2026 Spring Appeal

Written By Tara Miller

The Church Council of Greater Seattle has reached a critical decision-making moment, and we are faithfully working toward a sustainable future. Over the past three years, you’ve heard Tara and Joey celebrate the deepening of our faith-rooted community organizing that is made possible through the collective power we’ve been building to meet the emergent needs of our city and nation. This past December, the board of directors hosted a luncheon with our partners to imagine two futures:

  • One where the Church Council continues to bridge faith and secular organizing in Seattle and King County to co-create a future where justice is realized; and

  • One in which the Church Council sunsets this year.

As a leader from a partner organization that frequently collaborates with the Church Council, I echo the words that were shared at the luncheon: there is no one else doing this work. Without the Church Council, there would be a huge gap in our ecosystem at a time when we need people of faith and conscience to show up boldly. The impact I have seen through the Church Council’s leadership in Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)’s Steering Committee, through organizing Grupo de Solidaridad to advocate at Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Day, and in organizing faith communities to prepare for mass raids in King County, is immeasurable. The Church Council is a key partner in helping us build a stronghold to withstand federal attacks and protect migrant communities.

WAISN is one of many organizations transformed through relationship with the Church Council. CAIR-Washington and SHARE/WHEEL share:

The Church Council has been an unwavering partner to CAIR-WA and the broader Muslim community. Guided by its values and belief in interfaith solidarity, the Council shows up again and again - not just in moments of visibility, but in the harder, behind-the-scenes work of advocating with lawmakers and building bridges across faith communities. Their steady presence has been especially vital in these difficult times, as Muslims and our communities face record levels of hostility and harm. CAIR-WA and the WA Muslim community deeply appreciate the partnership of the Church Council!

– Aya Samman, Policy Director

CCGS has been an invaluable ally to SHARE and WHEEL. They’ve been at our side through many site and funding crises. When we have calls to action or needs, they help us get the word out. Our homeless communities really rely on their advice and support!

– Anitra Freeman, SHARE/WHEEL

I want you to take a moment and imagine what cracks appear in a world without the Church Council… And then I want you to envision the future that is possible through the collective power we’ve been building across the region, across faith traditions, and across organizations over the past few years. Will you help us usher in that future?

In order to reach our sustainability threshold, we need to secure $200,000 in new pledges by April of this year. As Treasurer of the board, I believe this goal is possible. We have reached nearly one third of this goal – over $60,000, through small and large individual, faith community, and philanthropic commitments! Your support over the next three years would help us meet this goal:

  • Will you increase your annual gift to the Church Council for this year, next year, and the year following? Check the box for a recurring gift on our website at thechurchcouncil.org/give.

    • Would you consider becoming a monthly donor? You may find that by giving monthly, your capacity to give can grow a bit further.

  • Will you encourage your faith community to increase their gift and/or host a special offering to support the Church Council? Multiple faith communities have responded so far!

We know that these commitments are having an impact, as over the past few years we’ve doubled our monthly donor pool and annual donors have increased their giving. Thank you for your ongoing belief in our vision, and for showing up in body and with resources to ensure that faith-rooted community organizing continues to have a home in Seattle and King County.

In hope for our shared future,

VANESSA REYES (they/she/ella)
Treasurer, Board of Directors
The Church Council of Greater Seattle

 

Tara Miller
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