Seattle, WA. World AIDS Day offers a reminder of the ongoing war against a disease that gained mainstream attention four decades ago and continues to plague millions around the globe. For four decades now, Lifelong has helped fight that battle with equity and transparency throughout Washington State.
“Lifelong, which was formed in the ‘80s during the AIDS epidemic, has decades of expertise supporting the HIV community with basic needs to support their health, like food, housing, insurance access, and sexual education programs,” Sydney Friend Sifferman wrote about Lifelong. “While they’ve expanded their programs and services in recent years to support all people living with severe or chronic health conditions, they continue to fight to eliminate HIV in Washington State.”
Workers for Lifelong load Metro Transit with meals, groceries, and cakes.
While it poses issues across all demographics, HIV/AIDS doesn’t impact all communities equally. The epidemic reflects pervasive racial inequities in public health, affecting BIPOC communities disproportionately, with Black people accounting for 19% of the state’s new HIV cases despite representing only 4% of the overall population. Meanwhile, Latinx communities — only 13$ of the population — make up 21% of new HIV infections.
“HIV medical advances have been life-changing, but too many people of color aren’t getting the care and support services they need,” said Beau Butler, Lifelong’s Prevention Program Manager.
Since its conception, Lifelong has prioritized addressing these injustices in all of its services. Their mission—or at least the values behind it — culminates once a year on Dec. 1.
“For 34 years, Lifelong has played host to the Seattle AIDS Walk, kicking off this year on World AIDS Day Dec. 1 and continuing through Dec. 8.,” Sifferman writes. “The walk raises vital funds to help support their HIV services as well as for partner organizations.”
Of course, in fighting one epidemic, Lifelong hasn’t forgotten the current virus running rings around the globe. In response to COVID-19, the nonprofit will be holding this year’s walk virtually, expanding access to those beyond Seattle’s city limits. The walk’s extensive, free-flowing time period allows participants to tune in and show support for short durations on any given day, through short runs, daily strolls, or even on walks with the dog.
Everyone has their own reason for walking. But either way, the importance of showing solidarity for those at the confluence of two global diseases cannot be understated. And Lifelong’s efforts to dismantle systems of inequity that have forced some communities to experience the impact of HIV/AIDS more harshly than others come to a head this December. Why not join them?
“I’m walking for those who no longer can,” said Butler. “2020 continues to put a spotlight on the racial disparities of our healthcare systmes, and we are reminded our work is not done.”
From Lifelong: “As an organization rooted in fighting injustice, we are committed to using all our resources to break down these barriers and serve the most disenfranchised members of our community.”
Seattle, WA. Local nonprofits are in need of volunteers and now you can volunteer without leaving your home. Check out some COVID-safe ways to help your local community. Volunteer Match is a great place to find opportunities that are curated by interest. The organization has thirty categories including the following: Advocacy and Human Rights, Seniors, Arts and Culture, Health and Medicine, Environment, LGBTQ+, Crisis Support, and Homeless/Housing.
Types of virtual volunteering include the following:
Website design or support
Data entry
Email marketing or management
Fundraising phone calls and outreach
Social media promotion and management
App development
Volunteer tracking
Copywriting, blogging, or editing
Graphic design, photography
Marketing or branding assistance
Video creation
Virtual assistance, staff support
Nonprofits are also in need of funding. One way to help is by organizing a grassroots fundraiser for your favorite nonprofit. Unique fundraising options include: virtually teaching an art class, giving a makeup tutorial, hosting a cooking class, or any other skills you may have and would like to share. You can publicly host them via video conference, inviting your friends, family, and whoever else wants to join. You would ask for donations in return for your skill sharing. This way you can enjoy doing what you love; all while supporting a great cause.
If you’re passionate about mental health, consider getting involved with a program called The Longest Day (TLD). It’s an organization working to create a world free from Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The Longest Day (originally named for the organization’s focus on fundraising on the summer solstice) has developed some out-of-the-box fundraising options that are available year-round.
