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Groundswell NW News

GROUNDSWELL 2022 PROGRESS REPORT

GROUNDSWELL 2022 PROGRESS REPORT

2021 GNW Work Party (Photo credit: Angie Gerrald)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

GNW felt it was essential to examine our organization through an EDI lens. We are committed to educating board members on a wide variety of topics, examining membership, policies, procedures and practices to make them equitable and partnering with other community organizations who are already doing this work. In 2020-21 we continued to explore and evaluate our organizational commitment; approved a land acknowledgement statement; instituted board educational processes; explored EDI educational materials; and began to explore outreach opportunities. We anticipate doing an internal inventory and board education for most of 2022, then moving towards external engagement.

Outreach and Advocacy

• For 43 years the Ballard P-Patch has been a vibrant community garden in the north Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. This garden offers important green space in the Ballard neighborhood and provides numerous services and opportunities to the local community. GNW supported the successful effort to acquire the property with a matching grant of $5,000 in 2020.

• In 2021 GNW approved a $500 microgrant to the Friends of Alice Ball Park, to be used for the installation of informational signage about the life and accomplishments of Alice Ball, an African American female chemist from Seattle.

• GNW has been working with the Friends of Ballard Waterfront Park advocating to maximize public space in the design of the Ballard Pump Station and improvements on the 24th St NW street-end, located at 24th Ave NW and Shilshole Ave. Comments have been presented to the Ballard District Council, Seattle Public Utilities, the Seattle Parks District Oversight Committee, and the Seattle Design Commission. GNW continues to represent local interest in increasing publicly accessible open space and parks.

• In 2021 GNW purchased a fish plaque at the updated Ballard Locks Fish Ladder site in support of the
improvements to the fish ladder viewing area.

GNW provides continuing support to local groups, and fiscally sponsored organizations as well as exploring new opportunities for community engagement

Ballard P-Patch (photo credit: Ballard P-Patch)

Administration

In 2019-20 we updated our mailing list of supporters in preparation for hosting our membership meeting on January 29, 2020. At that meeting we installed new board officers, reconnected with our supporters, and were inspired by our local heroes Courtney Sullivan and Jan Satterthwaite, both of whom were instrumental in our NW Seattle Community Wildlife Habitat Project to encourage property owners to create Certified Wildlife Habitats on their properties. Those efforts helped Seattle become a Top Ten City for Wildlife. Through the following two years we approved new organizational by-laws, reorganized and updated the GNW website with current organizational information, and evaluated microgrant processes and consolidated documentation.

Fiscal Integrity

GNW serves as the fiscal sponsor for 8 local neighborhood groups and supports one-time locally sponsored events which enhance our parks and open space with microgrants of $500. GNW has sufficient funds to sponsor at least 5 new projects in 2022. We continued to add to our treasury with generous donations from the following:

•Councilmember Kohl-Welles $1,500 Grant •Give BIG $725

•Microsoft Alumni GIVE $75 •King County Employee Giving $33.60

Early Community Concept Graphic (credit: Zoe Kasperzyk)

GROUNDSWELL NW WINTER 2022

GROUNDSWELL NW WINTER 2022

Happy Belated New Year, Friends & Supporters!

We hope 2022 is off to a positive start despite the ongoing pandemic and that you and yours are staying healthy during this unusually sunny and dry streak of winter weather!

As you know, the beginning of the year marks the official celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Did you also know about the four-and-a-half-acre City of Seattle park dedicated in his honor? Dr. King also famously visited Seattle in 1961 and, of course, King County was eventually named after him in 2005 following a vote in the state senate and house of representatives.

On the eve of Black History Month in February, in the interest of promoting celebratory activities that work with social distancing, we want to share some information about other parks you can visit that honor some of Seattle’s African-American leaders and this “culturally-relevant story read-along, followed by a virtual field trip” hosted by the Northwest African American museum.

The Groundswell NW Board

PHOTO: GREAT SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP

Educators Apply for a Microgrant Today!

Dear Northwest Seattle School Teachers,

Groundswell NW invites you to consider our microgrant program as you plan your lessons for next semester.  Thanks to generous donations, Groundswell NW will be awarding up to $500 each to support educational groups and classes that are starting projects that support Groundswell NW’s mission – creating community, parks, and habitat.  Proposals for a new project in NW Seattle are preferred.  

The simple application is found at this LINK. We accept proposals year-round and review upon receipt.  We anticipate awarding monies immediately.  Funded projects would need to be started before the end of this academic year, but completion dates are flexible.  

Please feel free to forward this invitation to teachers who might be doing something related to our mission.

For questions contact us at info@groundswell.org.

We hope to hear from you soon!


The Groundswell NW Board is Growing

Groundswell NW is actively looking for more board members. Are you passionate about parks, open space and habitat? Do you want to help Groundswell further their mission? We want you! Contact us here for more info!

