Social Justice

May 23, 2023

Address the effects of fast fashion by cultivating a sustainable wardrobe

We all make choices about the apparel, shoes and accessories we buy, based on factors such as price, stylishness or trendiness, durability, function and seasonality. And those choices—which the fashion and advertising industries work very hard to influence—have tangible consequences for both the labor force and the finite natural resources needed to create those items….

March 27, 2023

Acceptance, not just awareness: Changing the conversation around Autism

April is Autism Acceptance Month, an opportunity to deepen our understanding of this complex developmental disability. According to The Autism Society of America, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, or just Autism, capitalized) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, ability to communicate, ability to…

April is sexual assault awareness month, an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. Sexual violence happens in every community and affects people of all ages, races, genders, and religions — with and without disabilities. Sexual violence is any type of unwanted…

May 1, 2023

This foster care awareness month, support families in Washington’s foster system

Like all families, kids and families involved with the foster care system need support from their communities to thrive and succeed. Whether through fostering, advocating, volunteering or donating, everyone can help children who are experiencing foster care. When a foster care placement is made, children must adjust to new everything: home, caregivers, school, rules and…

April 28, 2023

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month

May is recognized as National Asian American, Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize the diverse people, cultures and communities whose contributions have enriched American life for centuries. The United States first recognized AANHPI heritage in 1978. The weeklong recognition expanded to a monthlong celebration and commemoration of the rich heritage…

May 1, 2023

Help survivors – and their pets – escape abuse

Nearly half of relationship abuse survivors delay leaving because they can’t take their pet with them – but only a handful of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept pets. Luckily, there are organizations working to make more shelters pet friendly, so abuse survivors and their pets can get away and heal together. Relationship violence…

May 24, 2023

Addressing summer hunger for kids in our communities

Nutritious, plant-forward meals are crucial to helping kids thrive during the summer months–but without the security of school meals, many families rely on summer meal sites to help. Food insecurity is defined as not having enough food to lead a healthy life. Undernutrition is lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough food or…

January 20, 2023

Celebrate Black History Month with these engagement and learning opportunities

Black History Month celebrates the achievements, influences and legacies of Black Americans. Also called African American History Month – and, more recently, Celebration of the African Diaspora – Black History Month began as Negro History Week in February 1926 through the efforts of scholar Carter G. Woodson. Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976 by…

January 19, 2023

How to support UW-hosted Tent City 3

Tent City 3 (TC3), a self-managed moveable community of individuals experiencing homelessness, will be housed on the UW campus at parking lot E21 until March 19, 2023. Lot E21 is between Husky Stadium and the Waterfront Activities Center, near the UW light rail station. On two previous occasions, in 2017 and 2021, TC3 was housed…

November 28, 2022

December 1 is World AIDS Day

The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for everyone, and for those living with chronic illnesses this is especially true. The pandemic has changed the way we work, celebrate and enjoy the world; for those living with HIV or AIDS, this is not the first pandemic of their lives. The toll of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is staggering: World…