Hosting a virtual wine-and-art night is a creative way to fundraise.
With The Longest Day, volunteers may participate in virtual activities like attending monthly committee meetings, making phone calls to participants, writing thank you cards, reaching out to connections, assisting with the marketing of events, participating on the TLD social media pages and more.
The Longest Day’s mission statement: “To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.”
The Northwest Abortion Access Fund advocates for women’s right to safe abortion methods.
If Advocacy and Human Rights sparks your interest, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the organization. Volunteers fight for the rights of Northwest women who want an abortion and cannot afford it. Board meetings occur once a month, and board members also engage in various NWAAF projects and attend a weekend-long undoing racism training.
Between January 1, 2011 and July 1, 2019, states enacted 483 new abortion restrictions, which account for nearly 40% of all abortion restrictions enacted since the Roe v. Wade court case. Access to abortions is becoming increasingly difficult, and volunteering with NWAAF is the best way to get involved and have your voice heard.
The Northwest Abortion Access Fund’s mission statement: “To fund abortion and break down barriers to abortion access for people in the Northwest. Vision We envision a world where people can easily access safe, legal abortion care with respect, dignity, and compassion. Values Trust & Respect, Autonomy, Internationality, Reproductive Justice, Racial Justice, Economic Justice, Culture Shift.”
Host a virtual cooking session as a way to stay connected as a community.
Another local organization you can get involved with is the Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Community Center. Volunteers age 23 and older serve as role models and informal mentors for LGBTQ+ youth in Seattle, who often do not have other LGBTQ+ or supportive ally role models in their lives. There are a number of roles available including group facilitation for those with previous experience and training, or Discord and Minecraft, which temporarily replace their in-person drop-in program. There are also some volunteer opportunities for LGBTQ+ and ally youth aged 22 and younger to serve on a committee planning a social event for the LGBTQ+ youth community. These events give the LGBTQ+ youth of Seattle the opportunity to connect with one another and build self-esteem in a hate-free environment. They typically occur 3-4 times a year, and take 2-3 months of weekly meetings to plan. The Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Community Center mission statement: “The Lambert House empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their allies through the development of leadership, social and life skills.”
These are just a few of the hundreds of virtual volunteer opportunities you can find on Volunteer Match. You are sure to find one that suits you. Happy hunting!
Seattle, WA. The Wing Luke Museum has been hard at work putting new content on its website. Due to COVID-19 the Museum is closed until October 7th. New additions to the website include new curated stories, digital content, and virtual tours. The Wing Luke Museum is “A physical embodiment of community, it is truly a community based museum that represents community voice and stories, as well as the spirit and heritage. There will always be a home for these stories.” This was stated by Ellen Ferguson, The Co-President of the Board of Trustees at the Wing Luke Museum in a video posted on its YouTube channel and website. The Museum is a place where “the Asian Pacific American community looks to for engagement, inspiration and leadership.” This all can be felt when learning about its history and why the Wing Luke Museum was founded. The stories that are being told are personal and “hardly told in the school books and rarely seen on TV.” Until October 7th when the Wing Luke Museum opens up for in-person tours its website is a great gateway into the Asian Pacific culture.
Jewelry Located at The Wing Luke Museum Via Facebook .
Art Work Located At The Wing Luke Museum Via Facebook.
Virtual Tours are a great way to experience The Wing while we are all staying inside and social distancing. “We have decided to close our doors for the sake of our community, but through this closure we have found new and innovative ways to take you folks inside our walls”. This was said at the beginning of a quick Virtual Tour by Alexis L. Silva a Artist, Curator and Visitor and Events Assistant Manager. These tours offer great insights and a general basis of information about exhibits in the museum. When taking a tour you will have a guide that will speak on the exhibits being shown during the tour. The tour consists of a camera showing off parts of the Wing that help give you a chance to learn and experience many different art pieces and performances. These tours are 45 minutes and are being held every Thursday at 5pm, this experience will help you learn about the immigrants in the 1900s and the Family Association Rooms that housed them, as well as the Yick Fung Store. You can RSVP for next Thursdays tour right here on the Wings website.
