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Duwamish Valley Port Community Action Team (PCAT)

Port Community Action Team Logo - designed by a Duwamish Valley youth

PCAT IS SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

Fill out this brief survey and apply by Feb 28, 2023!

 

Thank you to all our applicants so far! We will contact you once applications close after Feb 28th.

 

SUPPORT DUWAMISH VALLEY FAMILIES IMPACTED BY FLOODING

The current wet weather has had a severe impact on our neighbors and community partners in the Duwamish Valley, as reported in the Seattle Times. There was a severe flood on 12/27 in South Park that has displaced several residents and families. The full impact and significance of the damage is still being accessed. Local non-profits Duwamish River Community CoalitionVilla Comunitaria, and Khmer Community of Seattle King County are coordinating direct support, donations, and supplies for the impacted community members. Please donate cash to these organizations to support affected families. 

The Duwamish River Community Hub (8600 14th Ave S, Seattle WA, 98108) is serving as a flood relief center for affected families.

Contact 206-465-1022 for latest Hub hours and available resources.

What is the Port Community Action Team (PCAT)?

MISSION: The Duwamish Valley Port Community Action Team is a group of neighbors from Georgetown and South Park who are collaborating with the Port of Seattle to remedy their historical and current disproportionate, cumulative impacts to the environment and its people. To further our goals of a healthy, sustainable community, we have created a Community Benefits Commitment with the Port based on the principles of equity, anti-displacement, and empowerment. Our agreement focuses on promoting a clean environment, increasing economic opportunities, and building community capacity.

Who are the current members of the PCAT?

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Rich Brown (he/him), Georgetown
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Bunthay Cheam (he/him), South Park
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Ruby Vigo (she/her), South Park
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Andrew Schiffer (he/him), Georgetown
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Dre Avila (they/them), Georgetown
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Jose Chi (he/him), South Park
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Magdalena Angel Cano (she/her), South Park
   

What does the PCAT do?

PCAT worked with Port staff to write and pass the first environmental justice policy at any port, Resolution 3767, the Duwamish Valley Community Benefits Commitment (CBC). It has three goals: 

Goal 1: Build Capacity in Community and at the Port for Collaboration:

PCAT regularly meets with Port leadership and elected officials to voice community issues and find solutions related to impacts from Port operations.

Goal 2: Support a Healthy Environment and Community:

PCAT advocacy funds local youth training in green job sectors - ranging from habitat restoration, solar energy, and green stormwater infrastructure careers.

Goal 3: Promote Economic Prosperity in Place:

PCAT encouraged the Port to open the Duwamish River Community Hub, a place-based economic development center located in the heart of the South Park business district.

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PCAT supported South Park youth and adult trainings to enter into maritime-related green jobs.
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PCAT and Georgetown youth organized a bike-pedestrian safety study alongside Port properties and freight routes.
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PCAT sponsored Georgetown Youth Council cleanups at Gateway Park North.

What is it like to be a PCAT member?

Purpose: PCAT members make impact in many ways - primarily, they help oversee how the Port is implementing the Community Benefits Commitment by offering consultation and advocacy to support human and environmental health and wellbeing in the Duwamish Valley. The Duwamish Valley Community Equity Program and PCAT are an anti-racist partnership and prioritizes (in our funding, decision making, and advocacy) uplifting the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color most impacted by Port-related operations.

Commitment: New members can expect to make an 8-hour monthly commitment over a 2-year term. Members attend monthly general meetings, monthly committee meetings, Port of Seattle or community events as they arise, spring and fall weekend retreats, and quarterly socials.

Eligibility: Anyone who lives, works, studies, plays, or worships in the Duwamish Valley is eligible to join the PCAT. No prior experience working with governments, committees, boards, or Port industries required! No proof of residency or immigration status is required to participate in PCAT.

Compensation: Members receive a compensation of $30/hour in their first term and $35/hour in their second term. Meals, childcare, language interpretation, and transportation are provided as needed.

Currently vacant roles (PCAT is open to creating other roles):

  • Port liaisons and advocates: Regularly interface with the Port and bring back what is important to PCAT. Collaborate with content developer to create community-friendly updates on Port happenings.
  • Website developer and social media manager: Build and manage PCAT website and blog; post and manage content on PCAT’s socials.
  • Content developer: Develop PCAT and CBC-related content for posting on PCAT’s Facebook page. Work with Port liaisons and advocates to develop content for blog.
  • Hub liaisons: Make sure sponsorship funds are getting out to community; review applications for using the Hub.
  • Community liaisons: Put on workshops to build capacity in community, attend community events, and reach out to the public.

Interested? Apply by Feb 28, 2023! Thank you to all our applicants so far! We will contact you once applications close after Feb 28th.

Port Community Action Team Logo - designed by a Duwamish Valley youth

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