Community News! April/May 2025
NEWS, STORIES, AND RECENT ARTICLES FROM AND ABOUT COO PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY
This is a condensed version of our monthly newsletter distributed April 29. Get all the news by signing up for the monthly newsletter.
Our Best Creative Selves: A message from our Director, Elsa Batres-Boni
We are ending the fourth month of 2025, and contrary to what the broader context may be trying to make us believe, our collective long-term investment in our bold plans and dreams of healthy, thriving, and self-determined families and communities in King County is still standing strong despite everything happening around us.
In this month’s newsletter, Communities of Opportunity highlights how our partners are showing their best creative selves to continue their long-term power-building work and respond to these times that want us to feel small.
We see examples of courageous, strategic, ongoing, and clear community responses, such as the upcoming 10th Annual Affordable Housing Week hosted by Housing Development Consortium, with events by Ethiopian Community of Seattle and many more. El Centro de la Raza, celebrating the opening of the Four Amigos mixed-use affordable housing development. LGBTQ+ leaders, including Entre Hermanos and Queer Power Alliance, at the signing of a new Seattle law that reinforces Seattle's status as an LGBTQ+ Welcoming City and secures access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, which does not stop advocating for our immigrant community, who with a heartfelt op-ed in Seattle's Child, highlights the reality of deported immigrant families and their children.
Communities of Opportunity is committed to sharing our partners’ wins that reflect the community's audacious response to this moment. We invite other local government agencies and philanthropies to strategize and share with us the power of communities. Please contact me if you’re with local government or philanthropy and you want to talk about this.
Next month, we’ll have exciting news about the power of partnerships as a response to this moment.
En Comunidad
Elsa
New Stories On Our Blog
Now:
Our story about the Learning Community series about cooperative businesses, “An Everybody Thing”: COO Learning Community Co-Op Learning Series Explores a Thriving Movement
Coming Soon:
Get to know our Governance Group, and consider applying for a position
15 current and formerly funded partners are recipients of the new BIPOC ED Wellness and Sustainability Grants
COO announces a new pilot partnership
Watch for these upcoming stories on the blog!
New in Grist: Sponsored Media Story on Engaging Community in Climate Policy
Participants in an Urban League Community Assembly.
In Seattle, Community Assemblies are gathering frontline community members to set their own policies around extreme weather. Grist magazine published a story April 15 about how organizations like MLK Labor and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle brought together community members to participate in making policy.
While community assemblies are part of a growing movement, these were unique for several reasons. For one, they were hosted by a government entity – City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment, in partnership with Seattle’s Green New Deal Oversight Board.
This story is part of our sponsored media series, supporting community media. Thanks to People’s Economy Lab for partnering with us on this story.
Register for Next Learning Community Event, May 13, 5:45 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn About Cooperative Solar Gardens
Join the Seattle Cooperator Meet-up for a free event, Powering Community: Starting and Scaling Cooperative Solar Gardens. Explore how communities can collaboratively start, invest in, and sustainably manage cooperative solar gardens. This conversation with Alex Porteshawver, Adam Powers, and Amy Bettle will engage participants with the practical insights, strategies, and models for building community-owned renewable energy solutions.
Come network, learn, and help catalyze a cooperative solar future! Dinner will be provided. We’ll be meeting at 9zero in downtown Seattle.
Event sponsored by Communities of Opportunity (COO) Learning Community in partnership with the Seattle Cooperator Meet-up as part of our ongoing cooperative learning series, exploring regional cooperative ecosystem, and models of cooperative housing, worker-owned enterprises, and cooperative infrastructure.
Community News!
10th Annual Affordable Housing Week is May 12-16
Community organizations are coming together to host 20 free events all over King County for the 10th annual Affordable Housing Week, May 12-16. They include the kickoff event on May 12, workshops, building tours, film screenings, a social gathering for young housing professionals, and a letter-writing session for the Seattle Comprehensive Plan.
Affordable Housing Week is hosted by our funded partner, Housing Development Consortium of King County. Some of the highlights:
Our Director, Elsa Batres-Boni, will speak at an event hosted by Ethiopian Community of Seattle. It’s Housing Justice and Community Power, Friday, May 16, 9:30 – 11:45 a.m. The event includes perspectives from several of our funded partners and GG members from organizations like African Community Housing Development and Indian American Community Services, plus elected officials.
Ask your city government to declare Affordable Housing Week in your city with these proclamation tools.