Alexis L. Silva Presenting An Exhibit On A Virtual Tour Called Where Beauty Lies.
On October 7th the Wing Luke Museum will resume operation with some new policies to help ensure the public safety. Buying tickets online is highly encouraged, as well as capacity within the museum will bow be limited. Masks will be required and physical distancing is required. Lastly, storage will be closed. These guidelines are to ensure safety for museum-goers and to help give everyone an enjoyable experience. Planning your visit is encouraged and all information about the museum can be found here on its website. When arriving at the museum expect a contactless experience. This meaning that anything that would be intractable such as touchscreens and multimedia installations in exhibits, has been removed. There is much more the Wing Luke Museum is offering on its website including YouthCAN, a free, after-school, high school arts program designed to provide students with exposure to arts professions and increase their knowledge and familiarity with the Chinatown -International district. There is a Virtual gallery that teenagers and kids can explore. This showing off many different art forms and giving some background to how and why these came to be. This was created by YouthCAN student lead Henry Jensen. This virtual experience was curated from the museum having to close down. “Being able to put this exhibit together and continue working with these students after the closure due to COVID-19 has truly made my days brighter”. That was said by Alexis L. Silva on YouthCAN transitioning online.
YouthCAN Virtual Tour From The Wing Luke Museum.
Wing Luke Mission Statement: We connect everyone to the dynamic history, cultures and art of Asian Pacific Americans through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity.
Location and Information: 719 S. King Street Seattle, Washington 98104 – 206.623.5124 – [email protected]
Seattle, Wa. The Pacific Science Center continues to connect with the Seattle-are community by hosting in-person science camps for kids K-8. COVID-19 adaptations include limiting the number of kids in the classroom as well as maintaining social distancing. The in-person summers camps continue through August as do virtual camps that kids enjoy online. Virtual camps for Curious Minds are “hands-on experiences this summer from the comfort of your home”. This multiple-week event allows children to explore “different activities and experiments around a theme, as well as ways to connect with other campers in this new, digital way. Group sizes are kept small and led by two virtual counselors so that experiences are interactive and engaging”. There is still time to sign up for the camps which run through August 28th. The camps are listed here.
A preview for Camps for Curious Minds hosted by Pacific Science Center.
For non-camp related events, there’s also a program called Curiosity at Home. This is an online virtual classroom that is “curating science learning materials for kids and families! Check back often for new content to inspire learners of all ages”. This webpage has many options for children and parents to explore and learn various topics being taught at the Pacific Science Center. An activity included is utilizing the video game Minecraft that allows a user to explore various planets and materials found inside this virtual world. For an interactive approach to exploring more, there are also virtual events and live-streams. These can be found on Facebook and YouTube Live. This virtual classroom allows children to “join us and meet some of our animals, caretakers, educators, and scientists in the community, as well as try fun at-home experiments”. There are new live shows being published on YouTube every week. Going over various topics in STEM and exploring other sciences and their properties in 20-30 minute videos.
Staying Safe and Curious during the Curiosity Summer Camp -2020.
The Pacific Science Center is also providing links to talk about more serious subjects with children and families. Such as “Talking to Kids about Race and Racism” where Pacific Science Center gives resources that help make understanding of such a hard but necessary topic. Other resources given explain the celebration of Juneteenth as well as many other subjects based on race. There are also documentary suggestions to help explain climate change and how it affects our environment around us. For parents, there are educator’s guides to help coach children through various subjects. The Pacific Science Center’s goal is to help people understand the “Science is for everyone. We believe that curiosity and critical thinking are essential to equity and justice for all. We embrace science as a process of inquiry, discovery, and problem-solving that helps us better understand our universe and each other. Science has the power to connect people and to develop solutions for the common good”.