GROUNDSWELL NW FALL 2021

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GROUNDSWELL NW FALL 2021

Dear Friends & Supporters, 

During this month of gratitude, Groundswell NW is especially grateful to share such a special community with each of you. We deeply believe that your individual and collective stewardship efforts are helping ensure that the beautiful green space in our city will be enjoyed for generations to come.

In honor of Native American Heritage Monthwe would like to spotlight the voice of Washington state’s first Native American poet laureate, Rena PriestPriest is an ardent environmental advocate who uses her platform to bring attention to issues like climate change: “Washington is such a beautiful place. I've grown up here and spent most of my life here. My reservation where I grew up, my homeland, is beautiful beyond compare. I've seen how the state, the landscapes [surrounding the reservation] have changed. Right now, that's an important discussion to be having, without feelings of guilt or blame around how these beautiful places have been altered, but how we can fix it [and] get back to a healthier ecosystem and environment.”

Please consider celebrating this month by joining one of the many opportunities around the city!

Finally, we are so thankful to King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, pictured below with our board at Salmon Bay Parkwho generously awarded Groundswell NW with a gift of $1,500 to further our activation and care efforts for public spaces. 

Happy Thanksgiving,

The Groundswell NW Board

photo:  Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles

Photo: Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles

SUSTAINABLE BALLARD'S 2021 HOLIDAY BARTER FAIR

Mark Your Calendar for Sustainable Ballard's Holiday Barter Fair – December 3 – in person!! A Sustainable Ballard tradition returns!  The annual Holiday Party and Barter Fair will be held on December 3, 7pm to 9pm, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church (2400 NW 85th Street).  For all of you who love to barter –a relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the more commercial holiday gift buying experience — save the date and think about what you’ll bring. This event is intended to be COVID safe. Please wear a mask, maintain social distance as much as possible and bring your vaccination card – we will check cards at the door. What do you have to offer?  For ease of trading, items should have a $5-10 or $15-20 value.  Bigger items or services can be traded for multiples of the lower value items. Don’t have something to trade? Cash is also an acceptable option, or just come by to socialize and enjoy some free refreshments! In past years, barter items have included: hand-crafted scarves, hats and aprons home-grown or foraged produce home-made jams, truffles, dried fruit, granola, beer and other delectable goodies holiday swags, candle holders, table toppers services such as yoga classes, sailboat cruises, refrigerator deep clean, massage and more

Contact Jenny for more information. 

Photo: Sustainable Ballard

BALLARD CORNERS PARK WORK PARTY

Please join the work party at Ballard Corners Park, located at 17th Ave NW & NW 63rd St on Saturday, December 4 from 10am - 3pm, rain or shine We'll be weeding, grooming plants, cleaning up debris, and spreading wood chip mulch.  Some tools will be provided, but if you have them, please bring: gloves, a weeding tool, a pair of pruners, and a bucket (or another container) for collecting clean green material. Because of COVID we will NOT have snacks or water to share.  Please come prepared with whatever sustenance you need.  As an added precaution we'll emphasize physical distancing. If you have any questions, please contact Gabriella at gabriella@seanet.com. We look forward to seeing you there!


EDUCATORS:  APPLY FOR A MICROGRANT TODAY!

Dear Northwest Seattle School Teachers,

With the holiday season around the corner, Groundswell NW invites you to consider our 2021 microgrant program as you plan your lessons for next semester.  Thanks to generous donations, Groundswell NW will be awarding up to $500 each to support educational groups and classes that are starting projects that support Groundswell NW’s mission – creating community, parks, and habitat.  Proposals for a new project in NW Seattle are preferred.  

The simple application is found at www.GroundswellNW.org/microgrants.  We accept proposals year-round and review upon receipt.  We anticipate awarding monies immediately.  Funded projects would need to be started before the end of this academic year, but completion dates are flexible.  

Please feel free to forward this invitation to teachers who might be doing something related to our mission.

For questions contact us at info@groundswell.org.

We hope to hear from you soon!


PLEASE CONTINUE SUPPORTING GROUNDSWELL NW!

It’s hard to believe that the end of 2021 is just over one month away! From all of us here at Groundswell NW, thank you for all your incredible kindness and support of our work. Every year, we are endlessly grateful for all of your donations. As you may know, many employers allow you to double the impact of your investment through employee match programs. Two we’d like to highlight are:

Please also keep us in mind on Giving Tuesday, which falls on November 30 this year.


THE GROUNDSWELL NW BOARD IS GROWING!

Groundswell NW is actively looking for more board members. Are you passionate about parks, open space and habitat? Do you want to help Groundswell further their mission? We want you! Contact us here for more info!

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GROUNDSWELL NW JUNE 2021 NEWS

GROUNDSWELL NW JUNE 2021 NEWS

We at Groundswell NW hope you are faring as well as can be expected during this unprecedented heat wave. These extreme temperatures are a critical reminder of what is at stake with respect to preserving and protecting our precious green spaces and we are more committed than ever to doing what we can for the local environment and all the wonderful neighbors who call our community home. The National Weather Service (NWS) and Public Health – Seattle & King County have issued guidance regarding how to stay cool and safe and our thoughts are with everyone struggling to stay cool this summer.