You can also sign up to tour the Four Amigos building Wednesday morning, May 14. Our funded partner El Centro de la Raza is the building developer. The Four Amigos Beloved Community honors four civil rights leaders: Larry Gossett, Bob Santos, Roberto Maestas, and Bernie Whitebear.
Visit Housing Development Consortium’s Affordable Housing Week page to see all the events!
Bilan Aden Honored as Economic Development Advocate of the Year
Bilan Aden of African Community Housing & Development (ACHD), a member of our Governance Group, has been honored as the Washington Economic Development Association’s (WEDA) 2024 Economic Development Advocate of the Year. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant and innovative contributions to economic development across Washington State.
Bilan co-founded ACHD with President and CEO Hamdi Abdulle in late 2018 to address economic disparities and build generational wealth for African Diaspora immigrants, refugees, and their descendants in the Greater Seattle area. Under her leadership, ACHD has supported nearly 10,000 households, focusing on housing stability, social services, education, economic development, and real estate initiatives.
Watch Bilan Aden's Economic Development Advocate of the Year Award Speech (4 minutes)
El Centro Cuts Ribbon on Four Amigos Building
El Centro de la Raza on April 10 hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Four Amigos Beloved Community, a landmark mixed-use affordable housing development in Columbia City. The new space includes 87 affordable housing units, four early learning classrooms operated by the José Martí Child Development Center, a worship space for the Church of Hope, community organization offices, and public art that celebrates Latin heritage.
See their Instagram post with video from the ribbon cutting and an overhead tour of the block. You can also see photos from this Washington State Department of Commerce post. And see the invitation in this newsletter to a building tour during Affordable Housing Week. El Centro is a COO funded partner.
Partners Gather for Signing of Historic LGBTQ+ Protections
Leaders from the LGBTQ+ community at the signing of Council Bill 120950. Photo from Entre Hermanos.
Earlier this spring, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed Council Bill 120950, reaffirming Seattle as an LGBTQ+ Welcoming City and enshrining in municipal code the right to access reproductive and gender-affirming care. Some of our funded partners were at the signing, including Entre Hermanos, represented by Executive Director Edgar Longoria, and Queer Power Alliance, represented by Taylor Farley. Queer Power Alliance is the lead organization of South King LGBTQ+ Collaborative.
Said Entre Hermanos in a post on LinkedIn: “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country, these actions matter more than ever. They send a powerful message: Seattle stands for equality, dignity, and the right to be who you are and love who you love.”Build 2 Lead has shared photos from its third annual Melanin and Medicine conference for young people, February 27 in Federal Way.
Check out the photos and learn more about this annual event. Its purpose is to provide pathways to youth and young adult careers in healthcare.
WAISN Raises Impact of Deportation on Children in Seattle’s Child Op-Ed
"It’s critical to understand what children in immigrant families are experiencing," says Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)'s Catalina Velasquez in a new Seattle's Child opinion piece about mass deportations. "Children cannot learn or thrive when they’re consumed by fear for their family’s survival."
Catalina shares stories about what local families are going through, and talks about resources for the community. They include the Deportation Defense Hotline, Fair Fight Bond Fund, and the May 8 Know Your Rights with ICE training.
Catalina concludes, "Our work is about creating a courageous, nurturing world where families can remain together in dignity, and where all children can grow up without fear."
Tubman Health Reflects on a Year of “Medicine For the People”
Tubman Health recently reflected on their accomplishments in their new annual report. Among the highlights, they expanded their capacity to serve 500+ community members through their two clinics; opened the Healing House, a peaceful space for care and restoration in South Seattle; and expanded their impact through legislative wins, research, and advocacy that are shaping the future of healthcare. Read the Annual Report
SEED Celebrates 50 Years
SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) is celebrating a significant anniversary. 50 years ago, over 30 organizations came together and formed the organization to uplift the Southeast Seattle community. Check out their 50th Anniversary page and photo album.
Annual Report and Strategic Plan Finalized for Choose 180
Congratulations to Choose 180, who released both its Annual Report and its new 5-Year Strategic Plan, “Pathway to Possibilities,” this month.
