In this issue:
- May’s Community Action Night Details
- A Note About ICE Activity in Federal Way
- Protests and Other Recurring Actions
- FWI Volunteer Opportunities
- Local Events and Ally Engagement Opportunities
FWI Community Action Night: May 21st, 6:30-8pm #
Federal Way Indivisible Community Action Night (FWI CAN!) is the 3rd Thursday of every month at Wayside UCC (2000 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023). Doors open at 6:30pm with time for board games and community building. The night’s main activities begin at 6:50pm. We’re introducing FWI’s leadership team, giving you details on our recurring action opportunities, answering questions, and brainstorming with YOU to shape the future of OUR group and our work in Federal Way. Bring some good news to share from the week, be it political or personal!
Bring donations of clothes, canned goods, diapers, formula, or hygiene products for the Wayside UCC community pantry program as a thank you for providing a beautiful space for us to gather in while we also help our neighbors in need.
Free parking! Kids welcome! (Coloring activities available, but please bring additional entertainment if your child needs it. No childcare will be provided.)
Last Month’s Highlights #
Our First FWI CAN! #
We had our very first monthly community action night in April, despite several of our leaders missing out due to health concerns. Thanks to everyone who stepped in to help! We had community member, former city council candidate, and frequent city council public commenter Nathan Orth give us insights into making our voices heard in city council and why it’s so important to show up. We also had a surprise visit from council member Martin Moore! And there was plenty of time to meet our neighbors, build a community of trust so we can better accomplish our mutual goals and have each other’s back as we stand together against fascism.
For a great example of how coordinated comments at a city council meeting can yield immediate results, watch this replay of massage therapists convincing the council to rethink a questionable ordinance, meant to help prevent human trafficking thru illegitimate massage parlors, that could put legit therapists and their customers in danger and impact anyone who prefers to pay in cash.
Federal Way Mayor’s Town Hall #
Several community members attended the mayor’s town hall on April 30th and asked some pointed questions. We didn’t have as big a showing as we’d hoped, nor did we get the answers we wanted regarding ICE activity in Federal Way, but a big THANK YOU to all who were able to attend and engage from those of us who couldn’t. A video of the event has yet to be posted at the time of this newsletter’s writing, but check the city’s YouTube page just in case.
A Note About ICE Activity in Federal Way: #
You may have heard about or seen recent photos and witness accounts of ICE activity in Federal Way in the SeaTac Village parking lot in front of Trader Joe’s. At the time of this newsletter, FWI has deemed the city’s overall response to inquiries (silence, indifference) about this to be unacceptable. We urge you to contact officials and demand they make a statement about the activity and what they are doing to ensure bad actors masquerading as ICE and DHS officers are not out snatching people from Federal Way. Emails: council@federalwaywa.gov, Jim.Ferrell@federalwaywa.gov
Protests and Other Actions #
Sunday Corner Protest, Sundays, 12-1pm #
Join Federal Way Indivisible in partnership with the Southend Friends for Peace and Justice every Sunday from noon-1pm, rain or shine, at the intersection of S. 320th and Pac Hwy S. by the Commons. Bring your own sign or borrow one provided. We’re standing up for peace and democracy. All non-violent humans and their furry companions welcome!
Help Federal Way to Know Their Rights if ICE Comes Calling! #
With verified sightings of ICE in Federal Way, it’s important now more than ever that we know our rights. Washington Neighborhood Defense (WAND) Federal Way is teaching businesses and houses of worship about their rights regarding immigration laws and what they can and can’t do if ICE comes calling. Only a fraction of the approx. 3,500 businesses in Federal Way have been reached, so we need volunteers to help canvas the city! Join us for a 90 minute canvassing session where you’ll shadow a seasoned canvasser and learn more!
FWI Volunteer Opportunities #
Are you a self-starter? Organized? Good communicator? Like working behind the scenes? Then we need you! Join FWI’s leadership team and help us coordinate our events and guide the direction of the group. Email us for more info!
Gardening #
Join us at the Senior Center Community Garden to help grow food, engage in mutual aid, meet your neighbors, and have fun outside!
WHERE: 4016 S 352nd St, Auburn, WA 98001
WHEN: Mondays, 9am-noon, and Saturdays, 9am to noon.
All ages and abilities welcome!
Local Events and Ally Engagement Opportunities #
30th Legislative District Democrats #
- Attend the 30th LD monthly meetings (1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm) to interact with your city and state reps at SHAG Celebration Senior Living Apartments (the Clubhouse), 1524 S 328th St. Federal Way, 98003
- Become a member if you want a say in who the 30th endorses in upcoming elections!
City of Federal Way #
- City Council Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30pm at City Hall (2nd floor). You can also watch and comment by Zoom.
- Take the Diversity Commission’s Community Survey to make sure we’re all represented!