Experimenting with Ooze at the Curiosity Summer Camp -2020,
Pacific Science Center Mission Statement:
Pacific Science Center ignites curiosity in every child and fuels a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us.
Pacific Science Center Location and Contact Information:
Pacific Science Center 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109
Seattle, Wa. The Northwest Screenwriters Guild has moved its weekly scene analysis meetup to online only. This due to COVID-19 and its deterrent to be in large groups. Screenwriters used to sit side-by-side (above) but now instead of meeting in person at College Inn Pub, everything now can be found online. This event is held online doesn’t take away from the main focus in these meetings. “First and foremost, to assist fellow screenwriters hone the craft of writing scenes- both action and dialogue”. Normally people would bring in their working scripts and there would be a mass table read as well as critiques at the end. The only difference is not being in person, luckily the benefits are all there.” A chance to hear portions of your work read( by real people, not the final draft robot), as well as receive suggestions to improve the material”. There is no cost or additional fees to join, as well as no restrictions on your current skill level. The next analysis meetup will be held online on August 5th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
This vintage image shows how Northwest Screenwriters used to have table readings before COVID-19.
If screenwriting isn’t your passion you can also volunteer with the Northwest Screenwriters Guild. With various areas of need such as “event coordinators, fundraising and people to help with digital marketing”. There are multiple positions open currently on the Northwest Screenwriters website and you can always join in on volunteer meetings as well. The contributors at the Northwest Screenwriters guild believe that “every screenplay is a single person away from becoming a viable film or TV project, NWSG volunteers function on the social edge of the organization”.
Another option is to become a member of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild. This yearly contribution gains you access to educational workshops, script readings, and NWSG affiliated networking opportunities. As well as allows you to submit a screenplay to the Compendium Committee, who help young screenwriters gain access to the recourses needed to help create your movie. The NWSG membership helps you take that next step into making your next project.
Northwest Screenwriters Guild Finds New Methods To Help Young Filmmakers, 2019.
Northwest Screenwriters Guild Mission Statement –
The mission of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild is to promote professional screenwriting as a career across a broad range of ages, ethnic and gender identities, and experience levels in the Pacific Northwest, by providing access to industry professionals, educational programs, and mentoring.
Contact Information – The Northwest Screenwriters Guild can be contacted directly on its website linked here. There are no in-person meetings being taken place. All conversations and events will be held online for the foreseeable future.
Seattle, Wa. Like many other businesses being affected by COVID-19 the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has had to make adjustments when it comes to showcasing exhibits to the public. For the past two months, the Seattle Art Museum has implemented a new way to experience its various art pieces and themes. “Stay Home With SAM” a new addition to its website which is explained as a chance to “share art activities for all ages, videos, interviews, art news, and more to keep you connected to art.” This page allows the public to learn about new exhibits coming soon as well as behind the scene interviews with the artists.
Preview for Barbara Earl Thomas and her new exhibition opening in November.
This new collection according to Barbara Earl Thomas is “a new body of work admits the turmoil and crises of the past year.” Thomas also goes on to say, “it is the chaos of living and the grief of our time that compels me, philosophically, emotionally and artistically. I am a witness and a chronicler.” This upcoming event will be displayed in November.
Artist in Residence Kimberly Deriana’s Project: Photo by Jen Au.
Seattle Art Museum Mission Statement:
Interviews and behind the scene videos are only a portion of what SAMBlogs has to offer. The Seattle Art Museum has online video tours as well as interactive guides to help create your own art. This is all to “connect art to life while we are closed”. If you would like to donate this link will bring you to the SAM fund. A place to donate and be apart of the SAM community.
SAM has been the center for world-class visual arts in the Pacific Northwest since 1933. Visit SAM to see a museum carved into the city, as much a part of Seattle’s landscape and personality as the coffee, rain, mountains, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle.
Seattle Art Museum Location Contact Information:1300 FIRST AVE, SEATTLE, WA 98101
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