More News from Around the Community
South Asian Arts Org Tasveer Buys Former Ark Lodge Building with Plans to Transform It Into a New Film Arts Center, South Seattle Emerald, March 27, 2025
Advocating for Trans Rights: Gender Justice League Hosts Clinics to Help Trans People Change Names and Gender Markers on Legal Documents, South Seattle Emerald, March 27, 2025
FAME Housing Breaks Ground On Bryant Manor South To Expand Affordable Housing In Seattle - The Seattle Medium, April 9, 2025
How Social Housing Won in Seattle, Despite a Flood of Big Tech Money, Next City, April 18, 2025
New Resources for Nonprofits and Other Organizations:
The National Council of Nonprofits shared this fact sheet on the myths and realities of whether the executive branch of our federal government has authority to target nonprofits. Follow them on LinkedIn for news on their court actions and more.
The Impact Map, from The Impact Project, provides timely data—as it becomes available—on policy, funding, and workforce changes and their localized effect. The Impact Project is an initiative of Americans for Public Service, a fiscally sponsored project of the 501(c)(4) nonprofit Global Impact Social Welfare Fund.
Caption: Screenshot of King County from The Impact Map taken Friday morning, April 25, 9:30 a.m.
Tracking the Crisis is a weekly news round-up from The Democracy Collaborative tracking the administrative, legislative, and other actions of the new U.S. Administration, as well as the many forms of legal and movement response from across a broad range of social, political, and economic actors.
The Othering and Belonging Institute published an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) update to its Advancing Racial Equity: Legal Guidance for Advocates resources.
Partner Events
We shared news about:
May 2: “Outgrow the System” Film Screening, Panel, and Community Action. At Mt. Baker Community Club. With 350 Seattle, Extinction Rebellion Seattle, Seattle DSA, and other local climate and social justice organizations.
May 3: Black Earth Day at Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetland. Food, gardening kits and tips, and more.
May 3: Cinco de Mayo at El Centro De la Raza. Culture, community, and celebration including Live music and cultural performances.
May 12-16: Affordable Housing Week – Also see story above.
May 15: Rat City Art Walk, White Center
May 17: Delridge Farmers Market Opening Day
May 17: Byrd Barr Place Health and Wellness Fair, Rainier Beach Community Center
May 24: UTOPIA Pride in Wellness Health Fair, in Kent
We also share dozens of Instagram stories from partners every day on our Instagram page.
To learn more about these and other community events, please visit our Community Events Calendar.
Reminder: Best Starts Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Summit
May 16-18, Tukwila
Best Starts’ Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) strategy invites all King County providers to enhance knowledge in community and solidarity at this FREE three-day event. Centering the baby in all sessions and grounding our work in equity and social justice, we will present our IECMH Guiding Principles and promote social emotional development for our prenatal to five children in King County.
Other Opportunities
Join SnoValley Pride Teen Advisory Board
SnoValley Pride is launching a Teen Advisory Board — a space where 2SLGBTQ+ teens can share their voices, shape the events they want to see, and help the organization create meaningful, fun, and safe spaces for connection. SnoValley Pride says they know being a queer teen can come with challenges — but you’re not alone. This is a space to make friends, express yourself, and feel seen.
Learn more and join the Teen Advisory Board
King County Human and Civil Rights Commission Seeks Members
Apply by June 3
King County has launched a new Human and Civil Rights Commission. The commission will advise county government on implementing policies that advance human and civil rights.
Commission members who are not government employed receive a $75 stipend provided for each monthly commission meeting and reimbursements for transportation costs.
Apply for the Human and Civil Rights Commission
Join the Waitlist for the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy!
The Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy waitlist is now open! Families can fill out this 5-minute form to be considered for child care funding available later this year.
Starting later in 2025, some families on the waitlist will be selected through a lottery to complete a full application and, if eligible, to enroll in the program to receive a child care subsidy. While joining the wait list doesn’t guarantee you a spot in the subsidy, it is essential to join the wait list for a chance to be selected.
Even if you joined the waitlist previously, please fill out the form to update your information. Selections will be made from those families who have provided their information by filling out this form
Visit the Child Care Subsidy Hub to learn more.
Join StormFest 2025! Apply Now to Be an Educator or Volunteer
June 10-12, Des Moines Beach Park
Support your community and inspire the next generation of stewards at StormFest 2025. StormFest is an outdoor stormwater learning event for 6th-grade Highline Schools students.
Educators and volunteers are needed to help teach and support the programs. We offer stipends for participation as an educator, with additional stipends available for both returning and/or bilingual educators. Visit the StormFest website to find out how you can get involved! Applications are open until May 12, 2025. Questions? Contact the organizers at Highlinestormfest@gmail.com.
