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Community Involvement Commission Annual Report

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Members of the Community Involvement Commission at the January 22 event

The City of Seattle’s Community Involvement Commission (CIC) recently published their first annual report in which they highlighted commission members’ efforts to stand up the commission and get to work advising City departments and staff.

They shared this report at a successful launch event on January 22. The event was attended by City staff, as well as dozens of commissioners from other City Commissions. CIC members presented about their work and then hosted breakout discussions aimed at helping City Commissioners highlight best practices, build connections, share resources, and apply a race and social justice lens to their outreach work.

The Community Involvement Commission advises City of Seattle departments and staff on coordinated, citywide outreach and engagement activities.

If you want to learn more about the commission or are interested in attending an upcoming meeting, go to seattle.gov/neighborhoods/community-involvement-commission.

If you have questions or would like to contact the commission, send an email to CommunityInvolvementCommission@seattle.gov.

King County makes extra shelter beds available during winter storm while non-essential offices are closed

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King County is making extra shelter beds available at the King County Administration Building through Wednesday night for people experiencing homelessness during the winter storm. The Jefferson Day Center at Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street in downtown Seattle remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can call 2-1-1 to locate the nearest available shelter.

All King County Metro Transit buses are on snow routes, and many buses are running behind schedule. Metro proactively chained its fleet prior to the morning commute and has nearly all 1,500 of its coaches in service. Metro increased staff in anticipation of tough conditions and has been working behind the scenes to tow stuck coaches and address issues as they arise. Check MetroWinter.com for specific snow route information, especially as preparations are made for the afternoon commute.

All non-essential King County offices, meanwhile, are closed today.

Bill to Protect Kids from Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water in WA Schools Introduced finds elevated lead levels in Seattle schools

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A state bill to protect kids from lead in school drinking water has been introduced in Olympia by Rep. Gerry Pollet.  HB 1860 would require schools to notify parents when tests detect lead levels at 1 part per billion (ppb), and to fix water outlets where lead levels reach 5 ppb or higher.

“Here in the 21st century, it is astounding that the water our children drink is sometimes laced with lead – a toxic substance that damages our children’s health, learning, and development,” said Bruce Speight, Environment Washington Director.  “We thank Rep. Pollet for introducing this important bill to put our schools on track to get the lead out.”

 

Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that causes chronic problems: it lowers IQ and causes behavioral problems.  Lead is especially damaging to kids – impairing how they learn, grow, and behave.  Medical literature cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows more than 24 million children in America are at risk of losing IQ points due to low levels of lead.

 

“Schools should be safe places for our kids to learn and play, but Washington is failing to protect our kids from lead in drinking water” said Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT, INND (Institute of Neurotoxicology & Neurological Disorders). “Kids’ developing brains are especially susceptible to highly toxic lead so it’s time to get the lead out.”

 

Lead contamination of school’s drinking water is widespread. A story in Sunday’s Seattle Times found that even in North Seattle’s more affluent neighborhoods “elevated lead levels appeared in tests at 36 percent of schools.”

 

The AAP has said no level of lead is safe for children and has called for an action level no higher than 1 ppb.  The Pediatricians’ recommendation to reduce the action level to 1 ppb is based on medical research showing that levels of lead above 1 ppb will reduce children’s IQ.

 

“Inaction on lead exposure to our children is inexcusable,” said Rep. Pollet, who is on the UW School of Public Health faculty. “We need to test school water and adopt standards based on protecting our children, especially those in the poorest of schools.”

 

Over the past two years, Environment Washington has released analysis in 2017 of Washington State’s efforts to address lead drinking water contamination, which gave Washington State a failing grade; has worked with state legislators to improve Washington state statutes regarding lead in school drinking water; has issued a toolkit for parents to address local lead issues; and we are currently preparing an analysis of testing data that will show even more of a problem.

 

“Lead has been banned in paint since 1977 and in gasoline for nearly as long; it’s about time we ‘get the lead out’ of our drinking water systems too. Rep. Pollet’s bill is a key step toward assuring safe drinking water for Washington children at school,” concluded Speight.

