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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Overview: Discover what it takes to run for public office in Washington state, from filing for candidacy and raising campaign funds to meeting voters and handling the pressures of public life. Featuring insights from former state senator Laura Loveland and political consultants, this video explores the personal motivations, challenges, and rewards of campaigning for office. Viewers learn how candidates connect with communities, build trust with voters, and navigate the realities of modern elections while strengthening democracy through civic participation and public service.
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Overview: Explore the vital role of Washington’s Capital Press Corps and how statehouse reporters keep citizens informed about government, public policy, elections, and political decision-making. Through interviews with veteran journalists including David Ammons and Austin Jenkins, this video examines the history, responsibilities, and evolving challenges facing the media in Olympia. From covering legislative sessions and statewide elections to adapting to shrinking newsrooms and digital journalism, viewers gain an inside look at how reporters serve as watchdogs for democracy and why a strong, independent press remains essential for an informed electorate.
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