Sick of Panhandling?
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10 Dec Sick of Panhandling?

Posted at 13:08h in Call to Action by
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Do I need to insert a dramatic pause to let some of you think about that question?

For those of you who already know your answer, there’s something you can actually do to make a difference.

Every day since I started this blog, I’ve asked myself: How can 1 person actually make a difference?

Well, one way that you can do that is by participating in a letter/email campaign. This brings important issues to the attention of the Mayor and City Council members (and while we’re on the topic, go vote for “Revitalize Pioneer Square” on the ideasforseattle.org site. We’re currently in 9th place, which is great, but I’d like to beat the nude beaches entry. Seriously).

Here is more information regarding the current “Aggressive Panhandling” campaign:


Background:

Aggressive panhandling is on the rise in Downtown. Observations of panhandling by MID Ambassadors have nearly doubled over last year, and as an issue of concern among Downtown residents, aggressive panhandling ranks second only to issues involving drugs and alcohol on Downtown streets according to a recent survey.

Thankfully, the Seattle City Council, led by Councilmember Tim Burgess, is considering new measures to restrict panhandling and aggressive behavior in our city.

The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is asking its members and Downtown residents to shine light on this important issue among City Council members by sharing personal experiences and/or firsthand observations of aggressive panhandling. We don’t believe the council will take action to reduce aggressive panhandling Downtown unless they hear directly from Downtown businesses, residents and visitors.

View DSA’s fact sheet on “Panhandling in Seattle”

Action Requested:

You can help educate Seattle City Council members by sharing your personal experiences and observations regarding aggressive panhandling by writing a letter or email to councilmembers between now and the end of the year.

Just follow these simple steps:

  1. If emailing, open a new e-mail message and insert “Aggressive Panhandling Concern”
  2. Address your letters (or emails) to the Seattle City Council, but send copies to each individual council member (both current and newly elected).City Council Mailing Address: Seattle City Council, P.O. Box 34025, Seattle, WA 98124-4025Council Member Email Addresses:
    sally.bagshaw@seattle.gov; tim.burgess@seattle.gov; richard.conlin@seattle.gov; sally.clark@seattle.gov; jan.drago@seattle.gov; jean.godden@seattle.gov; bruce.harrell@seattle.gov; nick.licata@seattle.gov; richard.mciver@seattle.gov; michael.obrien@seattle.gov; tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov
  3. In your message to councilmembers, it is important to note specific observations or encounters with aggressive panhandlers – including the time, date, location and observations or any other relevant details.
  4. Bcc DSA’s Policy Director, Jon Scholes at jons@downtowntownseattle.org, and share any replies from councilmembers, so we can track the volume of the messages and the replies.
  5. Drop the letter in the mail, or hit send on your computer!

Your advocacy matters!

If you’re having trouble figuring out how to complain about this properly, let me know, and I’ll provide some great examples for you to use.

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