How Local Action Builds Power: Inside Our 2025 Volunteer Organizing Symposium
- JoshHolland
- May 30, 2025
At a time when national politics can feel paralyzed and overwhelming, local action is where real change still happens. If you care about building a safer, more sustainable, and equitable world, your neighborhood is the place to start — and there’s no better time than now.
On Saturday, May 17, 120 passionate neighbors from across Seattle gathered at Seattle Central College for the first-ever Volunteer Organizing Symposium. It was a day full of energy, connection, and powerful learning — all centered around the idea that everyday people can shape the future of their streets and communities.
From learning how city government works to practicing strategies for organizing neighbors, attendees walked away with practical skills, new connections, and fresh inspiration to take action. The Symposium wasn’t about grandstanding or speeches — it was about equipping people to make change right where they live.
What We Accomplished Together:
- 6 hands-on workshops led by grassroots leaders, city planners, and community organizers
- 120 participants representing neighborhoods across Seattle
- A day filled with positive, people-powered momentum that challenged the idea that community movements are stuck or stalled
Why This Matters
In a moment when many feel disconnected or disillusioned, this event showed what’s possible when we invest in community capacity.
Organizing at the neighborhood level is how we transform frustration into action and build the kind of Seattle we all deserve.
We’re not just advocating for better transportation infrastructure — we’re nurturing a movement for a more responsive, inclusive, and connected city.
Watch the Workshops
Missed the event?
You can now watch all six workshops online! Each one offers actionable tools and insights for grassroots advocacy.
Organizing 101: How to Build People Power
Presented by Brie Gyncild & Tiffani McCoy
Learn how to lead effective campaigns, build coalitions, and harness the power of local movements.
Watch the session »
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Business Outreach: Cultivating Allies and Mitigating Concerns
Presented by Eli Andrew, McCaela Daffern & Ben Pedigo
Gain strategies to engage local businesses as partners in your campaign for people-first streets.
Watch the session »
Part 1
Part 2
City Government 101
Presented by Ethan Campbell & Evelyn Chow
Get the tools to navigate local government and advocate for change at the right time and place.
Watch the session »
TBA
From Idea to Asphalt: How to Influence an SDOT Project
Cecelia Black & Tom Lang
Understand the life cycle of a city street project and when advocates can make the biggest impact.
Watch the session »
Understanding Seattle Street Design
Radcliffe Dacanay & Tyler Wong
Dive into the basics of safe, inclusive infrastructure design and how it affects everyday mobility.
Watch the session »
TBA
Tactical Urbanism & Placemaking: Small Actions, Big Impact
Margaret McCauley & Rachael Ludwick
Explore creative, temporary installations that bring visibility and joy to public space advocacy.
Watch the session »
Full session
Relive the Event
Watch the full video playlist »
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7eTI0Cpt8zCD86HI0mKiSXuG9a_AQ4gI&si=YLsXUIatTBDr2fOA
View event photos »
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1trwmIlVZqGdoZygkEefqpW4Q71W4pPzU?usp=drive_link
View speaker presentation slides »
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oXptuJZZ8-PwObwlPEZN6vbcEr_VYcZs?usp=drive_link