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
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 Park. The 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!