Community Action Fair today!
plus a few tried-and-true tips for the season

Hi friends,

Today’s the day – your chance to come to the Bothell Library to chat with more than a dozen organizations about ways to take action locally. I love the timing of this event, just as many of us are thinking about special ways we can give back and support neighbors during the upcoming holiday season. More details are below. No need to RSVP. Just come on over and see what might feel like a fit for you.

Of course, the holiday season is a very busy season, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and overscheduled. So, especially this year, I want to encourage you to let your values guide you: tune into what feels most important right now. Any given day lately, probably 20 issues feel very urgent, but I don’t have the capacity to do anything about more than two or three. That’s just the reality. But I know that acting in a few small ways is vastly better than fixating on all the big issues that are out of my sphere of influence.

Most of all, in the words of my smart friend Brooke, I try to be the neighbor that I’d like to have, and invite other folks to join in. Through community engagement, I’ve met so many wonderful people who I would never have known otherwise.

I hope to see you soon, or catch up virtually, or just exchange emails to hear what’s up lately.

Sending civic love,
Erika 

TODAY: 2:00 - 4:00 PM Saturday, October 25
Community Action Fair at Bothell Library

Connect with nonprofits local to Bothell and the surrounding areas. Learn about volunteer opportunities and other ways you can take action in the community. Open house style; drop in anytime from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.

Partnering organizations include: 

• Bothell Community Kitchen, a Project of Bothell United Methodist Church

• Cedar Park Kenmore Food Bank

• City of Bothell

• Civic Lift PNW

• Friends of North Creek Forest

• Hopelink

• League of Women Voters Seattle King County

• Northshore Rotary

• Northshore Schools Foundation

• PNW Community Table

• Shelton View Forest Stewardship Association

• Sno-King Watershed Council

• Whale Scouts

3:00 - 4:30 PM Sunday, November 2
Civic Lift at Kingsgate Library

Register for Civic Lift here (walk-ins OK too)

Join neighbors, strangers, and friends to dream about the community we want, and do our part to help make it so. This gathering uses a structured approach to identify personal strengths and values, leading to an individual action plan. Light refreshments provided. 

Sponsored by Friends of the Kingsgate Library.

In partnership with local Citizen University Civic Fellows led by Erika Olson. Civic Lift is a secular, nonpartisan gathering. 
For adults and teens ages 15 and up. Please register.
Please register. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows.

One more thing:
Quick tips for finding your way into civic engagement

I often have conversations with people who truly want to get involved, but are overwhelmed with information overload and busy schedules, and can’t seem to find their way in. My advice basically boils down to: the way to get started is to get started! Here are a few more specific tips for you.

Start with What You Already Love. Match your interests to community needs. Love dogs? Walk dogs at Homeward Pet. Enjoy the outdoors? Join other volunteers restoring habitat at Wallace Swamp Creek Park.

Go Hyperlocal. Try staying close to home. Meet neighbors who care - it’s encouraging! Watch your impact gather momentum. People talk about finding community, but I think we all know, we make community. Showing up matters.

Commit to "Just Once" First. Try without pressure. Attend one event. Volunteer for one shift. See how it goes. Test the waters, then decide whether you’ll stick with it or try something else.

Bring a Friend (or Make a Friend). Ever had a gym buddy? It’s a system that works for many of us! We could all use some encouragement, fellowship, and probably some accountability. Taking action alongside friends helps weave what you’re doing into your regular schedule.

We all want to feel connected, to know our neighbors, to have a say in shaping the place we call home. Opportunities are everywhere, once you look around. Start with one small step, if that’s what makes it doable. Adjust to make it sustainable. Do what’s right for you, based on your values, talents, and resources. Stretch to do more when you can!