 

Train the Trainer

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Nonprofit people are busy and don’t have time to spare. That’s why Washington Nonprofits supports those who teach nonprofit people to make every learning event excellent and action-focused.

PLAN A WORKSHOP or WEBINAR

We have created a few resources to help presenters get ready for a workshop or webinar.

  • Tips for Delivering a Great Workshop – We have pulled together a few ideas that every trainer or presenter might consider.
  • Workshop Planner -Download this worksheet to sketch out a learning experience that is engaging and action-focused.
  • Evaluation – We updated our evaluation form to improve what we learn about attendees and presenters. Our goal is to close the gap between what they knew coming into the workshop and what they know when leaving. The evaluation form is a helpful document for presenters to read in advance to get ideas on how to help people with a range of prior knowledge, how to move those people to action, and what to look for afterwards to know if we were successful.
  • “So You’ve Been Selected” – Guila Muir provides excellent tips for people who are planning a conference workshop.

In addition, we recommend trainers follow the kite method described in the book Instructional Design That Soars: Shaping What You Know Into Classes That Inspire by Guila Muir. Washington Nonprofits delivers regular “Train the Trainer” workshops.

 

MORE ON WASHINGTON NONPROFIT WEBINARS

Over the past few years, we have been inspired by experts (like Eureka) pushing on the webinar format for better learning experiences. Typical Washington Nonprofit webinars now have:

  • Priming opportunities – We invite people to think about the topic or do some advanced work prior to the webinar.
  • Webinar “Place Mat” – Reflection is as important to people learning in person as it is in e-learning experiences. That’s why we created a “place mat” to center ideas and reflections as a webinar unfolds. Here is one example.
  • Post event action – We want people to do something differently because they attended a webinar. We ask for an action update immediately after and then 4 weeks later (for longer series)

 

LEARN MORE FROM OTHERS

Mark Nilles at Humentum has put together two helpful (short) videos on how to create an engage workshop and how to determine what kind of session to offer.

And for a quick video on how people learn, we appreciate Ulrich Boser’s work in this area. Click here for his recent TEDx Talk on how we learn.

If you are interested in being a part of our growing community of trainers who spend time thinking about adult learning and effective presenting, let us know! We will add you to our list so you hear about upcoming events.

 

Thanking firefighters and first responders for working the front lines

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Gov. Jay Inslee thanked a room of firefighters and emergency responders Tuesday for their hard work, saying he’ll continue fighting for collective bargaining, worker’s rights and worker’s compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We must take care of those who do the hard work of taking care of us,” Inslee said.

The governor said fire fighters understand and see the challenges associated with mental health and homelessness as they work throughout the state. Last year, Inslee signed a bill that allows fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians who experience PTSD to make a claim for workers’ compensation.

The governor spoke as part of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters’ Annual Conference.

Hundreds of clean energy supporters rally in Olympia

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The push for legislators to support 100% clean energy got a boost this week when hundreds of Washingtonians came to Olympia this week to rally for climate action.

“We have many things we need to work on – saving our orcas and reducing oil spills – but I also want to address the central existential threat to the state of Washington, and that’s climate change,” Gov. Jay Inslee said during the rally with supporters. “We will rise to defeat the peril climate change and to maximize the promise of clean energy jobs in the state of Washington.”

Inslee also spoke to members of the CleanTech Alliance during their annual Clean Tech day in Olympia. The Alliance shared their experiences about how the governor’s Clean Energy Fund is helping unleash innovation in the clean tech sector, and Inslee encouraged them to share their creative solutions with their legislators.

“Talking to the right legislator with the right story can change the legislative course,” Inslee said during Monday’s meeting. “I’ve seen it on many occasions.”

The governor’s 100 percent clean energy bill passed out of a Senate committee this week, and the companion bill is scheduled for a House committee vote next week along with his clean buildings legislation.

