Search

Seattle Works 

Description

Seattle Works is about taking action, having a voice and leading by example.  We're best known for:
  • Delivering accessible volunteer opportunities that help people get going.
  • Pairing those points of entry with a clear path for increased involvement.
  • Preparing people to join nonprofit boards and public commissions.
  • Hosting fun, informal, non-partisan events that connect people with the candidates and issues on their ballot.
  • Being a valued, trusted and knowledgeable partner to great causes seeking to connect with new audiences.
From service projects to classes to conversations, we're here to get you connected!

Mission Statement
Seattle Works connects volunteers, develops emerging leaders and inspires dialogue.
Donate Now
Seattle Works
1625 19th Ave 
Seattle 
WA
98122-2848 
(206) 324-0808 

Tara Smith 
Executive Director 

Programs

Seattle Works Programs

Volunteer
  • Hot Projects are an entry point. These one-time opportunities led by fellow Seattle Works volunteers allow participants to experience different kinds of service without a long-term obligation.
  • Team Works participants complete four projects, one per month, with four different organizations.
  • Seattle Works Day nearly 1,300 participants dig in at neighborhood projects throughout the city.
Lead
  • The Bridge is a nonprofit and government board training program. Graduates are provided with support in transitioning to a community leadership role.
  • HandsOn Leadership combines class with practical application. Participants gain the knowledge and skills to develop and execute their own volunteer projects in partnership with a local nonprofit who is in need of capacity building volunteer leaders.
Influence
  • The Ballot Party brings together participants to discuss the upcoming Primary Election with local candidates and issue representatives.  
  • One Stop Ballot Shop where participants connect with candidates in a setting designed to foster positive, meaningful interactions.
Invest
  • Chip In is a fun and easy way to give back, starting with just twenty bucks. These events held a few times a year highlight current HandsOn Leadership projects that need additional resources. Each team makes a pitch and attendees then decide which project(s) to invest in.
  • CommonWealth is a collective giving program that is equal parts learning and community building. Participants learn how to be responsible donors, are connected with causes they care about and then make a decision as a team where to invest their pooled dollars.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Seattle Works has successfully launched a new program called HandsOn Leadership. This training course combines learning with practical application! Volunteer leaders work in small teams in partnership with a local nonprofit to develop, plan and implement a brand new volunteer project. This fills multiple needs in our community: it helps nonprofits who do not have the capacity to create new, much needed volunteer projects; it helps to train emerging leaders in areas like fundraising, project management and team dynamics; it creates a lasting and sustainable impact on both the volunteer leaders, the organization and the people it serves. Projects completed to date include a clean-up day to help Hamlin Robinson School open in its new location, building a fence around a community garden in Rainier Valley and helping Solid Ground’s Lettuce Link program start up a CSA program at Marra Farm.

Our newest program is launching in 2013 to address how the next generation of leaders uses their money to make community impact.  We will have two levels of programming: the first is a low-level $20 buy-in called Chip In, to fund current HandsOn Leadership projects in a fun, interactive setting. The second is a $250 buy-in that provides training for participants on how to be a responsible donor and a group funding decision at the end!

Evaluation


Seattle Works is a leader in volunteer program management and knowledge of best practices. It is a critical capacity builder, helping nonprofits through bad economic times by using its experience in creating effective and accessible volunteer projects. Its work is impact-focused and the organization infuses its service and education programs with an understanding and correlation to direct community change.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency 
Seattle Works provides easily accessible programs. Its volunteer opportunities and civic involvement programming is relevant, socially spirited and age-appropriate, all of which keeps people engaged for many years. Over 1,480 young adults participated in the 2008 Seattle Works Day, a day of service to the greater King County community.

Financial Health
It has strong support from the public sector and business community: Boeing, Accenture, Microsoft, Fed Ex, City of Seattle, Safeco, Comcast, Clear Channel and Davis Wright Tremaine. Businesses and organizations employing 20- and 30-somethings see the value in Seattle Works' programs and encourages participation of their employees.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
3/10/2009 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/5/2006 $20,000.00support general operating expenses.
9/16/2004 $30,000.00support the purchase of a data management system and general operating expenses.

Financials

Similar Organizations

Give broadly to Communities
If supporting vibrant neighborhoods, creating new spaces to build community, and fostering connections across neighborhoods is important to you, then make a difference by giving to the Grantmaking Program.
Questions or comments about this organization?
Contact us to learn more.