Springing back

Hi friends,

I’ve been quiet these past few months, as life and work have been busy and I’ve needed to hyper-focus on doing fewer things well vs. “all the things.” I’m sure you can relate. These are, of course, interesting times.

But I’m springing back into community work in a few targeted ways, and I hope you’ll let me know what you've been up to as well. Send me a note at [email protected] and I’ll share out with the group if you like. Resource-sharing and efficiency feel more important that ever, so let’s leverage the wisdom and connections of this group.

Lately, I’ve been active with my hyper-local Adopt-a-School group and have been staying tuned to the efforts of the Northshore Neighbors Solidarity group. It’s so encouraging to know that many, many people are interested in strengthening local ties and showing up in diverse ways. Your community has hyper-local groups like these, too – jump in!

I’m also mid-way through CERT training with my local emergency readiness group, NEMCo. I’ve been aware of the organization and have worked with NEMCo folks at Kenmore Oktoberfest (they also support the Kenmore Quad and Pack the Park) and I’ve been wanting to do this training for a long time. It’s three full days and it’s really just a start. NEMCo offers so many trainings and resources. Check it out if you have any interest. The volunteer instructors are top-notch.

Sending civic love,
Erika 

Want to be part of the next Civic Saturday?
date and time TBD!

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. Civic Saturday is FREE, secular, and nonpartisan. The vibe is “come as you are” and the content is meant to reflect the reality of our times.

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

Here’s where you come in: we have willing hosts, but don’t have our next date nailed down. Because contributors are needed. So if you’re able to share a poem, do a reading, play music or lead us in song, help set things up or bring coffee, I’d love to hear from you. Once we have a group of interested folks, I am happy to coordinate to determine a good date, time, and place – hopefully in June! Email me ([email protected])

Special thanks to everyone who made the February Civic Saturday possible!
Here’s a link to Dr. Joel Domingo’s remarks.
Here's my LinkedIn post about the event.

With gratitude to Third Place Commons, musicians Abhishek Borah, Dylan Swiggett, and Julien Thibault, Citizen University, and the CU Seattle Hub Civic Catalysts, including Aanchal Dhar, Dr. Joel Domingo, Jennifer Harris, and Caroline Sayre.

More local events:

TONIGHT from UW Bothell and Cascadia College – April 28th: a panel discussion asking, does sustainability require democracy? 6-7:30PM TONIGHT Tuesday, April 28th at Bothell Library. (Registration available but not required.)

from Kenmore’s Adopt a School volunteer group – ongoing: help us sustain the Little Free Food Pantry at Northlake Lutheran (6620 NE 185th St, Kenmore) and at Heron House, the Lake City Partners shelter for senior women (18118 73rd Ave NE, Kenmore). They are being heavily used and often pretty bare. (Email me if you’d like to “sign up” for a day and I’ll connect you.)

from Caroline Sayre – May 3rd: check out her article in Fremont Neighbor about the Emerald City Trail. Caroline is leading a group walk at 10AM on Sunday, May 3rd of Segment #1: Ballard to the Woodland Park Zoo. Join us!

from Pack the Park 5K – May 9th: this 5K run fights local food insecurity, supporting the Shoreline Schools Angel Fund and Third Place Commons Market Bucks program. Over the past ten years, almost $35,000 has been raised. Register, sponsor, or sign up to volunteer.

from Third Place Commons – May 10th : opening of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, 10AM-2PM on Sunday, May 10th (Mother’s Day)(continues every Sunday through October 18th)

from Seattle Super Saunter – May 16th: join a self-guided, 20+ mile walk through the city’s northernmost to southernmost point. Goals: encourage walking; build community; appreciate the city. Free! Optional signup. 

from League of Women Voters – May 21st: regular meeting 7-9PM, Thursday, May 21st, Third Place Commons (Stadler Room)

Find your way to connect! Many any more events can always be found on Mobilize