We hope summer is still going strong for you! That is 100% “the vibe” here in the ECO Climate Equity program. We’ve organized youth-led events, started planning for the future with the Climate Equity Community Task Force, and hosted workshops on climate justice. Please read on to learn about: 

• Youth-led climate justice storytelling 

• Opportunities to shape wildfire protection 

• Opportunities for professional development 

• A Climate Justice Learning Series workshop on King County’s SCAP 

• A new round of sponsorships  

• Resources and local events 

Thanks for all you do!  

This past month, the CECTF (Climate Equity Community Task Force) youth found refuge under the canopy of the trees and in the banks of the Snoqualmie river at the Tolt MacDonald Campgrounds for the 2025 Refuge Outdoor Festival Youth Summit. Youth task force members had the opportunity to connect and engage with other youth climate leaders in workshops and community-building events ranging from “Catching Fish and Feelings: An Introduction to Fly Fishing and Connecting with Aquatic Ecosystems” to “Finding Nature’s Frequency,” a songwriting and healing centered workshop. CECTF Youth members Odessa, Jada, Laura, and Jasmine also developed and led a climate storytelling workshop focused on helping participants feel less alone in their experience of the climate crisis.  

Hear from CECTF youth member Odessa on her experience at Refuge: “I had a great time attending Refuge Fest. I loved seeing such beautiful scenery and realizing how much Washington expands, both in places and in people. Living in Renton, your perspective of WA feels so enclosed to just Renton and South Seattle. I often say WA is such a small state because I know everyone, and I hate it; but I realized that’s not true, there are more co-cultures out there beyond what I know, with people who have similar interests as me. I also met people with perspectives unfamiliar to me and it was a great learning moment, I feel like I expanded my horizon on how I viewed the world."

"I was also so surprised to see teens enjoying activities facilitated by organizations. These are the kinds of things young people in my community usually ignore. I loved seeing how teens from other areas were so excited about certain things. I instantly thought about ideas on how we can create communities like that in my area—a culture where young people can see themselves participating because it is interesting enough and an environment that presents an array of possibilities for BIPOC youth to be cultivated in. Lastly, I really loved being able to network with other organizations, creating relationships, and having conversations about future collaborations. It was exciting to learn about more youth opportunities, especially environmental related ones.” 

Want to learn more about youth leadership? Stay tuned for a youth-led climate justice learning series session on October 23!

Objectives:  

• Understanding the history of the Sustainable Frontline & Resilient Communities (SRFC) section in the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) 

• Uplifting stories of those who came before us in climate justice policy 

• Impact of the SRFC section beyond King County 

• Dreaming the future of climate justice policy 

King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program has $4.6 million in funding available for community-driven projects that protect water quality, control pollution, and build healthy communities. Projects must provide an improvement to water quality within the Wastewater Treatment Division service area, and non-profits, Tribes, cities, schools, and special purpose districts are eligible to apply.  

Applications are open now and due September 30, 2025. The application process begins by filling out a short Letter of Intent form. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in February 2026. Registration for public info sessions is required; reserve your spot today. For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/waterworks-grants, or email water.grants@kingcounty.gov. 

The King County Climate Equity Sponsorship fund supports community organizations and climate justice leaders with sponsorships to engage King County frontline communities on climate. Sponsorships were awarded in February and July. The form will reopen, accepting applications September 15-October 13. Visit the Climate Equity page to apply. For questions, please contact Elena Hamblin, Climate Equity Engagement Project Coordinator at elhamblin@kingcounty.gov   

South King County Community Impact Fund (SCKCCIF) is hosting info sessions for request for proposals (RFP) to fund multi-year projects, at up to $20,000 or $60,000 per year over three years. The SCKCCIF’s Environmental Improvement Program is a Port of Seattle fund for local projects that improve green spaces and promote environmental stewardship in South King County, the Duwamish Valley, Beacon Hill, and Rainier Valley. The RFP opens this month (September). Info sessions take place on September 9th and 11th. Register here. By appointment sessions are also available. 

Fallin’ for Fungi: Join Dirt Corps on September 13 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Westcrest Park to learn about the fungi in the forest and how they interact with their ecosystem. Participants will also help remove non-native weeds from the restoration area and apply mulch to the bare ground around plantings to make way for the growth of native plants. 

Seattle Latino Conservation Week 2025: Join a free, family-friendly event with Earth Corps at Seward Park on September 27 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Folks who identify as Latine/a/o or Afro Latino/a/e diaspora as well as allies are welcome, and Spanish translation is available. 

RAINfest: Join the city of Federal Way on Sunday, September 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a free, family-friendly community event that brings fun and learning together in support of a healthy environment! Explore engaging educational activities focused on water quality, pollution prevention, and environmental stewardship in Federal Way. Come rain or shine, let’s celebrate our environment and learn how we can protect the water that sustains us all!  

Farm Fest: What do you get when you have llamas, community, and urban agriculture in one place? Farm Fest! Join Nurturing Roots Farm and the Tilth Alliance at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands on September 20 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a day packed with furry friends, live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, and community! 

From Seed to Harvest: A Celebration of Growth: Join Braided Seeds on September 20 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Mt Baker Rowing and Sailing Center to celebrate five years of shared meals, trails hiked, and barriers removed for folks across the state to connect with the outdoors. The celebration will feature a silent auction, local food, and a keynote address from Chandrika Francis of Oshun Swim School. To purchase a ticket click here!