership event of the year. Each year, the forum takes a new theme, and with it new educational and training opportunities. This year's theme, "Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership," celebrates NAN’s 20th year of reinforcing their mission to "enhance the beauty, strength, and integrity of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities through personal empowerment and civic participation." Proposals should align with NAN's mission and vision statements.
Learn More and Submit a Proposal for Native Women’s Leadership Forum
Native Action Network’s Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy
More news from Native Action Network: They invite young Native women ages 18 to 25 to apply for their Annual Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy, Oct. 23-25 at their Native Women’s Leadership Forum. Launched in 2010, this program has helped shape the futures of young Native women by providing them with two days of interactive workshops, presentations, and activities to build their leadership skills. As a part of the program, young women will connect with those with the power and support to mentor them as they pursue their goals.
Learn More and Apply for Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy by June 16
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize
Apply by June 3
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for its Culture of Health Prize, to recognize projects that help people reach their best health. The Culture of Health Prize honors work that addresses structural racism and other injustices to advance equity and opportunity.
Open nationwide, 10 awards of $250,000 each will be granted to diverse cross-sector partnerships whose collaborative, community-based efforts address systemic barriers to health and center those most impacted by inequities. (Thanks to Washington State Department of Health for this item.)
King County JumpStart Offers Free Training and Paid Internship
Clean Energy jobs for young adults, ages 18-24
The JumpStart Program offers a free training program or registered pre-apprenticeship of your choice with a focus on gaining technical skills in the fields of clean energy, solar, electrical, HVAC and more. Training starts Summer 2024 (in person, with a choice of 6-week full-time or 12-week part-time classes. There are opportunities for paid internship placement ($25/hour) after participants complete classes.
Learn More and Apply for JumpStart
Or contact Dani Hurala, dhurula@kingcounty.gov
Cascade PBS Produces “Farming As Healing” Video about Yes Farm
On “Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir,” Alison tours Yes Farm, the Yesler Terrace urban farm created by Ray Williams, founder of the Black Farmers Collective. Surrounded by Seattle’s cityscape, the farm reconnects people to the land while working toward building community through promoting mental, cultural and spiritual health. The video is 7 minutes 41 seconds.
Stories from the Streets CONTINUES THROUGH JUNE 16
“Stories From The Streets” is a powerful exhibit that invites you to get to know Real Change vendors — the hard-working homeless and low-income people who have been selling the Real Change newspaper on the streets of Seattle since 1994.
This rare exhibition of the Real Change Portrait Project features brand-new works alongside past portraits created by Seattle artists between 2014 and 2024.
The exhibit runs Friday, April 12 – Sunday, June 16.
Learn more about Real Change and the “Stories from the Streets” exhibit.
Duwamish River Community Coalition Job Fair, May 11
Multicultural Community Coalition Hosts Community Market
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Multicultural Community Coalition (MCC) invites Black, immigrant, and refugee-owned local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations to apply to vend at its African Diaspora Community Market. There is no tabling fee! Participating vendors will be provided with outdoor booths in the business parking lot located at 5811 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118.
Learn more about the MCC Market and register to vend here
REMINDER: New Seattle Draft Comprehensive Plan Seeks Community Input
Comment online till May 6
“Everyone with a stake in Seattle’s future” is invited to share feedback about the newly released draft of Seattle’s new Comprehensive Plan, also called OneSeattle. People can share their comments on the Engagement Hub.
OPCD is accepting comments on the Draft Plan and supporting documents through 5 p.m. on Monday, May 6.
City’s New Business Community Ownership Fund and La Union Featured on KOMO-TV
Small business owners Sonia-Lynn Abenojar and Sergio Max Legon-Talamoni of La Union Studio told their story about partnering with the City of Seattle’s Business Community Ownership Fund, on KOMO-TV’s ARC Seattle show. Joining them to describe the purpose of the fund were Heidi Hall from the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development and Chuck Depew from GrowAmerica, who partnered on developing the fund.
The BCO Fund is an innovative new investment model that addresses the rising cost of commercial rent in Seattle, which often affects neighborhoods and businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people. Heidi said the City welcomes project ideas for small businesses on their website, especially from affordable housing developers looking for a ground-floor solution. The BCO website has information in eight languages.
KUOW Highlights Chief Seattle Club’s Newest Affordable Housing to “End Native Homelessness”
New affordable housing for our Native community recently opened in Lake City. Sacred Medicine House offers 120 studio apartments for adults who have been experiencing chronic homelessness. It’s the fourth housing project owned and operated by Chief Seattle Club in recent years, and by far the biggest.
KUOW Public Radio interviewed Derrick Belgrade of Chief Seattle Club and a resident who is excited to move in soon. While Indigenous adults disproportionately experience homelessness in King County, this new housing brings renewed hope. Belgarde said at the opening that “We are not here to lower the Native homelessness rate — we are here to end Native homelessness in King County.”
Read or listen to the KUOW story about Sacred Medicine House and see some of the beautiful art in the building.
Photo of Sacred Medicine House by Casey Martin of KUOW
Do you have a news item for our Learning Community Newsletter or the monthly COO & Partner News? Send us your accomplishments, event announcements, learning opportunities, job and board openings, and funding opportunities!
For events, please be sure to include day/date, location, time (start and end times), and a link. If you have a graphic, please send that too, including alt text. Thank you!