I have an exciting announcement! I’m running to represent South Seattle on the Seattle City Council for District 2.

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As a community organizer and educator, I have worked directly on issues such as public safety, economic growth, and getting at-risk youth back on track in the greater Rainier Valley and beyond. I plan on taking my experience of relationship building with policy-making straight to the City Council to make sure that District 2 is getting the representation and attention it deserves. District 2 is one of the most diverse and culturally rich communities in the city and state. This is a fact that we can all be proud and excited about. I am running to represent District 2 on the City Council because it needs an effective leader who is well skilled at representing and listening to ALL communities. I have a deep understanding and experience with the community on the issues that needs to be resolved for the communities that call District 2 home. I am passionate about the community and will work at making meaningful and effective policy. I will not only support the people and businesses of South Seattle, but add to the tapestry of policy for everyone in Seattle. Being a Council Member is hard work and to make sure that Seattle and District 2  remains the “GEM of the City”, it will require a leader dedicated to the progress of the city, its businesses, and the lives of its people. We have to make sure that this community is a place where all people of all backgrounds and socioeconomic status can live and thrive.

“The Times Are A’ Changin”, and District 2 deserves a leader that has faced the same trials and tribulations as the residents who live here. We need more affordable housing for residents that are at risk of being pushed out, safer roads that don’t put our children and seniors at risk, and better transportation infrastructure so our residents have a reliable way to get to work and around their community. I have partnered, volunteered, and fought for the causes of numerous organizations, nonprofits, and community groups in South Seattle. If elected, I will continue to take these issues head on and give them  exposure at the highest levels of government with your help as a representative on the Seattle City Council.

I will work every day to make sure that Seattle is a place that continues to better itself and doesn’t leave anybody behind in the process. Please join my campaign as we fight to keep Seattle District 2 the Gem that we know it is.

We are currently working on getting the 150 qualifying donations for the democracy voucher campaign and we cannot do this without your help! Will you please contribute $10 or more today to start this campaign in the right direction? 

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to this campaign and hearing what issues matter the most to you!

Sincerely,
Phyllis Porter

Black History Month panel discussion on “Fighting Racism on the Job”

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Black History Month panel discussion on “Fighting Racism on the Job” Featuring a panel of workers, feminists and union activists who are standing up against harassment and discrimination on their jobs.  An open discussion will follow the speaker’s presentations. Saturday, February 23, 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00pm. $2-5 door donation, dinner available for $8-10 donation. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave., S., Seattle. Hosted by Radical Women and Freedom Socialist Party. For more info or to reserve childcare: 206-722-2453, RWseattle@mindspring.com. Wheelchair accessible.

Ezell’s 35th Anniversary Celebration “Legends and Legacies”

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Ezell’s Famous Chicken is celebrating 35 years in business on February 3rd. In it’s 35th-anniversary celebrations Ezell’s is recognizing and honoring pacific northwest legends and bridging the work of local nonprofits that are creating legacies all of February for
Black History Month.

