Phinneywood Rising

We are a grassroots neighborhood action group for Seattle's Phinney Ridge and Greenwood neighborhoods, and part of the umbrella organization Communities Rising. Want to get involved? We post weekly and ongoing opportunities for action on this page. Join us!

Let's get together!

Happy New Year! Our first meeting of 2026 will take place Jan. 7, a Wednesday. Keep an eye on your email for location and time.

We'll talk about deploying the "signs of fascism," and how we might do some lobbying in Olympia during this short legislative session. Two bills are worthy of our attention -- one would create a millionaire tax, and the other would prohibit ICE from using face coverings.

Meanwhile, if you're looking for things to do right away, give "Civics for Adults," a substack by retired Seattle journalist Donna Blankinship, a read. Donna suggests 10 ways to become more engaged in civics in 2026. Among her suggestions: Commit to helping two people register to vote; call or write your congressional representatives and state lawmakers at last twice this year; call out misinformation when you see it on your friends' Facebook or Instagram feeds; and set a subscription budget for the year and spend it to support journalism.

Banner with the frog

Phinneywood Rising's bannering project happens Tuesdays at 3 p.m. - wind or rain cancels. We banner at the Highway 99 north pedestrian overpass at Woodland Park from 3 to 4 p.m. Here's a map of the exact location. Here's a little write-up about why bannering matters.

Jan. 20 walkout

"2025 was a year of marches that proved our collective strength. And the threats have grown so we must too. The MAGA Regime has already signaled that a second term means a deeper and more open wave of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and violence than the first. This moment calls for escalated commitment from our movement." This walkout is being organized by the Women's March; more here. Seattle details to come.

Learn something new

In January, Communities Rising's book club is reading "Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World." U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal calls it "a vital resource for progressives who want to win." Check the CR webpage to sign up for the club and for additional updates.

Donate

Make a recurring monthly donation of any size to the Ballard Food Bank. It's easy -- here's a link. Alternatively, or in addition, consider volunteering. The need has never been higher.

Hope for next year

NYT columnist Michelle Goldberg believes Trump is weakening because of the "millions of people throughout the country who have refused to surrender to this administration's bullying." Among the evidence: some of the largest street protests in American history. Read the column here.

Ready for the session?

The Washington State Legislature's 2026 session starts Jan. 12, and although it's a short, 60-day session primarily involving the budget, it's still a great time to get the ball rolling on legislation that could tweak existing laws or be picked up next year. Here's one way to get invovled and stay informed. And here's how to influence environmental policy, with help from 350.org.

“I’m looking toward 2026 with optimism…when the feckless Republicans can be returned to the minority, making it possible for a Democratic majority to strengthen its opposition; this includes investigating & prosecuting the lawlessness of Trump and his regime.” -- Steven Beschloss, award-winning American writer, journalist, filmmaker, and professor known for his work on politics, international affairs, and culture.