The City of Seattle is launching the Seattle Together initiative, which is designed to celebrate ideas, share resources and events, and connect community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Seattle Together initiative asks community members to amplify stories of good work and resiliency by residents, elevate resources and share best practices, and build relationships as Seattle residents continue to follow the statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and public health physical distancing guidance.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Seattle, necessary public health guidance has undoubtedly taken a toll on the economic, physical, and mental health of residents. Seattle Together will help people connect by lifting up community-generated ideas, highlighting philanthropic efforts, and sharing information about City resources. Seattle Together is a curated hub that features local artistic content, mental health breaks, physical activities, and helpful resources designed to provide respite and hope for our community.
“Much has rightly been said and done about the economic and public health impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our communities. But we must acknowledge and address the impact this crisis is having on our collective wellbeing, and the loneliness and fear the pandemic creates,” said Mayor Durkan. “At a time when the weather is getting warmer and our City is at its most beautiful, we must continue to stay inside and physically distance ourselves from our loved ones and neighbors. Seattle Together is about creating a platform where we can build community and connection during this unprecedented time and celebrate the innovation, creativity, and drive that makes Seattle the best city in the country. As a City government, it’s our responsibility to not only look out for the physical and economic health of our residents, but to fight for the emotional wellbeing and happiness of all our communities. Seattle Together does just that.”
“While we are still focused on relief, we know that we need to find ways to connect and give our City a chance to come together in new and different ways. Seattle Together is an initiative that invests in our most impacted communities and celebrates our region’s resilience and the work everyone is doing to survive and come out of this crisis stronger than before,” said Randy Engstrom, Director of the Office of Arts & Culture.
Key elements of the initiative include a Seattle Together website, SeattleTogether.org and online campaign featuring the creativity and stories of Seattle residents, both well-known and undiscovered. Seattle residents are encouraged to share their ideas using #SeattleTogether on social media or submit their ideas, stories of community resiliency, and resources for the Seattle Together website.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be launching From Home to Home: Northwest Folklife Festival this weekend—a place where we can collectively showcase our folklife, right from our homes,” says Kelli Faryar, Executive Artistic Director of Northwest Folklife. “In the same spirit as the Seattle Together initiative, we hope that From Home to Home and SeattleTogether.org will serve as a virtual platform showcasing local artists and culture bearers, creating a space for cultural exchange and community connection.”
Seattle Together will recognize community members, organizations, and businesses dedicating their time and money to those in need, individuals connecting with one another through creative and unique experiences, and artists sharing cultural content to vulnerable populations.
The City of Seattle will also share information on new resources and initiatives, online activities, and cultural programming. Online activities on Seattle Together range from yoga classes to live-streamed concerts, so that Seattle residents can access their favorite classes, as well as new opportunities. Seattle Center, Parks and Recreation, the Office of Arts & Culture, The Seattle Public Library, Human Services Department, Seattle Fire Department, and other City departments are contributing to Seattle Together.