Stronger Together, This Summer and Beyond

This past month I went to an event featuring Clyde Ford—an author, software engineer, chiropractor, psychotherapist, and boat captain (wow)—who shared stories about cruising the Inside Passage. On the surface, it was an evening about boating the Northwest waterways, but it was so much more: the history of people of color and sailing, who has a right to be on the water, the assumptions we make about privilege and inclusion, and how we build community.

Bryan Rust from the Community Boating Center and Denice Rochelle from The Bronze Chapter (two Network members!) opened the evening by speaking about expanding opportunities for people of color—of any age or ability—to get out on the water and build connections in this special place we call home.

It was a great reminder for all of us to say yes to the invitations we receive from each other.

On another note, Cynthia Andrews and I traveled to Concord, California, to talk about North Sound with community leaders there. After nearly two years of planning with community, Contra Costa was hosting its first ACH convening and invited us to reflect on what we’ve learned over the past nine years—especially around equity and leading with love. We came away with deep insights and inspiration from them as they embark on their own journey, and as always, it was a joy to share the incredible work you do.

Note: Washington is still the only state with ACHs (nine) covering the entire state, but California has funded 36 so far. This booklet outlines their work, with a map on page 3 showing where those ACHs are located. Washington’s ACHs also have a coalition where all nine regions collaborate to build a fabric of care and connection across the state. The WA Coalition of ACHs has launched a new website where you can explore the regions and our collective work.

For the first time since moving north nine years ago, Nance and I visited the Skagit Tulip Festival—which, of course, inspired a flurry of garden cleanup and planting in our own little yard. Our trip came just one week after the ICE raid at Mt. Baker Roofing in Whatcom County. As we wandered the gardens in awe, we couldn’t ignore the knowledge that many of the farm’s workers were showing up under unimaginable stress. They are part of our community—and threats to them are threats to all of us.

We are surrounded by contradictions. Community members being detained and facing deportation. Global conflicts intensifying. Summer heat and wildfires already impacting parts of the country. Even when these issues feel far away, they are deeply local because of the diversity and interconnection within North Sound communities.

We’re also living through a growing backlash against equity and diversity. Some in our communities are at risk of losing jobs, housing, and even safety—facing a rising sentiment that they (we) don’t belong or haven’t earned what we’ve worked for. But we do belong. We are here, in every community.

Please take advantage of time together this summer and beyond. That’s the reason for the ACH and the Collaborative Action Network: to help us connect, see one another, and be seen. These connections are what will carry us through chaotic times and help us build toward the future we imagine.

Outside forces may try to divide us, but we must resist that pressure. We are not just trying to win campaigns—we are fighting for our collective future, and for those who come after us. That’s why we gather. We are stronger together.