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Mayor Harrell Announces One Seattle Day of Service on May 20

Volunteer registration is now open for 110 service events in neighborhoods across the City of Seattle

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced registration has opened for the second One Seattle Day of Service, which will be held in neighborhoods across the city on May 20, 2023.

“The organizing principle of our One Seattle vision is that we can accomplish more when we come together and work towards a common goal,” said Mayor Harrell. “We know that neighbors want to be part of the solution to help us build a thriving, beautiful city, and we can all play a part in creating a better Seattle. The One Seattle Day of Service is a time to turn our shared values of inclusion, unity, and cooperation into real action to drive tangible improvements for the place we love and call home.”

Seattleites can sign up to participate by registering for a volunteer shift here

Registration is now open for over 3,000 volunteer shifts at over 110 events throughout Seattle. More shifts and events will be added until the day of the event.

There are over 100 partner organizations participating in the One Seattle Day of Service representing a diverse group of public, private, and non-profit partners and organizations, including El Centro de la Raza, FareStart, Chinatown-International District BIA, Belltown United, SODO BIA, Food Lifeline, Ballard Alliance, Seattle Sounders FC, and Seattle Seahawks.

Volunteer opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests.  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 activities include:

  • 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

Mayor Harrell announced the Day of Service at Powell Barnett Park in the Central District. Named after a local organizer and the first president of the Leschi Improvement Council, Powell Barnett Park has a legacy of community involvement. This year, 26 service events will take place at parks throughout the city in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Public Utilities.

“There is a quote from Powell Barnett, a civil rights activist and leader in our Central District, that embodies the spirit of this event: I have always felt that my community is no better or worse than what I help make it. I can’t delegate my own responsibility. I can’t assume anyone else’s.’ I invite every neighbor to roll up their sleeves and join us in giving back to the community at the One Seattle Day of Service on May 20,” Mayor Harrell said.

Visit seattle.gov/dayofservice to learn more about the event and register to volunteer.


What Community Leaders, Partners, and Participants Are Saying:

Maisha Barnett, Founder, Powell Barnett Legacy Project

“We are excited to be part of One Seattle Day of Service. It’s a reminder that together, our community and Powell Barnett Park will continue to grow and support one another. This day reminds us we can revitalize our neighborhoods one volunteer at a time.”

David Young, Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Seahawks

“Seattle is an amazing city, home to passionate fans not only of sports but also their community. Beyond football, making an impact off the field is one of our organization’s greatest missions. The Seattle Seahawks are proud to join Mayor Harrell’s One Seattle Day of Service as we volunteer together to show support for our beloved city and make it a better place for all to enjoy.”

Alisha Valavanis, President and CEO, Seattle Storm

“The Seattle Storm is proud to partner with Mayor Harrell, other community leaders and local businesses to support the One Seattle Day of Service. Supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities throughout Seattle is a primary component of our Force4Change platform. The Mayor’s Day of Service program offers another way we can invest in positive change in those communities. We invite all Storm fans to join us as we work together to serve our neighbors on May 20.”

Tom Graff, Chair, Belltown United

“The Mayor’s Day of Service in 2022 started a working coordination in the Belltown community for additional cleanup work parties in the neighborhood throughout 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.  Our community looks forward to the 2023 One Day of Service with multiple projects in Belltown and hundreds of volunteers.”

Lisa Dixon Howard, Executive Director, Alliance for Pioneer Square

“Spring is the perfect time for neighbors to come together and make Pioneer Square even more beautiful and welcoming as we look towards a busy and exciting summer. The Alliance is excited to host our 15th annual event in partnership with the One Seattle Day of Service. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and demonstrating what we can achieve together.”

Mike Stewart, Executive Director, Ballard Alliance

“The Ballard Alliance is excited to partner again this year with Mayor Harrell and the City of Seattle on the 2023 Day of Service. The 2022 event was a huge success that brought the Ballard community together to give back, clean and beautify Ballard. Our community is ready to re-engage to not only implement another series of impactful projects, but also share in the spirit of community collaboration that is growing in all corners of our City.” 

Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA

“The SODO Business Improvement Area is very excited to take part in this year’s One Seattle Day of Service. We embrace this opportunity for our community members to come together and give back to the city that we live and work in on May 21st. Our mission as a place management organization and the vision of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s One Seattle Day of Service are passionately aligned in our goals to see a safe, clean, connected and engaged SODO, and Seattle.”

Mayor Harrell rakes at Powell Barnett Park.
Mayor Harrell speaks with a member of the Powell Barnett Legacy Project.