We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary significance of three key events that are honored this month: Juneteenth, PRIDE, and Immigrant Heritage Month! Keep reading to see several spotlights on public spaces and programs that honor the diversity, history, and beauty of Seattle’s African American, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities.

With gratitude,

The Groundswell NW Board


SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION LGBTQ RESOURCES

 Did you know that Seattle Parks has many services and opportunities of interest especially for the LGBTQ community? Check out their LBGTQ resource page to find out more about all gender swims, teen programs, senior supports, and more

DR. JOSE P. RIZAL BRIDGE AND PARK (uw photo).jpg

SPOTLIGHT ON DR. JOSE P. RIZAL BRIDGE AND PARK

As we close out the month’s official celebration of Immigrant Heritage month, we encourage you to continue to #celebrateimmigrants year round and consider reading about Filipino Americans and the Making of Seattle's Dr. Jose P. Rizal Bridge and ParkThe story of how this public space came to be renamed sheds light on the legacy of two determined community members who successfully advocated on behalf of Seattle’s Filipino community.


GOLDEN GARDENS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteers are needed to restore the forest at Golden Gardens Park. Give something back to the community by enhancing the forest and contributing to a better wildlife habitat! This event takes place on the second Saturday of every month from 9 am - 12pm, which will be July 10 this coming month. Tools, gloves, and training are provided. Meet at the restroom near the parking lot for the dog park. For info email Doug at: doug@greshamenvironmental.com or call at (206) 794-4520 Sign up at: https://seattle.greencitypartnerships.org


JUNETEENTH

 Juneteenth recognizes the day that enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas finally received the news  they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after the fact. In May, Governor Jay Inslee declared June 19 a paid holiday for state workers in 2022, only to be followed by President Joe Biden signing a law that made the day a federal holiday earlier this month. Click here to read a Seattle Times all about this historic day, including “podcasts, movies, TV shows and more to help you salute and uplift Black voices.”


EDUCATORS: APPLY FOR A MICROGRANT TODAY! 

Hello Northwest Seattle School Teachers!

While enjoy a much-deserved summer vacation, Groundswell NW invites you to consider our 2021 microgrant program as you plan for next school year.  Thanks to generous donations, Groundswell NW will be awarding up to $500 each to support educational groups and classes that are starting projects that support Groundswell NW’s mission – creating community, parks, and habitat.  Proposals for a new project in NW Seattle are preferred.  The simple application is found at www.GroundswellNW.org/microgrants.  We accept proposals year-round and review upon receipt.  We anticipate awarding monies immediately.  Funded projects would need to be started before the end of this academic year, but completion dates are flexible.  Please feel free to forward this invitation to teachers who might be doing something related to our mission. For questions contact us at info@groundswell.org.

 We hope to hear from you soon!


THE GROUNDSWELL NW BOARD IS GROWING!

Groundswell NW is actively looking for more board members. Are you passionate about parks, open space and habitat? Do you want to help Groundswell further their mission? We want you! Contact us here for more info!

GROUNDSWELL NW MAY 2021 NEWS

GROUNDSWELL NW MAY 2021 NEWS

Thank you so much for all you to do to partner with us in our effort to empower NW Seattle to create, activate and care for parks, open space and habitat.  Now more than ever, we are so fortunate to have such wonderful green space all around us to enjoy.  Be they moments of precious solicitude in our gardens and local parks, or safe and socially distanced group gatherings with our neighbors under the shade of majestic Pacific Northwest trees, we know you share in our tremendous gratitude for the great outdoors!
 
In the past year, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Groundswell NW has been thrilled to support a number of initiatives to promote positive, outdoor community engagement:
 

 
Please consider making a donation to our GiveBIG campaign today through May 5, 2021 and thank you for everything you already do to steward the natural beauty in our community!
 
 
With gratitude,
 
Groundswell NW Board
Dave Boyd
Rene Dagseth
Susanne Daniell
Dennis Galvin
Sylvia Koodrich
Katie Roberts
Jan Satterthwaite


Volunteer Opportunity
Giving Big can also take the form of giving your time. Volunteers are needed to restore the forest at Golden Gardens Park at monthly work parties every second Saturday of from 9 am -12 pm. The next work party opportunity is May 8th. Give something back to the community by enhancing the forest and making better wildlife habitat! Tools, gloves, and training are provided. Meet up at restroom near parking lot for the dog park. For info, please email Doug at: doug@greshamenvironmental.com or call at (206) 794-4520. You can also sign up at: https://seattle.greencitypartnerships.org.


Join us in celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month

Did you know that Asian Pacific Heritage Monthis observed in May? The Seattle Center's annual celebration will be virtual in nature due to the pandemic, but we encourage you to check out this event as well as thisbrochure of parks, gardens, and other placesthat honor the rich culture of Asian Americans across our city.