In the summer of 2010, I started watching professional cycling. I had just undergone hip surgery that left me couchbound during Seattle’s brief summer. But with streaming services just becoming mainstream, I could watch stages of the Tour de France from the comfort of my home.
Between watching cyclists ascend mountains and sprint across finish lines, I learned how the sport actually worked—cycling is a team sport. While one rider crosses the finish line, an entire team of riders has worked for that win.
As a bicycle commuter and casual weekend rider, the idea that cycling was a team sport blew my mind. And it made me wonder: what else is meant to be done together, not alone?
Earlier this week, I watched an interview with Senator Cory Booker after his record-breaking speech. When asked what he hoped Americans would take away from it, he said his speech was just one tactic—part of a larger strategy and movement that we all need to join.
He added, “All of us have to think of what creative things we can do to be little points of ignition for this movement.”
Right now, we’re experiencing profound blows to our liberties and our communities—all while working full-time, caring for our families, managing illnesses, and showing up for our friends and neighbors. I’ll admit, sometimes it’s hard for me to imagine that anything I do will matter—until I remember that movements work like sports team. Wins happen because of teams, not individuals.
We need little points of ignition to spark big acts of resistance.
At SVP Seattle, we see these points of ignition all the time—small, meaningful actions that add up to real momentum. Our board members, Partners, grantees, and community partners are each finding their own ways to contribute to the larger movement for justice and equity.
Here are just a few ways they’re showing up—as sparks, as part of something bigger.
- SVP Board member David Habib and SVP Partners Cathy Habib and Sam McVeety testified to the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Committee on Finance in support of SB5797/HB 2046, the Financial Intangible Tax or “Wealth Tax.” SVP Board member Jordan Goldwarg went to Olympia for immigrant and refugee advocacy day to lobby for health insurance and unemployment insurance for undocumented folks, and a statement on domestic workers bill of rights.
- SVP Grantee 350 Seattle is campaigning for the Washington State Investment Board to divest from fossil fuels. They aim to transition the state’s $200 billion pension and investment fund away from the fossil fuel industry to promote climate justice.
- SVP Grantee Look, Listen + Learn TV is continuing to cultivate joy and connection for young children and families of color through events like their annual P.A.L. Playdate. This free, family-friendly celebration features playful, culturally-rooted activities inspired by their television series—supporting early learning and community belonging. Join them on Saturday, May 17 at the Family First Community Center in Renton to celebrate radical joy and community through storytelling, art, and music. Click here to RSVP or to learn more.
We also asked SVP board members for suggestions on how we can stay engaged and informed—especially when it comes to what’s happening here in our own communities:
Take Action to Uphold Equity in a Time of Rising Threats
In this moment of growing socio-political backlash, nonprofit leaders must lead with courage.
What you can do:
- Join us on May 21st for “DEI Under Fascism“—a timely conversation with equity strategist Aparna Rae at Byrd Barr Place on how to protect your staff, uphold DEI principles, and navigate legal and ethical challenges. You’ll walk away with practical tools to build resilience, solidarity, and a culture of resistance in your organization.
Take Action: Advance Wealth Equity in Washington
Washington state is facing a significant revenue shortfall—jeopardizing funding for essential services that communities rely on. At the same time, wealth inequality continues to grow, with a small number of ultra-wealthy individuals holding an outsized share of resources. Addressing this imbalance is key to building a more just and resilient future.
What you can do:
- Learn about wealth equity – Learn about policies like the financial intangible tax HB 1473 / SB 5486 aim to generate public revenue by taxing extreme wealth, helping to close gaps in education, healthcare, housing, and more.
- Join us on April 28th at noon Power, Policy & the People: Wealth Equity in Action – This event brings together SVP Partner Dawn Trudeau and Executive Director of SVP’s newest grantee 350 Seattle, Shemona Moreno, both Economic Opportunity Institute Board Members, with Rian Watt, EOI’s Executive Director, experts to explore solutions that advance economic justice and shared prosperity.
Take Action to Support Immigrant Communities in Washington
This issue is hitting close to home—staff and community members from SVP grantees like Refugee Artisan Initiative and Front and Centered are directly impacted.
What you can do:
- Learn how to support immigrant rights through NWIRP’s resources.
- Stay informed and take action by signing up for One America’s newsletter.
- Sign this petition to advocate for state funding for asylum seekers and immigrants.