Annette Heide-Jessen: Small Business Owner, KaffeeklatschCoffee shop owner and entrepreneur Annette Heide-Jessen speaks to the role of a small business owner in civic life. In addition to providing a community gathering space in her coffee shop and bakery, Heide-Jessen provides connections for neighbors and support for others who aspire to start their own businesses. In particular, she speaks to the importance of listening, using your voice, and developing “the courage to go out there and talk to people.”
More
Daniel Garcia: Community Programs Specialist, City of Tacoma, explains how his work in the arts and culture vitality division of the City of Tacoma requires collaboration and person to person communication. This civic engagement skill allows Garcia to strengthen connections between different community members. Using an example of how he brought people together to increase arts in Tacoma, Garcia showcases how being curious and listening to others can be powerful tools in creating community.
More
Melissa Davis: Deputy Opinion Editor, Seattle Times, explains the importance not only of a free press, but also of providing a platform for a structured sharing and exchange of diverse points of view on public life. She goes on to illustrate the role that Op-Eds in The Seattle Times have had on policy and lawmaking, citing recent examples. Lastly, she advocates for reading persuasive pieces, especially those you may not agree with, as a way to grow and better understand your community.
More
Tony Angell: Former State Supervisor of Environmental Education, OSPI, explains the importance of getting young people outside of the classroom and having direct experiences in the natural world. In his work at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, he created pathways of learning, convened panels to explore environmental issues, and created meaningful outdoor experiences for students to develop a clearer sense of who they are in this place to inform their engagement in public policy.
More
Todd Clark: Tribal Liaison, Washington State Historical Society, discusses the importance of truth telling and allowing people of the present and the past to tell their own stories. Through his work at the Washington State History Museum, especially on the recently completed “This is Native Land” main exhibit, Clark prioritizes the voices and stories of people who are at the center of the work, while minimizing the curatorial voice. He also counsels students to take the long view and remain patient with change that is slow to come about.
More
Fulton Bryant Anderson, Planting Coordinator, Tacoma Tree Foundation, builds community though expanding the tree canopy of Tacoma in collaboration with curious and engaged neighbors. In their work at the Tacoma Tree Foundation, they build connections in neighborhoods with limited green space to plant trees, increase environmental stewardship, and build a healthier environment and democracy
More
Steve Boyd: Former President of the Governors’ School for Citizen Leadership, reinforces the importance for each of us to step up and take action to build our community. In his work at the Washington Governor’s School for Citizen Leadership, he created opportunities for students to discover how they make a difference in our community, and to be empowered to take initiative to shape our region.
More
Kyle Boyd: Vice President of Fan Development, Seattle Kraken, explains his work of leveraging the power of sport to develop young people, foster community, and engage in civic life. Working on behalf of the Seattle Kraken, Boyd dedicates his time to developing fan interest around hockey by connecting with schools and other partner organizations using sport as a way to promote personal and community health, well-being, and connection.
More
Knute Berger: Editor-at-Large, Cascade PBS; Writer and Host, Mossback’s Northwest, explores the value of local history in rooting us in place and informing our civic process. In his work at Cascade PBS, he tells stories that explore our history from the perspective of now, investigating the complexity of our past and how our region has changed over time. He works to build our historical foundation to enable citizens to engage in the civic process with greater creativity and sense of possibility.
More
Hear directly from people engaged in the work of building community and developing a Puget Sound region that serves the needs of its people in a variety of ways. This Civic Skills video series showcases how people engage in the life of their cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Learn from public officials, business owners, community and labor organizers, health care workers, environmental scientists, leaders within a variety of nonprofits, backyard gardeners, poets, artists, and athletes. Explore what fellow Washingtonians have to say and be inspired by what one person can do for their community!
More
