Seattle Office for Civil Rights

Everyone in our city deserves to live safely, openly, and free from discrimination and fear. We are deeply saddened by the tragic killing of a young transgender student at her off-campus student housing near the University of Washington. Our hearts are with her loved ones and the LGBTQ+ community. This is a pain and loss no person should endure, yet acts of violence—particularly against transgender women—have become all too familiar in our country.

We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to upholding civil rights, protecting transgender communities, and building systems that ensure everyone in our city is safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Free mental health services for youth and young adults up to age 24 are available at seattle.gov/youthmentalhealth.

The City of Seattle Government and the Y Social Impact Center YMCA of Greater Seattle are excited to announce that the Get Engaged program is now accepting applications!

Get Engaged places individuals ages 18-29 on the City of Seattle’s boards and commissions. Get Engaged board members serve a one-year term as fully vested and voting members starting in September. Acting in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council, board members help shape policy decisions, make recommendations, and provide citizen participation in city government. Since 2001, the Get Engaged program has been dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders and advocating for the influence of young voices in city affairs.

The Y Social Impact Center offers additional support and training at monthly cohort meetings where participants have an opportunity to discuss strategies, share ideas and collaborate.

🗓️ Applications for the 2026-2027 term will be accepted until Friday, April 24th at 11:59pm.

✨To apply: Complete the application at forms.office.com/r/qEB2xzpkV1 and send a resume & cover letter to [email protected]

💻 View participating boards and commissions at seattleymca.org/get-engaged-boards-commissions

✉️ For more information, contact Imani Bender at [email protected]

We are living through a defining time in our country—one marked by accelerating harm, deepening fear, and deliberate efforts to divide us from one another. One powerful way we can meet this moment is by taking action to connect with others by listening to their stories. Stories are important because they shape who we feel connected to, who we see as human, and who belongs.

Join us for Bridges of Belonging, a community storytelling showcase that will bring
people together to build solidarity through connection and wellness activities.

Come for:
🗣️ Story spotlights from powerful community voices across Seattle. Speakers will be announced soon!
💭 Creative conversations about how to protect one another, turn priorities into next steps, and make belonging a reality for everyone in Seattle
💗 Wellness activities including guided sound meditation, healing circles, and art workshops
🎤 An inspiring keynote from Ben McBride of the Empower Initiative
🍽️ Lunch by Communion Seattle, with meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to choose from!

This event is free and hosted by Seattle Office for Civil Rights, Community Passageways; Lake Burien Presbyterian Church Urban Family We Deliver Care Mary's Place, Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Beautifulle, and additional community-based organizations.
Join us Saturday, March 7 at Pacific Tower from 11am-4pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Registration is required.

https://www.seattle.gov/rsji/bridges-of-belonging

We are living through a defining moment in our country—one marked by accelerating harm, deepening fear, and a deliberate effort to divide us from one another. Today, our Director, Derrick Wheeler-Smith, shared this statement in response to ICE operations we’re seeing across the country, federal actions that aim to divide and exclude, and the importance of solidarity in this moment. 

Swipe through to read the full statement.