Events

Twenty years ago this November, the world’s attention turned to Seattle where a meeting of the World Trade Organization was disrupted by thousands of protesters who filled the city’s streets. The conflict that followed shook Seattle and laid bare deep frustrations with the excesses of globalization and fears about the impact of free trade.

While it failed to stop the WTO, the three days of conflict did renew the power of grassroots political protest in the U.S. It set the course for Occupy Wall Street and other populist movements, and helped to shape the dialogue around economic equity in the 21st century.

Joined by prominent figures from the events, historians and today’s political analysts, we look back at the WTO with the benefit of hindsight to revisit those dramatic days, and to consider what the protests, responses and anxieties of those times may have foretold about our economic and political reality today.

Climate change is quickly altering the shape of the Northwest and coastal regions around the planet— ecosystems, organisms, the very coastlines collapsing into the sea. The effects of climate change are leading many to demand political action- the climate strike in September saw hundreds of thousands of people around the world walked out of our workplaces and homes to join young climate strikers on the streets. Close to home, stories of Coastal Tribal communities facing existential threats provide a unique perspective on the consequences of these changes - and their efforts to mitigate and adapt. Is it time to consider what was previously unthinkable: retreat?

We will convene climate scientists, tribal representatives, experts and journalists on the front lines of this debate to discuss whether retreat is the only real option, the immense challenges the people of the coast face, ongoing efforts to adapt to those challenges, and what lessons society at large can take from Indigenous resiliency and ingenuity.

How can newcomers to Seattle better engage in civic life?

We are inviting Crosscut readers to join us for a day of creative problem solving. With over 15,000 newcomers moving to Seattle each year, can new residents feel more encouraged and equipped to weave themselves into our social and civic fabric? No need to have any technical background for this event – The only requirement is that you show up, be ready to join a team of your peers, and start working on the challenge.