Collaborative Practices by Advisory Councils

Confer before making any formal written or verbal communication to elected officials, confer with your SPR Liaison* and ARC Advisory Council Manager to ensure that the information is accurate, directed to the appropriate decision maker, does not contradict, or compete with existing efforts, and meets all legal and ethical standards.  

Establish an accessible conduit for community engagement, input, and education that reaches the breadth of neighborhood or citywide demographics.

Advise SPR and ARC on programs and actions that meet a community need based on community input. Advocate on behalf of your community to Seattle Parks and Recreation, ARC, and their executive leadership.

Develop relationships with department executives and elected officials by inviting them to visit Advisory Council meetings, special events, and site visits.

Educate elected officials of the positive impacts that SPR and ARC programming has for Seattle residents and areas of need that require additional City support without making a direct ask.

Develop advocacy strategies with the Advisory Council Manager in communication with your SPR Liaison*.

Advocate on behalf of Seattle Parks and Recreation or ARC when requested to do so.

 *SPR Liaison = Seattle Parks and Recreation staff member assigned to supporting your advisory council.  It is most typically the Community Center Coordinator or Recreation Specialist.