Solid Ground believes poverty is solvable. We create pathways out of poverty through direct services and by changing systems. Solid Ground’s Social Justice Salon Series takes attendees on in-depth journeys through our service areas and our people-focused, social justice-oriented programs. Each session includes an opportunity to learn from the voices of folks who are embedded in the work, as well time for attendees to ask questions and move into deeper discussions.
Past Salon Recordings
WHAT: Untangling the Safety Net
WHEN: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | 12-2pm
WHERE: The Forum at Town Hall Seattle
Too often, people who need and deserve public benefits programs encounter steep eligibility requirements, confounding paperwork, and other barriers – some of them insurmountable. We hope to see you for this in-person community conversation about how we can untangle our safety net and make it accessible for everyone who needs it.
Panelists included:
- Derrick Belgarde (he/him), Executive Director, Chief Seattle Club
- Marcy Bowers (she/her), Director, Statewide Poverty Action Network
- Erin Bryant-Thomas (she/her), Director of Equity and Justice, King Co. Regional Homelessness Authority
- Kirk McClain (he/him), Residential Case Manager, Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing
- Kim McGillivray (she/her), activist and Solid Ground Community Accountability Council member
- Neal Simpson (he/him), Moderator, Solid Ground Communications
Watch video:
WHAT: Interrupting Generational Poverty Through Youth Development
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2022 | 1-4pm
WHERE: The Forum at Town Hall Seattle
Truly ending poverty requires stopping generational or inherited poverty. This Salon investigated how Solid Ground services and advocacy work to create pathways to success for youth in our programs. We heard from community partners and youth participants as we explored the many ways we can build healthier communities for our younger generations. We also heard amazing performances by two talented youth artists from Totem Star (a diverse community of young recording artists learning music and life skills through mentorship and meaningful relationships)
Panelists & performers included:
- Anna Cronin (she/her) – Event Emcee, and Solid Ground’s Senior Director of Philanthropy & Communications
- Aleyanna Grae (they/them) – Seattle-based singer, songwriter, and spoken word poet (Instagram: @grae.dreamer)
- Stephanie Hippo (she/her) – Sand Point Housing tutor and mentor
- David Olivera (he/him) – Children’s Group Facilitator, Sand Point Housing campus
- ZAG (he/they) – Hip-Hop Artist, Producer, Poet, DJ, and social justice activist (Instagram: @zagboi)
Watch video:
WHAT: Addressing Our Community’s Homelessness Crisis
WHEN: Thursday, May 12, 3:30-5pm
WHERE: glassybaby Seattle
Permanent housing with place-based support services as needed is one key to ending homelessness. This Salon showcased Solid Ground’s approach – including amplifying resident voices – and presented innovative housing models.
Panelists included:
- Emily Alvarado – Enterprise Community Partners, Vice President and Pacific NW leader
- Doug Baldwin Jr. – Vault 89 Ventures
- Dee Hillis – Solid Ground Residential Services Director
- Nicole Macri – Event Emcee, Deputy Director for Strategy at Downtown Emergency Service Center, and Washington State House of Representatives member (43rd District)
- Lhorna Murray – activist and Solid Ground housing resident
- Mary Ruffin, Foster Garvey PC law clerk and Solid Ground Board member
Listen to podcast:
Questions about the Social Justice Salons?
Contact Anna Cronin, Senior Director of Philanthropy & Communications, at annac@solid-ground.org for more information!
Stellar Salon Supporters