Volunteer application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025SFVolunteer
Station Educator application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025SFStationEducator
Funding Opportunities
Best Starts for Kids P-5 Innovation Fund Will Support Community-Led Innovation
Apply for Round 1 by May 9, 2 p.m.; More Rounds Later This Year
The Prenatal to Five (P-5) Innovation Fund aims to build up the power of Community-led Innovation to meet the emergent needs of families in King County. We seek community leaders to design, develop, test, and build the potential of innovative anti-racist approaches (policies, programs, products, media, places, and services) so that ALL babies and children in King County grow up to be happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. There are three rounds of funding between now and next January.
Types of Projects Include:
· Partnership Building
· Community Engagement and Listening
· Co-Design
· Testing Small-Scale Implementation
· Sharing Success Stories
· Infrastructure and Capacity Development
Proposed projects must:
Directly contribute to advancing Community-led Innovative and responsive Anti-racist approaches, including but not limited to policies, programs, products, media, spaces, and services.
Prioritize and center communities and families in King County with children prenatal to age five (P-5) who are most impacted by disparities, including BIPOC families; immigrant and refugee families; LGBTQ+ families; families with disabilities; families involved in the child welfare system; low-income families; and those in geographically isolated areas.
Include a clear plan and timeline to implement the project activities within a 6- to 12-month period.
You can watch the March 27 information session recording that will be posted afterwards.
Learn More About the Prenatal to 5 Innovation Fund and Apply
Best Starts for Kids Investing Early Together RFP
Apply by June 20!
The Best Starts for Kids Investing Early Together: Community-Based Parenting Supports, Home-Based Services, and Universal Developmental Screening & Promotion request for proposals (RFP) is now open. This funding opportunity closes on Friday, June 20, at 2 p.m.; please submit your application by then.
We recognize that prenatal to five services are interconnected and complementary. In response to extensive community feedback, we are releasing this joint RFP to streamline the application process, reduce administrative burden, and provide organizations with a full and clear picture of funding to support sustainable staffing and community services.
Use the following links to view the full funding opportunity details and apply:
More Funding Opportunities
See funding opportunities from Best Starts for Kids and many others on our Funding Opportunities page.
Non-Best Starts Opportunities: You can also check out funding opportunities from other agencies and organizations that support groups that promote the health and well-being of our babies, children, and young people on the list maintained by Best Starts for Kids. Read more!
Job Opportunities
Center for Wooden Boats: Director of Development
Chief Seattle Club: Chief Communications Officer
Colectiva Legal: Grants and Development Coordinator
Cultural Space Agency: Community Liaison (part-time) – apply by June 16)
Food Lifeline: President and CEO
Front and Centered: Climate & Clean Energy Policy Lead – apply by May 2
Magic Cabinet: Senior Product Manager – apply by April 30
Open Doors for Multicultural Families: Executive and Board Assistant
Rainier Valley Food Bank: Director of Finance
SCIDpda: CID World Cup Coordinator
Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (formerly Gay City): Community Advocacy Program Manager
Solid Ground: Several positions including Benefits Attorney
Southeast Seattle Effective Development (SEED): Finance Director
Washington Conservation Action: Human Resources Director
City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods: Director of Communications and Storytelling – apply by April 29
City of Seattle Office for Civil Rights: Race and Social Justice Lead – apply by May 6 (new due date)
King County – Best Starts for Kids: Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Project Manager - Special Projects Manager II – apply by May 3; Homelessness Prevention Contract Monitor (PPM II) – apply by May 3
King County Parks: Several positions, including Digital Communications Specialist – apply by April 27; and Youth Conservation Corps Intern – apply by April 30
See more job listings on these sites that collect multiple opportunities:
Housing Development Consortium’s job listings from housing organizations
Philanthropy Northwest’s searchable list of positions in development, communications and more
King County, City of Seattle, State of Washington, and other government jobs at www.governmentjobs.com
About This List: These job announcements were current as of April 29, 2025. Please check the employer's site for the most current information. We also share job opportunities every day on our LinkedIn page.
If you have a job to share in next month's issue, please send it to us by mid-May. Thanks!
Thank you for reading our newsletters this year. We look forward to working with you in 2025 to dismantle unjust systems and create a community landscape where all individuals have the opportunity to live healthy, self-determined, and fulfilling lives.