Connect in Community
Building strong connections within your local community, city, county, state, and region is essential to fostering a vibrant, engaged, and supportive civic environment!
Whether you're on campus, in Seattle, King County, across the state, or throughout the Pacific Northwest (PNW), connecting with the places where you live, work, play, and study helps build strong personal and community networks. Engaging with your local environment fosters deeper relationships and strengthens the bonds within your community.
Being a good neighbor, attending local events, and joining community organizations create a more connected and inclusive society!
Explore Seattle’s Neighborhoods
Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods are their own unique communities!
Each neighboorhood has its own identity, history, and spirit. The Neighborhood Snapshots from the City of Seattle offer an insightful overview of the character and makeup of various neighborhoods across the city, providing a great resource for students looking to better understand their community.
Engaging with the local University District neighborhood is a meaningful first step in fostering stronger local ties, supporting civic initiatives, and advocating for policies that matter to you and your neighbors. The U District Partnership is the best place to start for those looking to be more involved with the neighborhood your campus is in.
Neighborhood Snapshots - Neighborhoods
University District Neighborhood Snapshot PDF
Get Involved | U District Partnership
Support Seattle's Iconic Neighorhood Farmers Markets
Seattle’s neighborhood farmers markets are vibrant hubs of community connection!
Weekly neighborhood farmers and the iconic Pike Place Market offer a chance to support local farmers, artisans, and businesses while enjoying fresh, locally grown produce. By exploring these markets, you’ll not only discover delicious food and unique products, but you’ll also engage with your community and gain a deeper understanding of Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods.
Take a stroll through your neighborhood market, strike up a conversation with a vendor, and experience the rich community spirit of Seattle!
Reconnect with Nature at Seattle’s New Waterfront Park
A beautiful blend of nature, art, and community right along the city’s stunning shoreline!
This project, which has been a civic priority for multiple mayors, is now opening as a revitalized urban space that symbolizes Seattle’s commitment to creating accessible public areas. As you explore the park, you’ll find scenic walking paths, breathtaking views of Elliott Bay, public art installations, and spaces for community gatherings. Whether you’re looking to relax, meet friends, or enjoy a peaceful escape from the city, Waterfront Park offers an inviting environment for everyone.
It's more than just a park — it's a space where Seattleites can connect with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while celebrating the vibrant culture and community of downtown Seattle. Visit today to experience the new heartbeat of Seattle!
Friends of Waterfront Park Seattle
Attend a Grand Opening or Support a New Business in Your Neighborhood
Celebrate the small business vibrancy of your neighborhood!
Not only is this a great way to explore new local spots, but it’s also an opportunity to support entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of your community. By showing up, you’re helping foster a thriving local economy while enjoying what your neighborhood has to offer.
The Hit List: New Seattle Restaurants To Try Right Now
Make an Impact by Volunteering Off-Campus, In Your Local Community
Give back directly to those in need while strengthening your ties to the broader community!
Volunteering with off-campus organizations, like the University District Food Bank or ROOTS Young Adult Shelter, are great ways to address food and housing insecurity in our broader community. Whether you're helping to provide essential food services or supporting young adults experiencing homelessness, your time and effort will make a lasting impact.
Learn more about these off-campus volunteer opportunities and others:
Get Involved – University District Food Bank
Volunteer with ROOTS — ROOTS Young Adult Shelter
Volunteer - Parks | seattle.gov
Volunteer - Solid Ground (solid-ground.org)
Volunteer Opportunities | United Way of King County (uwkc.org)
The Best Volunteer Organizations in Seattle | VolunteerMatch
Experience Local Culture through Music, Film, Thearter, Parades, and Festivals
Attending these arts and culture events brings you closer to the creative pulse of the city!
Seattle’s music scene, parades, film, thearter, and festivals are perfect opportunities to connect with your community while celebrating the city’s cultural diversity. Whether it’s a live music show, a street parade, or a seasonal festival, attending these events helps contribute to Seattle's storied arts and culture community.
Seattle Events Calendar | Visit Seattle
Seattle Theater Group (stgpresents.org)
Luminata — Fremont Arts Council
Trolloween — Fremont Arts Council
Northwest Folklife (nwfolklife.org)
17th of May Norwegian Constitution Day Parade
Discover Local Art in Seattle’s Public Spaces and Galleries
Explore the artistic soul of Seattle!
