[nfbwatlk] FW: footprints February: Streets for People

Thu Feb 12 08:51:19 UTC 2009

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From: Feet First [mailto:Feet_First at mail.vresp.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 1:18 PM
To: lawnmower84 at hotmail.com
Subject: footprints February: Streets for People

 <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/f63a38a9e2>
banner_fullsize.gif 

   February 2009

  A monthly e-newsletter, brought to you by: 
  Feet First 

Dear Friend of Feet First, 

With your support we are changing how people view walking in their
communities. With a dedicated staff, board and volunteers, we are expanding
and reaching out to diverse audiences. We are extremely fortunate to have
top notch volunteers contributing significantly to our work: Karen Rogulja
joins us as the outreach and manager of the NEST
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/cdae583613>
Project, Atsuko Murota, an intern at the University of Washington, is
preparing an event in the Laurelhurst neighborhood celebrating our new
"Neighborhoods on Foot" walking map, Emily Allen is creating our new website
and Eileen McDaniel, while working on a Marketing Certificate at the UW,
undertook our first membership survey.  

Feet First has an ambitious agenda for 2009. We are heading to Olympia to
support legislation for enhancements to the statewide Safe Routes to School
program, we are reaching out to the eastside by creating a walking map for
the City of Kirkland and developing a Safe Routes to School program for
seven schools in Bonney Lake. We are also working with Seattle schools
Washington Middle School and Garfield High School on the first interactive
youth  <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/e1e36fb7c4>
engagement program.  We have kicked off our North
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/5c5dd53458> East
Seattle Trails (NEST) project with a trails map due out by the end of this
year. 

We are excited to be co-sponsor of the upcoming Streets for People event on
Thursday, February 12 (see below under calendar for more details). With the
new vision of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Feet First  has a seat at the table
making sure you can access and connect with the waterfront. 

Our programs and our agenda put feet first, and more people are listening.
We are looking to you this year to help
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/9a73c33b8d/aid=2899
8> us expand our programs. Please join us at our Community Engagement Forum
(more information below).The changes we seek are only possible when
like-minded people act together and stand up for what they believe in.
Please get
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/b8cb0885f0>
involved with Feet First; help us give a louder voice for people.  

Sincerely yours,
 lisa.gif
<http://img.pcdn.vresp.com/media/3/d/5/3d5dd5b7d4/6f10010b25/1add327f62/libr
ary/lisa.gif> 
Lisa Quinn
Executive Director

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your footprint

Join us as we host a community engagement forum, bringing together people
from all walks of life, including public health workers, community leaders,
seniors, students, transportation professionals and YOU! Today we are at an
important intersection, looking critically at how we make more places for
people. 

On Saturday, February 21st & Sunday, February 22nd, Feet First will embark
on the first strategic planning meeting designed to develop a new framework
to guide us in the next three years.  Feet First needs to hear from you.  

When: Saturday, February 21, 9am-5pm and Sunday, February 22nd, 9am-2pm
Where: EOS Alliance, 650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220 Seattle 98108
(Georgetown Neighborhood)

Your participation in both days is encouraged. Lunch will be served both
days. 

RSVP to Atsuko Murota, by emailing atsuko at feetfirst.info or by calling
206-652-2310.  

  _____  

your help needed 

Safe Routes to School Bills: HB 1793/SB 5743

Feet First is working closely with the Childhood Obesity Prevention
Coalition to expand the current Safe Routes to School program. Feet First
will be presenting Safe Routes to School information during the breakout
session at Transportation Lobby Day.  Please join us at Transportation
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/d58306bde8> Lobby
Day on Tuesday, February 24th.  

The Safe Routes to School Bills (HB 1793/SB 5743) will:  
    Expand competitive grant program to meet the growing needs of Safe
Routes to School program
    Addresses the disproportionate impact obesity has on low income
communities
    Supports an ongoing state center clearinghouse to provide the necessary
tools, resources and technical     assistance to schools and communities.  

Please call or email Senator
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/0549f3098f> Haugen
and let her know you support SB 5743 and would like to see a hearing on the
bill.  <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/284a2d658c> 

  _____  

Support Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in the Economic Recovery Bill 

The House and the Senate have each passed their own version of the Economic
Recovery Bill, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the economy.  Both
bills include billions for transportation infrastructure, however only the
House bill includes funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the
Transportation Enhancements program.  The House bill includes approximately
$1.35 billion for Transportation Enhancements of which 50-60% is
traditionally spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects.  The Senate bill
does not explicitly include Transportation Enhancements, so it's unclear
whether this funding will be in the final bill. 

We need to make sure Transportation Enhancement funding is in the final
bill. 

This week there will be a conference committee where several members of the
House and several members of the Senate will work together to reconcile the
two bills.  Conferees need to hear that Transportation Enhancements are
important to stimulating the economy, creating green jobs, and moving us
towards a sustainable future. 