Ezell’s Famous Chicken is a household name to metro Seattle and suburbs across the state. Ezell’s Famous chicken celebration of their 35th-anniversary gala on 2/23/2019 at the Space Needle will be a historic night in Seattle’s history books.
February 23rd will earmark more than a night to enjoy good company, food and the beautiful Chihuly Glass House and Space Needle. It is an evening to highlight Legends like Lenny Wilkens
– former Seattle SuperSonics player, coach and founder of Lenny Wilkens Foundation, Jordan Babaneaux- former Seahawks player, Jesse Winesberry former State Rep, Bob Donegan, CEO of Ivar’s and Nate Miles Eli Lilly who have long roots and legacies in Seattle while uplifting the future generation of small business owners and nonprofits that are grassroots.
Since February 3rd, 1984 Ezell’s has been a part of employing inner-city youth in the Central district and now throughout the Puget Sound Region. Lewis said he and Co-Founders still has relationships with many of the teens that worked for them in the early years and are mentors to some. They have been inspirational in some starting their own businesses.
Ezell’s is forming a foundation to highlight and support small business owners and nonprofits who have demonstrated a mission to prevent youth violence in inner urban cities. Ezell’s will highlight and support these organizations through introducing them to decision makers, and a network that is larger than their current network. Each awardee has demonstrated working with youth in youth prevention, mentoring, education and entrepreneurship.
The awardees are local young emerging leaders.: Kendrick Glover (GEMS) and Dominque Davis
(Community Passageway) are both receiving Mentoring Youth awards Crystal Townsend (Be Bold Be You) she will receive an unsung hero award for the expansion of her work with single moms and lastly, Jamie Elmore former employee of Ezell’s and now local nonprofit leader of (Alopecia Support Group)
Lewis Rudd, President of Ezell’s Famous Chicken said, “As a black owned and operated business
in Seattle for 35 years is indeed a legacy, we are proud of. The old saying it takes a village to raise children is the concept we live by at Ezell’s. It takes a community to raise a business and if it wasn’t for the community Ezell’s would not be a success”. He views the Awardees as being in the business of raising children and saving lives.

In the month of February Ezell’s is available for demonstrations with chicken, interviews about
the gala and legacy awards and we are inviting media to attend the gala or the VIP ceremony.

About Ezell’s Famous Chicken:
Ezell’s Famous Chicken was started over 30 years ago as a family-owned and operated business February 3rd, 1984.

The story began when the family moved from Texas to Seattle. Shortly thereafter they decided that they’d start a business making chicken like they used to back home in Texas. Lewis and the family saw their mission as simple: Provide FRESH and high-quality chicken and
GOOD homemade side dishes served with FAST and courteous service. In short, Ezell’s Famous Chicken had to be Fresh, Good and Fast!
The family opened the first store on February 3, 1984, in Seattle’s Central District at 501-23rd
Avenue, across from Garfield High School. Since then, they have built the family business into a
national franchise.
Since the very beginning, the founders of Ezell’s Famous Chicken knew they had a product that
the public would love. Their recipes called for using high-quality ingredients and preparing
everything fresh daily. All they had to do was get customers to “just try it once,” and they would
return for more.
Ezell’s Famous Chicken has become a household name in Seattle and developed a loyal
following throughout the Pacific Northwest. Today, there are several locations, a dedicated
catering division and two mobile food trucks to serve the growing customer base.

Aaron Pointer elected president of the Metro Parks Board of Commissioners

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Commissioner Tim Reid elevated to board clerk; both elected to serve in roles until 2020

Metro Parks Board of Commissioners chose Aaron Pointer to serve as president for the coming year. He succeeds Andrea Smith, who held the role in 2017 and 2018.

 

“Parks and recreation are a positive influence on this community,” Pointer said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to lead the Park Board again. There are a lot of good things in store for the district in 2019, including park improvement projects and the growth of innovative programs that serve our community.”

 

Pointer, a retired parks supervisor and former professional baseball player and NFL referee, has served on the Park Board since 2001 and previously served as board president in 2012.

 

While serving in that role, he surprised and delighted the Japanese consulate general when Pointer addressed him in his native language while accepting a gift of flowering cherry blossom trees for Point Defiance Park. Pointer became fluent in the language while playing in Fukuoka, Japan, for the Nishitetsu Lions.

 

Also Monday, Commissioner Tim Reid was chosen as board clerk, the No. 2 position and a role Pointer most recently held in 2017 and 2018. Reid, who has served on the Park Board since 1995, has served as president and clerk before.

 

“We’re all looking forward to 2019,” Reid said. “There are so many good things happening in the district – and the Park Board is here to make sure the right things are done the right way, as far as the community is concerned.”

 

The Board of Park Commissioners sets policy for Metro Parks Tacoma. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and are elected by voters in Tacoma and parts of unincorporated Browns Point and Dash Point. The other commissioners are Erik Hanberg and Jessie K. Baines Jr.