Disparities in Seattle’s civic engagement correspond to disparities in education, income, race, and physical health. The Greater Seattle Civic Health Index shows that increased civic participation leads to improvements in public safety, health, and economic resilience.

We believe community is strongest together. When people feel connection with their neighbors, they are more inclined to take civic action and engage in community dialogue. Fundamental to the success of our work is community coming together, organizing, and working hard to ensure parks and public space efforts happen in their neighborhood.

We also believe in the power of grassroots networks and coalitions to elevate voices and make policy changes at the local and state level. We serve as an umbrella organization for several coalitions that are working to make systemic changes and amplify their impact.

Some ways we support civic engagement and community building include:

• Funding capacity building for community leaders to ensure they have the support necessary to move public space projects forward.
• Providing fiscal services and backbone organizational support so volunteer- led groups can have the structures of a nonprofit to succeed.
• Providing tools and resources for community members to connect with civic leaders and advocate for their projects and programs.
• Catalyzing our network of community members to engage in public discourse and advocacy for parks and public spaces throughout the city, county, state, and region.
• Supporting celebrations and community events that bring neighbors together, working to improve their public spaces.

Each of the projects below focuses on the work of increased civic engagement and community building in different ways. Click to learn more about them.