Volunteer With ARC
Advisory Councils

Join an Advisory Council!

We are always looking for new community members to join your local Advisory Council. Interested in becoming an Advisory Council member for your neighborhood or cause? Complete the interest form and an ARC staff member will contact you with next steps!

We are always looking for new community members to join your local Advisory Council. Interested in becoming an Advisory Council member for your neighborhood or cause? Complete the interest form and an ARC staff member will contact you with next steps!

Advisory Councils

Community Center Councils

• Ballard Advisory Council
• Bitter Lake Advisory Council
• Delridge Advisory Council
• Garfield Advisory Council
• Green Lake Advisory Council
• Hiawatha Advisory Council
• High Point Advisory Council
• International District/Chinatown Advisory Council
• Jefferson Advisory Council
• Loyal Heights Advisory Council
• Laurelhurst Advisory Council
• Magnolia Advisory Council
• Magnuson Advisory Council
• Meadowbrook Advisory Council
• Miller Advisory Council
• Montlake Advisory Council
• Northgate Advisory Council
• Queen Anne Advisory Council
• Rainier Advisory Council
• Rainier Beach Advisory Council
• Ravenna-Eckstein Advisory Council
• South Park Advisory Council
• Van Asselt Advisory Council
• Yesler Advisory Council

Citywide & Specialty Councils

• Citywide Youth Advisory Council
• Amy Yee Tennis Center Advisory Council
• Lifelong Recreation Advisory Council
• Mt. Baker Boating Advisory Council
• Green Lake Rowing Advisory Council
• Seattle Canoe & Kayak Advisory Council
• Specialized Programs Advisory Council
• Youth and Adult Sports Advisory Council
• Citywide Environmental Education Advisory Council

Environmental Learning Center Councils

• Camp Long Advisory Council
• Carkeek Park Advisory Council
• Discovery Park Advisory Council

Become an Advisory Council Member today!

As a member of the Advisory Council, you serve a unique role as an advisor and advocate for SPR and ARC and their partnership programs and activities. Advisory Council members are volunteer representatives of ARC operating in alignment with SPR. Councils typically meet one to two hours, once per month, eight months out of the year, with additional time spent on special projects determined by the council in support of SPR staff and programs.

General responsibilities of an Advisory Council are to:

• Gather input from communities to inform programming
• Advise on programs and activities to enhance quality 
• Fundraise to support and expand programming
• Assist in planning special events and attend as a volunteer
• Promote opportunities to increase participation
• Advocate to SPR on behalf of community and on behalf of SPR to elected officials

If this opportunity interests you, please complete the Advisory Council Member Interest Form and an ARC staff member will contact you with additional information and next steps!

The History of Advisory Councils

ARC was incorporated as an independent 501 (c) 3 in 1975 and includes volunteer Advisory Councils across Seattle representing their unique communities. Over the next 26 years, the organization saw increased programming and opportunity to engage the community.

In 2003, SPR and ARC undertook a Partnership Modernization Project. The purpose was to develop a mission, vision, and strategic plan to strengthen ARC’s role as a “voice for the system as a whole,” and to increase responsiveness to system issues. ARC took over the operation of Licensed Childcare, becoming one of the largest school-age care providers in the city.

In 2008, the Master Services Agreement between SPR and ARC was enacted. The Agreement was renewed in 2019 and outlines how the Advisory Councils, SPR, and ARC (being governed by a Board of Directors) work together to provide recreation and lifelong learning programs and services to the people of Seattle. It also reinforced the Advisory Councils’ role as a connection to the community and advocate for the success of recreation services.

It is with deep gratitude we appreciate the contributions of advisory council members past, present, and future. Let’s continue to accomplish great things together!

Advisory Council Resources

Are you a prospective or current member looking for resources on recruitment, membership, fundraising, and more? Visit the AC Resources page for further details on the work our Advisory Councils do!

Donate Today

Donations help empower our Advisory Councils and Community Centers by funding programs, events, supplies, as well as scholarships to those in need of childcare and program access. Donate today to support your AC and neighborhood!