HOME ALIVE
1122 E. Pike , No. 1127, 720-0606 or www.homealive.org.
WHAT: Offers affordable self-defense classes, provides public education and awareness, and leads community organizing efforts. This group formed in 1993 after the murder of Gits singer Mia Zapata to ensure that people—women in particular—have access to self-defense classes. Kick-ass women is an understatement: Home Alive has become a part of the Seattle community over the last eight years. In 1999 the group gave presentations at 120 schools, workplaces, and low-income housing projects; their annual Awareness Week, held in July, reaches up to 50,000 people. This year, due to the economy, Home Alive had to make the transition from being staff run to volunteer run, and they need some extra support. If you believe in activism, anti-violence organizing, innovative self-defense programs, and arts events that create positive responses to violence and hate, then send your help their way.
DONATE: Financial support, volunteer hours, organizing a fund-raising event.
THE VERA PROJECT
1122 E. Pike, No. 849, 956-8372 or www.theveraproject.org.
WHAT: Seattle’s first publicly supported, youth-oriented music and arts venue where young people can develop their personal interests into professions. You don’t need to be 21 to enjoy music; here’s a place where those under 21 can finally settle down to experience live music, recorded music, theater, spoken word, poetry slams, independent film, and dance. (If you don’t believe this is important, take a minute to think about what they’d do if they didn’t have this outlet). The Vera Project, just over 10 months old, has secured partial funding for next year but not as much as needed—they’re seeking private financial contributions.
DONATE: Financial contributions, sound equipment, and any professional expertise (accountants, lawyers, technical music people . . . got some spare time?)
FOOD NOT BOMBS
P.O. Box 45523, Seattle, WA 98145, 985-2247 or www.scn.org/foodnotbombs/.
WHAT: Serves vegetarian meals to people in need every Sunday, runs a Free Market—Produce to the People—on Saturdays, and supports political activism. Committed to building a vital and caring movement for progressive social change and to challenging the invisible barrier that separates the poor and homeless from a so-called “normal” society. Each year in this country, an estimated 26 percent of edible food is thrown away while people go hungry. Food Not Bombs members get together and cook every Sunday afternoon at the Cascade People’s Center, then share that dinner on Sunday evening at Occidental Park in Pioneer Square. On Saturdays, the group organizes the Free Market at Yesler Terrace; it redistributes fresh produce, which people generally can’t get from a food bank.
DONATE: Volunteer time, bulk foods (grains, beans, spices, coffee), cooking equipment, vehicles, and drivers for transport. (If you would like to give financial support, contact them first—they can’t cash checks made out to “Food Not Bombs”.)
