Concerned citizens can – and do -- make a difference in their communities. But when you're one voice against a big system, it's important to be as smart and effective as you can be in order to convince the powers that be that your game-changing ideas are worth the bureaucratic shift and resources it takes to make them a reality.

This weekend, Allied Arts of Seattle partners with AIA Seattle and the Cascade Land Conservancy to offer a public workshop called Taking Action: Advocacy for Livable Cities.

Three sessions will bring you up to date on several grassroots movements with city-changing potential: the plan for the future of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, a briefing on Broadway Crossing, and ideas for preserving Seattle's arts neighborhoods in the face of rising real estate costs.

But in addition to learning the score, you'll hear how to take action on these and other issues. AIA will host panels of local industry experts to explain effective strategies for complex issues, including how to navigate the public process for pursuing a neighborhood project, crafting the most powerful message possible to get your voice heard, and working with the media.

The workshop takes place in partnership with AIA Seattle's Design for Livability Conference (we've got Worldchanging team members there today, and you'll be hearing what we learned about parking, cycling, neighborhood design and more next week).

If you're passionate about creating a more livable future for Seattle, we highly recommend adding this event to your weekend calendar!

Details
Date: September 27, 2008
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Seattle Central Community College, Room 1110

I don't know how many people living in Seattle are fond of tourists, but one of the things that makes Seattle so unique and appealing to out-of-town visitors is the interest that most people have in preserving the original feel of what Seattle is all about.

When comparing Seattle to other major cities in the US (like DC, LA, and New York), I find that there is something about Seattle that makes it a step above those other places and I think it has something to do with these grassroot movements making a positive impact on the city and its residents.

Posted by: Clint on September 27, 2008 12:09 PM

And then once you're all fired-up about getting involved, come to the next Climate Action Lab (Oct 11 in Northeast Seattle) to roll up your sleeves and get started.

Posted by: Phil Mitchell on September 29, 2008 6:22 AM

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