A few weeks ago, The Seattle Foundation unveiled its newest publication, A Healthy Community: Strategies for Effective Giving. Seattle Works had a copy lying around I looked through a few days ago, but, as part of our Duke Engage experience (the program that has brought Melody and me to Seattle), we also took a trip to the Seattle Foundation to discuss exactly what it is that they do down there and to talk about this "Healthy Community" publication. The Duke Engage program's main objective is to get its students involved in service around the world. (I have friends serving in Kenya, Tanzania, Tuscon, Trinidad, Guatemala, and Portland.)
There was a lot of information in the publication, and apparently the Seattle Foundation worked pretty hard to put this thing together. I thought it was interesting, and I'm not even from this area. They discuss what they call the seven "Elements of a Healthy Community" (basic needs, environment, economy, neighborhoods and communities, health and wellness, arts and culture, education) Each element has a section that outlines the status of King County regarding that element and makes suggestions of how you can help. I think it is worth reading, especially if you are a resident of King County/Seattle and are looking for ways that you can contribute to your community (financially or otherwise).
The publication points out a lot of interesting things too. For example, I never considered that prosperity and industry could cause problems in a community, but the Seattle Foundation explains that increases in prosperity and industry is causing affordable housing in King County to disappear. More expensive housing is replacing the affordable housing and is pushing many people out of their neighborhoods to other more affordable communities. When people move away from their jobs, they therefore rely more heavily upon cars and transit, leading to increased congestion, sprawl, and climate change. This is also a good example of how the various "elements" affect one another (economy affecting environment).
So take a look. It's pretty interesting. And Seattle Works makes an appearance on page 68!
http://www.seattlefoundation.org/page10004386.cfm
-Chelsea
Comments