resource roundup + Civic Saturday Feb 21

Hi friends,

I’m just back from a short trip to Florida, where I was able to catch up with Christian Perez, a fellow Civic Fellow. He’s hatching smart, audacious plans for missing middle housing in Miami, and it was energizing to be with him. In these times, the company of hopeful, engaged folks makes such a difference. I hope you’re nurturing those connections, too.

No Civic Social this month, as we have Civic Saturday happening on February 21st. If you’re able to join us, please RSVP via Eventbrite and I’ll see you there at Third Place Commons, 10:00 - 11:30 AM.

Sending civic love,
Erika 

RSVP for Civic Saturday
10-11:30 AM, Saturday, February 21st at Third Place Commons

Civic Saturday is for anyone who is engaged in the community – or wants to be! We gather as neighbors, strangers, and friends, resolved to grow community connection. Join us! Bring a friend, or make a new one.

Come as you are. • Live music, poetry and readings spark inspiration. • Conversation moves us toward action. • Leave with ideas and local resources.

Please RSVP via Eventbrite. Civic Saturday is FREE, secular, and nonpartisan. We look forward to seeing you!

SPECIAL NOTE: Civic Saturday concludes with community announcements! Can’t make it, but want to share an event, a resource, or other civic news? Email it to me ([email protected]) and I’ll share for you.

Special thanks to Third Place Commons, musician Julien Thibault, Citizen University, and the CU Seattle Hub Civic Catalysts.

More local events:

from Caroline Sayre and Ophelia’s Books: Ever Wonder? A Group Discussion, 7-9PM, Tuesday, February 17th. Space is limited; please RSVP.

from League of Women Voters: regular meeting 7-9PM, Thursday, February 19th, Third Place Commons (Stadler Room)

from Third Place Commons: annual Community Fundraising Breakfast, 7-8:45AM, Wed. March 4th, tickets required, packed house expected!

from Leadership Snohomish County: Save the date for Step Up 2026 - Moving Racial Equity Forward conference, April 24th, Hotel Indigo Everett. Back in person for the 10th annual!

… and so many more on Mobilize 

Resource round-up & interesting reads:

Books I keep recommending: I find myself talking about these books regularly, so worth another mention:
“This Is Where You Belong" by Melody Warnick
"Bowling Alone" by Robert Putnam (and the film Join or Die)
“The Unthinkable" by Amanda Ripley 

Amanda Ripley’s book is the one that makes the case for reading the other two. According to Ripley’s research in “The Unthinkable,” survival and recovery in disaster situations depend more on who you know than on emergency supplies. People with strong social networks check on each other, share information, and act faster. Connected communities don’t just endure disasters—they adapt through cooperation, communication, and trust. We know that social connection makes us happier and healthier – and it may just save your life.

Science of Small Encounters: from Reimagine the Civic Commons, this piece explains how casual interactions boost our happiness. Small things add up, and welcoming public spaces make these interactions more likely.

from Rick Steves: Maybe you’ve heard about Rick Steves’ “European take” on American democracy from recent sold-out events at Edmonds Center for the Arts. If you missed it (or waited too long to get tickets, like me), you can watch the recording.

from Father Michael Ryan: I’m a lapsed Catholic but a big fan of Father Michael Ryan. (St. James Cathedral was my grandma’s parish.) Father Ryan’s homily from February 8th is remarkable.

from Tech Policy Press: article, How ICE will spy on protestors, and how you can protect your privacy.
(See also: Center for Democracy and Technology)
(See also: Wired magazine’s limited series Tracker Newsletter)
(See also: Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network)

from Kate Starbird: Another plug for Kate Starbird’s work. Her “Quick Primer on Sensemaking and Frames” is such a worthy read. (Link below to check out her Substack.)