Community has always been one of our main interests here at Polite Society. As the weather is getting better and we are all beginning to creep back outside for that much-needed sunshine, we thought we would share some of our favorite local organizations with you! (And with a big shout-out to all the ones not mentioned here; we love you too!!)

Chuck: I really love Country Doctor Community Health Clinics because of the things they do for the community. There are a lot of people that can't afford health insurance, but everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. They have been a part of the community for decades, especially the Carolyn Downs clinic. It is cool that it is the oldest continually-operated health clinic founded by the Black Panthers. 

Hans: I love the Zoo.  Yes it is true.
The animals seem happy.  Or at least not too hungry.
And there are many smart people working there.  With all kinds of fun facts they are happy to share.
Plus they have a carousel too.  I love you Woodland Park Zoo.

Desmond: One of my favorites is 206 Zulu. They are based out of Washington Hall in the Central District. They help educate and connect people through a common thread of Hip-Hop culture. They not only produce great events but have programs to help youth learn music, entrepreneurship, and life skills.

Sarah: I really love Northwest Folklife and the work they do to keep traditional forms of dance, music and art alive. Seattle is such a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities and we all have our own traditions we grew up with. From Korean Drum performances to Bavarian beer garden bands to Romanian dance troupes, at Folklife we can celebrate it all. Folklife reminds us that it is the presence of all these different cultures that makes our community stronger, not weaker.

Serene: Mine is PAWS! Growing up in Seattle, my family adopted our two cats from PAWS over the years and they are the absolute best! I really appreciate the care and compassion that PAWS staff put toward the animals they care for. Plus they have kitten and cat rooms you can go into when you're looking to adopt to play with all the animals - fricking adorable!

Yvonne Chan: A great local nonprofit is Northwest Immigration Rights Project. They provide legal services to immigrants and advocate for policies that provide justice and equity for everyone, no matter where they were born. What they do is more important than ever in today's political climate.

Yvonne Chien: One of my favorite Seattle nonprofits is the Japanese Cultural Community Center of Washington! It's a great organization that celebrates Japanese culture through classes and events that bring the community together. I interned there for a couple months, and it was amazing seeing the amount of historical artifacts and personal stories they have collected and preserved from multiple generations of Japanese people living in Seattle, including those who were put in camps during WWII.

Mathieu: I would have to say my favorite is Outdoors for All. I admire their mission of bringing outdoor accessibility and recreation opportunities to adults who would otherwise be unable to participate in the great outdoor activities Seattle is so lucky to have. As an older brother to someone with Down Syndrome, I just love seeing Outdoors for All providing fun and healthy lifestyle options to adults with disabilities - everyone should have access to community and fresh air!