Kids learn the importance of giving back to the community by watching adults give back and by being invited to volunteer themselves.
Join Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell tomorrow, May 18, for the third annual One Seattle Day of Service, which will be held throughout the city.
Families invited
The day-long event is an opportunity for individuals and full families to give back, with volunteer opportunities in each neighborhood across the city, according to event planners. While not all of the 110 volunteer service events are family-friendly, a majority are.
The goal is for 2,500 volunteers of all ages to turn out to dig, plant, paint, and otherwise renew and uplift the city.
“Service to others is one of our highest One Seattle values, nurturing a sense of unity, belonging, and togetherness in our community,” said Mayor Harrell in announcing the 2024 event. “The One Seattle Day of Service is an opportunity to turn common ground into common cause, uniting residents from every corner of our city to make it better place for everyone who lives, works, and plays here. I hope everyone will embrace the spirit of service and collaboration, come together with their neighbors, and take action on May 18 to improve the city we love and call home.”
Last year, Harrell’s call for volunteers rallied thousands of people. They stepped up to pull weeds, wipe away graffiti, rid the streets and parks of trash, and otherwise beautify Seattle.
“This event will bring thousands of residents from all across the city together, asking them to roll up their sleeves and give their time and energy back to their community,’’ said Harrell of the event. “The organizing principle of our One Seattle vision is we accomplish more when we come together as a community and we work towards a common goal of being part of the solution.
Be the change
One Seattle Day of Service needs volunteers to step into service events across the city. To find out which events still need volunteers, go to the Mayor’s One Seattle Day of Service page. Once you find an event that fits your family’s interests and energy, be sure to register. Look closely, as some events may not be appropriate for kids.
“We are hopeful that the event will continue to grow, the Mayor said in 2023. “I want to be very clear. We want to break any records we established last year. We can do this together as a great city.”
More than 100 city partners
To fully celebrate Seattle One Day of Service, city officials have partnered with more than 70 organizations, including public, private, and nonprofit businesses and sports teams, to help facilitate community service day events.
Can’t participate tomorrow? Give back another time
If you are unable to participate on May 18, the City offers several ways to get involved, such as Adopting a Street, joining a Board or Commission, and cleaning up graffiti. Other ways to help improve the quality of life of all residents are keeping your sidewalk clear, including removing snow and ice and trimming vegetation, and helping a neighbor remove snow and ice from their sidewalk.
