Project Summary

In the lecture/discussion series, panelists will discuss the philosophy and ethics of their culture, and raise questions about civic issues of concern. SESAC will work in a supportive role to diffuse information among diverse groups of individuals and groups.

About me

I have worked in the field of community organizing since the early 70s, including my current position as SESAC Coordinator. I am also a SE Seattle resident. I am interested in this grant as a way to help citizens (including youth) participate as decision makers and change agents in our community. SESAC has a history of partnership with social service and neighborhood ethnic organizations catering to specific communities (Latino, Southeast Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander, African American, tribal, and Jewish). Through focus groups, SESAC has established relationships with social service and ethnic organizations, including Adefua Cultural Education Workshop, with its focus on afrocentric education; El Centro de la Raza, a Latino social service organization; Red Eagle Soaring, a tribal performance group, and others. These partnerships and others will serve to fulfill SESAC's goal of inclusion by providing a forum for marginalized residents and organizations to share their history and culture with the community by providing a venue to discuss and develop ways to work out issues they identify. Other organizations that participated in focus groups: 1. Beacon Alliance of Neighbors 2. Lao Highlanders 3. Brownbox Theatre 4. Coyote Central 5. Rainier Beach Community Empowerment Collaborative 6. Refugee Women's Alliance 7. Youth In Focus 8. Arts Corps 9. Safe Futures Youth Center 10. Filipino Community Center 11. Jefferson Community Center