By visiting public art installations or exhibitions at local galleries. Whether you’re admiring street murals, sculptures, or curated exhibits, engaging with local art deepens your connection to the city’s cultural landscape.
SAM | Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park
Henry Art Gallery (located on campus!)
Tour Seattle's Many Unique Museums
Seattle’s diverse museums offer something for everyone!
These institutions exhibit much more than a glimpse into the past — they are cultural landmarks that connect the city’s rich history, innovative spirit, and commitment to civic engagement. By exploring these unique spaces, you’re not just learning about art, science, or culture — you’re participating in the ongoing dialogue that shapes Seattle’s identity.
Northwest African American Museum (naamnw.org)
MOPOP | Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle Washington
Welcome | Burke Museum (free to UW students and located on campus!)
Museum of History and Industry — MOHAI
The Center for Wooden Boats (cwb.org)
Visit the Longhouse — Duwamish Tribe
Connect with Nature at Seattle's Beautiful Parks
Seattle’s parks offer more than just green space — they’re community hubs!
Seattle parks are where Seattleites of all ages come together to relax, play, and connect with nature. Each park reflects the unique character of its neighborhood, whether it's the scenic views from Kerry Park, the vast trails in Discovery Park, or the lakeside activities at Green Lake. Visiting these parks allows you to experience the beauty of Seattle while engaging with your community.
Seattle Parks and Recreation | seattle.gov
Kerry Park | seattle.gov (best city views!)
Gas Works Park | seattle.gov (super close to UW!)
Green Lake Park | seattle.gov (lakeside activities close to UW!)
Discovery Park | seattle.gov (trails along the Puget Sound!)
Golden Gardens Park | seattle.gov (Olympic view and sandy beaches!)
Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area & Trails | seattle.gov (where 65% of your drinking water comes from!)
Discover Seattle’s Scenic Bike Trails
The perfect way to stay active while exploring the city’s stunning landscapes!
From the serene shores of UW and Lake Washington along the Burke-Gilman Trail to the breathtaking views of the Puget Sound on the Alki Trail, Seattle’s bike paths offer routes for all skill levels. Whether you're riding for fun or commuting, these trails help you engage with the environment, enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and connect with fellow riders in the community.
Adventure in Washington's State and National Parks
More than just breathtaking views — they are key spaces for civic and community engagement!
These parks foster a sense of shared responsibility for environmental conservation and community well-being. By visiting and participating in volunteer efforts, cleanup projects, or educational programs, students can contribute to preserving these natural spaces for future generations.
Whether you’re hiking at Mount Rainier or exploring the biodiversity of Olympic National Park, your experience connects you to both nature and the broader efforts to protect Washington's environmental heritage.
Mount Rainier National Park (nps.gov)
Olympic National Park (nps.gov)
North Cascades National Park (nps.gov)
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve (nps.gov)
San Juan Island National Historical Park (nps.gov)
Deception Pass State Park | Washington State Parks
Wallace Falls State Park | Washington State Parks
Explore Seattle by Public Transportation
A convenient and sustainable way to explore the city!
Accessible public transit connects students and residents to essential services, civic spaces, and community events, making it easier to stay involved in local issues and democracy. With the free U-PASS, UW students can easily use the Link Light Rail, Seattle Streetcar, and Water Taxi, giving them the freedom to attend local meetings, volunteer efforts, protests, and civic activities across Seattle’s neighborhoods.
By choosing public transit, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and actively contributing to the city's sustainability efforts. At the same time, you're engaging with the community, meeting diverse groups, and participating in civic life by connecting to key public spaces where important conversations and events happen.
BINGO TIP: Take public transportation to any of the activities listed on the bingo card — like dropping off your ballot early!
U-PASS | Transportation Services
Learn Life-Saving Skills and CPR Training
Equip yourself with critical life-saving skills through Seattle Fire Department!
This free, community-based program teaches you how to perform CPR, an essential skill that can make the difference in emergency situations before professional help arrives. With hands-on training from certified instructors, you’ll learn proper techniques and build the confidence needed to respond to cardiac emergencies in your community. Open to individuals and groups, the Medic II CPR program plays a vital role in building a safer and more prepared Seattle.
