Caucus 10.28.14: Sexual Abuse on US Campuses

“The price of a college education should not include a 1-in-5 chance of being sexually assaulted,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

In May of this year, the US Department of Education announced that federal investigators were looking into whether 55 colleges and universities illegally handled sexual violence and harassment complaints.

This investigation combined with a bi-partisan bill put forth by Sen. Gillibrand to hold colleges and universities accountable, and a growing student protest movement demanding action has exposed the depth of this disturbing reality.

What is the extent of the federal probe, and what can be done on a legilsative level to address this? What are local colleges and universities doing, or not, to adequately safe guard students?

With speakers:

• Susan Freccia, Project Manager, Task Force on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, University of Washington

• Rachel Wellman, Coordinator, Title IX Compliance, Bellevue Community College 

• Jonathan Grove, Program Coordinator, Men Against Violence at Pacific Lutheran University

We will be discussing this issue at the next CAUCUS: 7:30pm to 9:00pm - Tuesday, 10.28.14

As always we are expecting a capacity participatory audience so please RSVP (here) and secure your spot!

Caucus 4.29.14: Affordable Housing

SEATTLE ON THE HOUSING PRECIPICE? 

Leave it to a pair of journalists to add a little sensationalism to capture your attention... In all seriousness, for the first time in over 100 years metro Seattle is growing faster than its suburbs. There are many factors contributing to this growth spurt, but with Amazon alone projecting over 40,000 new hires over the next 10 years in South Lake Union, housing and rental prices are soaring.

Over the last year, Seattle registered a 7.6% annual growth in median rent prices, which represents the sixth largest jump in the nation. The Emerald City also overtook Bellevue for the dubious distinction of having the region's highest average rent for a one-bedroom unit: $1,346.

This increase has spurred new apartment construction throughout the city to meet this seemingly insatiable high-end renters market. But it is also displacing residents who live in less expensive housing, which is being razed and replaced by higher ticket units.

Does this set of social and economic circumstances spell the end of affordable housing in Seattle?

We will explore this and many more questions concerning the future of Seattle Housing with a highly esteemed group of guests who are authorities on the subject. Should be fun.

As always we are expecting a capacity participatory audience so please hit that blue RSVP button, here and secure your spot!

Jade delicacies and drink will of course be served.

Caucus 1.28.14: Living Wage

LIVING WAGE. LIVING WAGE.

Its on the tongue of many. We have the good fortune of having two of the region's most prominent voices on the issue coming to our next Caucus: 1.28.14 at the Jade Garden: Heather Weiner, spokeswoman for Yes for SeaTac and Ramy Khalil, campaign manager for Seattle City Councilwoman, Kshama Sawant, and 15 Now organizaer. 

This being a hot topic issue, we expect a healthy turn out, so please RSVP, here.

Jade delicacies and drink will of course be served.