Peter Hasegawa, a labor organizer, found his motivation to address climate change after the devastating 2021 heat dome event that claimed the lives of over 400 people in Washington state. This tragedy served as a wake-up call for residents and union members, highlighting the urgent need to combat the impacts of a warming planet. Despite Seattle’s previous climate action legislation in 2019, it became evident that the city was still unprepared to handle the consequences of climate change.
In response to this realization, Hasegawa organized a community assembly on extreme weather and worker rights at South Seattle College last fall. The assembly brought together a diverse group of union workers, including teachers, firefighters, home health care workers, postal workers, and more, to explore the concept of participatory decision-making. This initiative aimed to empower communities to have a voice in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.
The shift towards inclusive governance around climate change is gaining traction in Seattle, with Community Assemblies serving as a key component of this approach. These assemblies, funded by government entities, enable communities to collaborate with policymakers in developing climate policies and priorities. MLK Labor and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle were selected to lead these assemblies due to their commitment to representing communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
During the assembly sessions, participants shared their experiences and concerns related to climate change. Firefighters discussed working in extreme heat, home health care workers described challenges faced by vulnerable patients, and teachers highlighted issues such as classroom discomfort and infrastructure damage. The sense of solidarity and shared purpose among the participants underscored the importance of addressing climate change collectively.
The ultimate goal of these Community Assemblies is to ensure that all community members are included in Seattle’s climate planning efforts. By engaging diverse voices and perspectives, policymakers can develop more effective and equitable climate policies that benefit everyone. Through initiatives like these, communities are empowered to shape their sustainable future and build resilience in the face of climate challenges. Community assemblies have become a vital platform for frontline community members to come together, share their experiences, expertise, and discuss pressing issues. These gatherings allow for collaboration on solutions and provide a space for voices to be heard, leading to policy recommendations that reflect the needs of the community. This model is gaining traction across the state, with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services funding a series of Community Assembly pilots.
Rosalinda Guillen, a longtime organizer, has been a strong advocate for the community assembly model. With a background in organizing farmworker unions and working with various advocacy groups, Guillen believes that every state agency should adopt this model for community engagement. She emphasizes the importance of empowering frontline communities to play a more active role in shaping policies and investments.
One of the primary goals of Community Assemblies is to increase participation from Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities in the policymaking process. By building a civic muscle within these communities, the aim is to ensure that they have a voice in decisions that directly impact their lives. Fido, a key figure in this movement, stresses the importance of creating better policies, investments, and targeted programming through community engagement.
Camille Gipaya, a community outreach organizer at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, attests to the transformative power of community assemblies. By bringing people together to address a range of issues, from environmental concerns to systemic inequalities, the assembly has empowered individuals to engage with policymakers and advocate for change. Gipaya highlights the significance of centering communal experiences in decision-making processes, especially when addressing issues like climate change.
The community assembly model prioritizes the voices and perspectives of those most affected by societal challenges. By allowing community members to shape solutions based on their lived experiences, this approach fosters a deeper connection between policy decisions and the realities on the ground. Gipaya emphasizes the importance of staying connected with frontline communities to ensure that policies are rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people they serve.
In partnership with Communities of Opportunity, a collaborative initiative in King County, Washington, these community assemblies are empowering communities to create healthier, thriving environments. Through this unique partnership between community organizations, private foundations, and government entities, investments are made in the power of communities to drive positive change from within. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global health, economies, and daily life. With millions of cases and deaths worldwide, the virus has forced governments to implement strict measures to contain its spread. As a result, businesses have been forced to adapt to new ways of operating, with many employees working remotely and consumers shifting to online shopping.
One industry that has been particularly affected by the pandemic is the travel industry. With borders closed, flights grounded, and hotels shuttered, the tourism sector has come to a standstill. This has had a ripple effect on related industries such as hospitality, restaurants, and entertainment.
As countries began to ease restrictions and reopen their economies, the travel industry slowly started to see signs of recovery. However, the emergence of new variants of the virus and fluctuating case numbers have once again hampered the industry’s progress.
In response to the ongoing challenges, businesses within the travel industry have had to pivot and innovate to survive. Airlines have implemented strict safety measures, such as mandatory mask-wearing and enhanced cleaning protocols, to reassure passengers of their safety. Hotels have also introduced contactless check-in procedures and enhanced cleaning practices to make guests feel comfortable during their stay.
At the same time, many businesses have turned to technology to help them adapt to the new normal. Virtual tours and online experiences have become popular alternatives to traditional travel, allowing people to explore new destinations from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, travel agencies have shifted their focus to domestic travel, promoting local attractions and staycations to encourage tourism within their own countries.
Despite these efforts, the future of the travel industry remains uncertain. The rollout of vaccines has brought hope for a return to normalcy, but the industry is likely to face long-lasting effects from the pandemic. Consumer behavior has shifted, with many people opting for safer, more flexible travel options. Businesses will need to continue to innovate and adapt to meet these changing demands.
As we navigate through these challenging times, it is clear that the travel industry will need to evolve in order to survive. By prioritizing safety, embracing technology, and catering to the changing needs of consumers, businesses within the industry can position themselves for success in a post-pandemic world.