CPR Training - Fire | seattle.gov
Get Active in Seattle’s Running Community
More than just fitness — a great way to connect to community and support local causes!
From neighborhood 5Ks to the renowned Seattle Marathon, there are races for all skill levels that contribute to civic pride and local charities. Check out upcoming races on Running in the USA to find events that fit your schedule, and consider joining the Seattle Marathon — an iconic community event that brings the entire city together.
Upcoming Races in Seattle, WA (runningintheusa.com)
Participate in Seattle Community Center Programming
More than just recreational spaces — centers play a vital role in fostering community connection!
Located across the city, these centers provide access to essential services, events, and programs for people of all ages, helping to build stronger, more engaged neighborhoods. From hosting public meetings and workshops to offering youth activities and senior services, Seattle’s community centers are central hubs for civic life and community building.
All Community Centers | seattle.gov
Grow Together with Seattle's P-Patch Community Gardens
Engage in local agriculture, meet your neighbors, and contribute to food security initiatives!
Across the city, these shared garden spaces allow residents to grow their own food while fostering a sense of community and civic engagement. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, P-Patch gardens offer workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities that strengthen community bonds and encourage sustainable living.
By participating in a P-Patch garden, you’re not only cultivating your own garden space but also contributing to Seattle’s environmental sustainability efforts and local food access programs. It’s a powerful way to connect with your neighbors, share resources, and engage in meaningful civic activities that benefit the entire city.
P-Patch Gardening | seattle.gov
How to Sign Up For a Garden Plot | seattle.gov
P-Patch Event Calendar | seattle.gov
Lead On and Off the Field with Seattle Professional Sports Teams
Seattle’s sports teams are national leaders in community engagement!
Through a wide range of community initiatives, these teams work to uplift local communities, support youth development, and drive positive social change. Each of Seattle’s teams has developed programs that contribute to the city’s well-being, demonstrating how sports can be a powerful platform for civic action. Each team supports various causes that promote positive change, and by joining their efforts, you can help make a difference in Seattle!
Seahawks in the Community | Seattle Seahawks
Mariners in the Community | Seattle Mariners
Community Initiatives & Social Responsibility | Seattle Storm
Social Impact | Seattle SoundersFC
Support Indigenous Rights with Real Rent Duwamish
Support the Duwamish Tribe, the original stewards of the land on which Seattle stands!
By paying "rent" to the Duwamish, you are supporting their ongoing efforts for federal recognition, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. This initiative encourages Seattle residents to reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation and justice. Contributing to Real Rent Duwamish is a form of civic engagement, fostering awareness and solidarity with Indigenous communities. Your support helps fund programs that preserve Duwamish heritage, ensure environmental stewardship, and fight for the tribe's recognition at both local and national levels.
Petition · Federal Recognition for the Duwamish Tribe - Seattle, United States · Change.org
Seattle Public Library: A Resource for Civic Engagement and Community Connection
The Seattle Public Library (SPL) is a cornerstone of civic and community life!
SPL offers much more than books and digital media. SPL provides free access to a wide array of programs that foster civic engagement, from workshops on local government and voter education to community events that encourage dialogue on important social issues. With resources that support learning, digital access, and community gathering, SPL plays a key role in building a more informed and connected Seattle.
Through its public meeting spaces, outreach programs, and educational resources, SPL is a platform for community members to engage in civic discussions, attend workshops, and stay informed about local and national issues. Whether you’re looking to access government resources, participate in a community forum, or simply meet neighbors, the library is a welcoming space for all Seattleites to actively engage in civic life.
Save Lives with Bloodworks Northwest
Provide blood donations to patients in hospitals across the Pacific Northwest!
Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to support your community, save lives, and engage in civic responsibility. Every donation helps ensure that local hospitals have the resources they need to treat patients facing emergencies, surgeries, and chronic illnesses.Through community blood drives and donation centers, Bloodworks Northwest encourages individuals to contribute to a critical health resource. By donating, you become part of a network of people who are making a life-saving impact every day.
Blood Donation Requirements & Eligibility
This opportunity is associated with: Community-Engaged Courses (formerly service-learning)
Learn more