Community service driven event will offer more than 2,200 volunteer opportunities in neighborhoods across the City of Seattle
Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the first ever One Seattle Day of Service citywide volunteer event. The One Seattle Day of Service will take place on May 21, 2022, with over 2,200 volunteer opportunities across more than 80 different activities throughout all seven City Council Districts.
“I love Seattle – and I know so many neighbors share that same passion for our city and want to be part of making it a better place. As my administration works to tackle urgent challenges, I hear every day from Seattle residents looking for ways to be part of the solution. Today, I’m excited to announce the One Seattle Day of Service – a new opportunity for everyone to get involved and give back,” said Mayor Harrell.
One Seattle Day of Service events will kick off at 9:00 a.m. on May 21 with the last volunteer activity ending by 5 p.m. Most volunteer shifts are 2-3 hours, ranging from just a few volunteers to up to 100 per shift. Nearly half of activity opportunities are open to all ages, and more than one third are open to all abilities. Volunteer shifts and opportunities will continue to be added as we get closer to the event.
Seattleites can sign up to participate by registering for a volunteer shift here.
Opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests.
- Cleaning and beautification – collecting trash, removing graffiti, building repair, and painting
- Gardening and restoration – weeding, planting, storm drain protection, and trail repair
- Helping neighbors in need – grocery packing, donation organizing, and tiny home construction
Volunteer events were organized with community groups, business associations, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Seattle Public Utilities, and are supported by local businesses, civic organizations, and Seattle’s sports teams.
There are over 80 partner organizations participating in the One Seattle Day of Service, including the Chinatown-International District BIA, Downtown Seattle Association, Pioneer Square Alliance, Chief Seattle Club, Food Lifeline, Urban League, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders FC, OL Reign, UW Husky Football, and more.
“We know we can accomplish so much more when we come together and work together,” said Mayor Harrell. “The One Seattle Day of Service is how we put our shared values – inclusion, cooperation, and service – into shared action toward tangible improvements for our city and the residents who make it special. I am thrilled with the diverse group of public, private, and non-profit partners, businesses, and organizations who have already committed to participate in this event, and I invite every Seattleite to join us for our One Seattle Day of Service on May 21st.”
Visit the seattle.gov/dayofservice to learn more about the event and register to volunteer.
WHAT SEATTLE COMMUNITY LEADERS, PARTNERS, AND PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
“An old proverb states, ‘many hands make light work’ and I’m looking forward to contributing my own hands to lighten and bolster the efforts of all the volunteers coming out for the One Seattle Day of Service.” said “This will be a powerful collective event to meet our neighbors and work together for the Common Good of #OneSeattle!”
– Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson
“The One Seattle Day of Service harnesses our city’s collective spirit and puts it into action. We see the enormous impact a group cleaning effort makes in the daily work of our downtown ambassadors. For our city to recover it has to be clean and welcoming for all, and we thank Mayor Harrell for pulling together a citywide initiative to accomplish just that. We look forward to mobilizing our teams and members on May 21st to get downtown looking great. The day of service will be a day of exercising Seattle’s values of collaboration and community.”
– Jon Scholes; President and CEO, Downtown Seattle Association
“Sounders FC are thrilled to collaborate with our friends at OL Reign to support One Seattle Day of Service. Set in the heart of AANHPI-Heritage month, this day of volunteerism aligns with Sounders FC’s long-term commitment to make our community stronger and more equitable. Our players, staff, and fans value the diverse ground floor businesses that make our community strong, especially on matchday. Working with soccer fans to give back to the neighborhoods surrounding our home at Lumen Field, with projects at Hing Hay Park in C-ID and Pioneer Square, we are humbled to do our part, to live our values through our social justice framework. Clearing trash and cleaning our neighborhoods can support our long term goals to Protect our Planet by ensuring we divert waste from our waterways, and to Fight Racism by using our platform to support BIPOC neighborhoods and small businesses.”
– Maya Mendoza-Exstrom; Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Sounders FC
“OL Reign is honored to team up with our friends Sounders FC to support the neighborhood around our new stadium and participate in One Seattle Day of Service. As longtime active members of the community, we embrace this opportunity to further our mission of equality and inclusion for all . As the newest tenants at Seattle’s iconic Lumen Field, we feel a strong sense of urgency and continued dedication to be of service to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown/International District. By pitching in to assist local residents, and clean and beautify these historic Seattle neighborhoods, we show our support for the small businesses and BIPOC communities who have so graciously allowed us to share their home.”
– Vincent Berthillot; Chief Executive Officer, OL Reign
“Friends of Little Saigon is excited to see more unified efforts City-wide. I commend Mayor Harrell for continuing to support and elevate our community’s issues. My hope is that this One Day of Service will be more than just one day, but a day that sparks continued commitments and collaborations to address community priorities.”
– Quynh Pham; Executive Director, Friends of Little Sài Gòn
“With the Mission to connect and deploy Veterans to under-resourced communities, The Mission Continues, serving side by side with community partners, has made significant impacts all over our great nation, particularly here in the International District/Chinatown and Southeast Seattle. On May 21, 2022, we proudly join the Mayor’s Call To Action to serve on One Seattle Day of Service and call upon the 28,000 Veterans residing in Seattle to join the movement to make positive impacts in our beloved city.”
– Linh Thai; Regional Operations Manager, The Mission Continues