Please call
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/985361fedf> your
senators and representatives and ask them to tell the Conferees to support
Transportation Enhancements in the Economic Recovery bill. 

Tell them: 

         Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better
rate than highway projects. 

         These smaller projects can move quickly to hire local businesses
and help local economies. 

         Safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives families
healthier and cheaper transportation options. 

         Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a
destination and further help the local economy. 

         Better biking and walking options also help ensure greater energy
independence, less pollution, and a healthier United States! 

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north east seattle trails (nest) project 

 walknaturetrail.jpg
<http://img.pcdn.vresp.com/media/3/d/5/3d5dd5b7d4/6f10010b25/1add327f62/libr
ary/walknaturetrail.jpg> 

Modeled on the West Seattle Trails project, Feet First is working with
community groups to create the first trails map of NE Seattle. Feet First
kicked-off the Northeast Seattle Trails (NEST) project on Thursday, February
5th with a meeting at the Lake City Library.  Over thirty attendees at the
event participated in a 'mapping project', which began work on identifying
important walking routes in the neighborhood.  The goals of the project
include developing a trail network, identifying and prioritizing
infrastructure needs in the trail networks, and installing wayfinding kiosks
along walking routes. Future events for the NEST project will include
'ground-truthing', in which community members will walk throughout their
neighborhoods to confirm the existence and current state of features
currently represented on maps, including sidewalks, staircases, and other
features not previously mapped, like dirt trails. Visit the NEST
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/2635ddde5a> Project
for more information or to provide input.

  _____  

mark your calendar

Streets for People Kick Off Event: Thursday, February 12

Seattle's abuzz with people working to improve their neighborhood streets by
making them better for walking, biking, taking the bus and trees.  Join us &
connect with others who share your passion. Learn, be inspired, and help
create the future we all want to see.

When: Thursday, February 12, 5-7 p.m., 
Where: Armory at Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N.

Speakers:
James Irwin shares how to tap into community values and leadership to create
change. James was trained on organizing by the same team that trained the
Obama Campaign organizers, and was the lead organizer on the Sierra Club's
successful 2007-2008 campaigns, including NoRTID, No on 985, Mass Transit
Now and Cool State.

Renee Espiau from the New
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/9289615aa4> York
City Streets Renaissance Campaign will share the amazing changes occurring
in New York as local advocates come together to work for change. 

Michael McGinn, Director of Seattle Great City Initiative, will lead the
discussion how Seattle can create its own campaign to revive great public
spaces and lively streets. 

  _____  

Community Engagement Forum: Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22
Participate in Feet First's first community based strategic plan. This
weekend forum you will learn from experts and media about pedestrian issues
while assisting developing an action plan for Feet First. Lunch will be
provided both days. 

When:  Feb. 21 9am-5pm, Feb. 22 9am-2pm
Where: EOS Alliance 650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220 Seattle 98108
(Georgetown Neighborhood) 

RSVP by February 18 to atsuko at feetfirst.info or call 206-652-2310.  

  _____  

Transportation Advocacy Day: Tuesday, February 24
We're heading down to Olympia to advocate for creating transit-oriented
communities, more funding for transportation choices, and safer, healthier
transportation solutions for school kids. Register
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/bb2de3553f>  online
today! 

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Come Laugh With Us: Tuesday, March 3
Join us at the Comedy Underground. Cover is $12 ($6 w/ student ID), at least
half gets donated, buy tickets at the door. A portion of the proceeds will
be donated to Feet First. 

When:  Tuesday, March 3 at 8pm
Where: 109 S. Washington Street, in Occidental Park (Pioneer Square)

The club is down a flight of stairs but elevator access is available if
arranged in advance. Take the bus
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/42f1e6f34c/resptype
=U> downtown. 

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Spring Walk In Nature: Saturday, March 7
Join Feet First on an enjoyable neighborhood walk through Laurelhurst and a
guided tour of Union Bay Natural Area. Receive a free walking map of the
area and other goodies!

When:  Saturday, March 7, 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Meet at the Laurelhurst Elementary School
RSVP:  atsuko at feetfirst.info or 206-652-2310 

  _____  

get involved

<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/3966c64537/aid=2899
8> Put Feet First!
Become a member of Feet First. Your donation helps us to advocate for places
for people. Please help us have a louder voice for people. 

Volunteer! 
Feet First volunteer positions includes administrative work, distributing
maps, leading walks, GIS mapping and more
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/7112e2ca27> . You
are only limited by your creativity. Take a look at volunteer Thomas
Forlano. He came into our office, shared his idea and now is taking the lead
gathering Stories
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/0b13570f72> from
the Sole and writing reports from local meetings.  

Would you like to be interviewed about your walking story. Contact Thomas by
emailing him at: streetwave2280 at gmail.com Put in the subject line: Feet
First Stories from the Sole

Stories of the Sole will be highlighted on our new website to be launched
this spring. 
 <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FeetFirst/6f10010b25/8d4745d198/625af1b7ad> 
 <mailto:> 

  _____  

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Feet First
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