Question: I am relatively new to Seattle and live near MLK and Thistle. I don't have much, but when I can, I like to donate to agencies and nonprofits physically near me. South Seattle is growing on me, and I was hoping you could provide a short list of organizations truly local to me.
Answer: First, I love this question because it's coming from someone new to the area who isn't automatically presuming what organizations are already here. I'm also excited about this question because it gives me an opportunity to answer another question as well: Now that I've marched in protest, what's next?
A march isn't a parade. Participating in a march is making a commitment to action. You're joining with others to stand for something. You've shown your willingness to sacrifice part of your time to make a public stance. Effective march organizers will follow up with steps you can take on whatever issue you marched for. Sometimes those steps will align with your capacities, but not always. So how do you decide which actions to take?
Before you take next steps, here are some questions to help you filter how to spend your energy, knowledge, time, and money more effectively.
What issue(s) spurred you into marching? Those are the issues where you should focus your resources.
What resources do you have to share? Do you have time to volunteer? Do you have expertise you can lend to the cause? Do you have agency in a company or organization that you can leverage in support of the cause? Are you a skilled workshop leader, event organizer, envelope stuffer, cookie baker, fundraiser? Do you have a network of friends, neighbors, or colleagues you can activate to give or share resources?
Where can you connect with other like-minded people who are doing, not just talking? There are many clubs and organizations in the South End. Once you identify those that share your passion, and before you choose which you will support, go beyond their websites. Ask for an informational interview with a member of the staff or board. Find out if your values match theirs. Some organizations are based in a specific religious community, some have a general faith-based focus that may or may not be explicit. Some organizations serve specific populations.
Ask what the organization needs and see if that matches your resources. Be prepared to listen. Don't go into organizations with your preconceptions. Learn why they do things the way they do. Ask questions. Your intimate knowledge of cryptocurrency may not be as useful as your passion for taking meeting minutes.
If it's a political organization, do the candidates or causes they support reflect the people they intend to impact? If they support candidates, do their votes reflect your values? Do they claim to be pro-environment but openly support the placement of environmentally unsustainable projects? What reputations do their candidates have in the community? What's the organization's reputation among other organizations doing similar work?
Finally, is there room for you to bring your whole self to the organization, or will you end up frustrated because their needs don't match your expectations? What's their reputation among those they serve?
When you approach them, remember the work they're doing is their passion, too. They may be as tired, dispirited, frustrated, and afraid by all that's happened in the past six months. You can be the thing that brings them hope. Approach them gently and with humility, not with demands or your own ego.
Okay, if you've read this far, here's your reward: a list of South Seattle nonprofits. Some are based in the South End but work globally, while others are hyperlocal. It is likely an incomplete list, so apologies to any organizations omitted.
And now, of course, a disclaimer. I developed this list by scraping the internet, with no help from AI. Placement on the list does not imply endorsement by me or the South Seattle Emerald. Neither the Emerald nor I attest to the effectiveness or viability of any of these organizations. Do your homework!
Now, get out there and make change!
And bring me more questions!
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