People's Academy for Community Engagement

People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) is a culturally-relevant civic leadership program that supports and trains community members like you on how to be an effective civic activist and community leader.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Have you ever felt confused or frustrated when trying to engage with local government? Do you want to have relationships with the people in local government that can help progress your community goals? Would you like to know how to better serve your community through civic engagement, but aren't sure where to start?
These are very common experiences, and PACE is here to support you!  You will be a part of a class of 15-20 community members who are invested in their communities and want to learn more about local government. 
As a PACE graduate, you'll join a growing network of civic leaders from diverse backgrounds who are working in their communities to affect change. 

WHO SHOULD APPLY

• Emerging leaders who are invested in their communities and want to learn more about local government.  
• Any individuals who are interested in participating in the next PACE cohort with our community-based partner(s).
• Organizations who are interested in co-hosting a PACE cohort may reach email PACE@seattle.gov. We partner with community organizations that support historically marginalized communities around a wide variety of topics, including affordable housing, access to culturally relevant healthcare, grantmaking, and networking. 

People of color are highly encouraged to apply.    

"There’s so much to learn. I think y’all did amazingly for a two day workshop. Of course there will always be more to cover. I like that we are already applying what we learned by writing a letter to city council together, I think the model should be learn, apply, discover and learn again. With that said, I would like to dive deeper into who our political reps are and what their passionate about and how we can align our needs with solutions to the problems that they’re trying to solve." - 2024 PACE cohort member

CURRICULUM

We partner with community organizations to create and deliver lessons that address the specific challenges and needs of Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and Asian & Pacific Islander communities for getting involved in civic activities. Sessions are taught by community leaders, along with City staff who have expertise in the topic and in facilitating group discussions.

PACE aims to train and support you in three main ways: 

Meaningful Networking

• Build connections with other community activists and leaders
• Share resources and events within the cohort
• Meet and build relationships with City elected officials and staff  

Education to Help Understand Local Government

Learn about...

• The City of Seattle's organizational structure
• The City of Seattle's budget process
• How the Council and Mayor work together
• Racism in Seattle's history and how it shapes current policies
• Intersections of land use, colonization, and equitable development
• How to effectively navigate a bureaucracy  
• Skills for Relationship Building

Learn How to Connect with and Influence Local Decision Makers

• Practice community organizing strategies
• Learn how to build relationships with local media
• Practice strategies for skillful engagement in conflict 

"It is very interesting to know about this country. It makes me feel that I will become a good citizen. I think I know more about the government and how it works than I used to know in my country."

- 2019 Winter Cohort member 

LEARN MORE

For more information and questions, please contact PACE@seattle.gov.