J A N U A R Y
Jan 12th – Momentum for Marbled Murrelet
People across the region rallied to advocate a big plan for a little bird. Environmental organizations and their members showed support for the marbled murrelet – an indicator species that nests on large, mossy branches of old growth trees. They joined in community and showed up at informational public meetings put on by the Department of Natural Resources to make their voices heard in support of the proposed “Conservation Alternative” to protect the birds and the forests they call home. Learn more here.
Jan 18 – Facebook Grassroots 101 Trainings
What do you get when you cross activism, social media, and Spanish? Grassroots 101! WEC hosted a series of three activist trainings through Facebook Live with our friends at Latino Community Fund of Washington State. In English and Spanish, we shared tips on how to plug into the environmental movement through organizing a rally, setting up a phone bank, attending a town hall, and more. You can watch the videos here.
F E B R U A R Y
Feb 16th – Stormwater Summit
With over 200 people in attendance, the 2nd Annual Green Infrastructure Summit was a hit. WEC helped host the event with Stewardship Partners and others to bring innovators, decision makers, and advocates together to highlight the progress we’re all making on stormwater solutions around the state. Majora Carter, the keynote speaker, affirmed the role green infrastructure can play in providing jobs, improving environmental health, and cleaning water for our communities.
Feb 20th – Equity Rally
Together with our partner Washington Conservation Voters, WEC filled a busload of activists to be part of over 600 Washingtonians in Olympia for Equity Rally. Together, we called for a fully funded education system, but not at the expense of other critical services important to Washingtonians. A clean and healthy environment, affordable housing, healthcare, transportation, reliable food sources, and a robust economy are all vitally important to making this state a healthy, vibrant place to live.
M A R C H
Mar 22nd – Puget Sound Rally
In its official budget proposal, the Trump administration announced a proposal to completely cut EPA funding specifically for Puget Sound recovery – from $28 million to $0. On World Water Day, we sent a clear message to the administration: Puget Sound will not be sacrificed! Over 100 people joined us during their lunch hour at Seattle’s Waterfront Park to call on Congress to reject these cuts to the EPA and to Puget Sound recovery.
A P R I L
April 6th – Phone Banking for Environmental Priorities
Although we continue to face environmental attacks from the Trump Administration, our fight for environmental justice and progress has not slowed down in Washington state – in fact, just the opposite! Since January, WEC and WCV have coordinated phone banks to support our local legislative policy work. We’ve filled over 100 volunteer shifts filled across the state to make over 12,000 phone calls in support of toxic pollution cleanup, oil transportation safety, abundant water, climate action, and reliable transportation!
April 11th – Climate Tour in Ellensburg
In early April, Sameer Ranade, our Climate & Clean Energy Program Associate, trekked across the snow dusted roads in the Cascades to visit with a group of Kittitas County residents who were concerned about the environment. Building our movement for climate justice and creating good local jobs involves harnessing the abundant, untapped clean energy potential of Eastern Washington. By presenting about the Clean Energy Transition Act, discussing its local benefits, and developing an advocacy strategy with the folks in attendance, we are putting in the work to build that clean energy economy today.
April 22nd – Duwamish Alive
Despite the stormy weather on Earth Day, two dozen WEC/WCV volunteers, board members, and staff joined hundreds of community and business volunteers at 15 sites along the Duwamish River for the annual Duwamish Alive! restoration work day. We got wet and muddy – and got some pizza! But most importantly we got so much accomplished thanks to the community’s hard work, dedication, and partnerships. US Representative Jayapal, Port Commissioner Bowman, Duwamish Tribal elder Cecil Hansen, and Mayor Murray were all present for the work party.
M A Y
May 1st – May Day Climate Justice March
A gray, rainy day couldn’t stop hundreds of climate justice activists who mobilized to support the Seattle March for Workers and Immigrant’s Rights with colorful signs and beautiful banners. With rallying speeches from tribal members, union workers, and climate justice groups, we marched alongside our friends and partners who know that workers and immigrants deserve a clean, healthy environment. We flooded the streets and called for more protections and equitable climate action for all.
U P C O M I N G
June is Orca Awareness Month – there are events all around Puget Sound! Visit our events page here to stay in touch with events coming up.
