Speak Out 253

This week we’ve invited Liz Dunbar, Executive Director of Tacoma Community House, to talk with us about immigration and what services TCH offers to the greater Tacoma community. The mission of the Tacoma Community House is to help immigrants, refugees and other community members in the South Sound area move towards integration, self-sufficiency in the community. Join us as we talk about this incredibly important and timely topic:

The TCH process – TCH has four core programs that focus on education, employment, immigration and advocacy (for crime victims). Through these programs, immigrants and refugees can take English classes, find jobs and citizenship courses. Many people utilize more than one program at TCH.

The public charge issue – [As the Trump administration continues to focus on immigrants and limiting the services available to them](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-benefits/trump-administration-moves-to-restrict-immigrants-who-use-public-benefits-idUSKCN1M20YP), many are worried that if they use public services like food banks they could be targeted by ICE and denied visas or legal permanent residency. [To address this, TCH hosted a public forum on December 10th](http://www.tacomacommunityhouse.org/community-forum-public-charge-proposal/) to go over what services could affect their citizenship process and what won’t.

The top concern – For many of TCH’s clients, their top concern is securing citizenship. Many of the people they serve have secured green cards or are in the process of securing one so their concerns are not the same as refugees that have yet to be granted entry to the United States. Because of this, TCH has a high number of people interested in Citizenship courses and using TCH’s services to figure out the citizenship process.

Today we’re talking about interracial relationships and the Loving generation – Associate Board members Jarel and Gaby join us, along with Gaby’s husband Steen. In 1967, the Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia overturned all laws outlawing interracial marriage – and [in the fifty years since the historic legislation, many people still feel the effects of the taboo of interracial relationships.](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/11/us/50-years-after-loving-v-virginia.html) Today, one in six newlyweds in the United States has a spouse of a different race or ethnicity, according to a recent analysis of 2015 census data by the Pew Research Center. That is a fivefold increase from 1967 when just 3 percent of marriages crossed ethnic and racial lines. Tune in to hear insightful conversation about the role race plays in relationships, personal stories of discrimination due to a partner or relationship and hopeful thoughts for the future:

[https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pierce-county-wa-civic/id573223481?mt=8](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pierce-county-wa-civic/id573223481?mt=8)Today we’re talking to the Pierce County Auditor, Julie Anderson, to learn what goes into making an election happen. Julie, who was first elected Pierce County Auditor in 2010, walks us through how ballots are prepared for the election, how they are counted and how you can get even more involved in the election process. Be sure to check out the Pierce County Auditor’s app to find all the election information you could need and more.

[2018 Election Results](https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/328/Elections)

Today we're talking to Alaa Alshaibani, a Tacoma local whose parents emigrated to the U.S. from Yemen. Alaa is involved in local politics and activism, and she is a member of the [Islamic Center of Tacoma](http://islamiccenteroftacoma.com/)). Join us as we talk about the travel ban enacted by President Trump, the Muslim communities in Tacoma and misconceptions about Muslim people in the United States.

**Executive Order 13769** - The travel ban was enacted on January 27th, 2017 and banned travelers from seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. From that point the ban was blocked numerous times by federal judges and updated bans were announced by the Trump administration. [On June 26th, 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Trump Administrations third iteration of the travel ban.](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/26/us/politics/supreme-court-trump-travel-ban.html) The way that the travel ban affects people varies by situation, Alaa mentions a few situations of families separated between the U.S. and Yemen and a friend under Temporary Protected Services (TPS) who is unsure if their TPS status will be renewed but is unable to work or hire legal representation to improve their case due to TPS requirements.

**Focus on Muslim countries** – While Venezuela and North Korea are among the seven countries in the ban, [the ban seems to overwhelmingly target Muslim communities.](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/world/americas/travel-ban-trump-how-it-works.html)This targeting, coupled with numerous remarks and tweets by President Trump against Muslim people and Islam, leaves no doubt in the bigotry behind the ban. The dynamically increasing hate directed towards Muslims in the U.S. and Islam has [motivated many Muslim Americans to run for office](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/30/opinion/election-muslim-candidates-politics.html) and become activists in their own communities.

**The ban and Tacoma** – The response to the travel ban has been immediate and bold. After the first travel ban was announced, hundreds of people rushed to SeaTac Airport to protest the unjust ban and to advocate for people stuck in limbo due to the ban’s sudden enactment. There have also been local marches and rallies (like YWCA’s Families Belong Together rally on June 30th, 2018) to bring together the community and connect with the Muslim community when many of us may not do this on a regular basis. Alaa shares that all are welcome to visit the Islamic Center of Tacoma, and that the Friday prayer session is a great time with a sermon and the incentive of food during that time.

Today we’re talking with Judy Kent – YWCA Pierce County’s Finance Director – about being a woman in the finance industry. Judy started her career in 1974 when women were not frequently found working in finance. When she started at a Big 8 firm, she was one of a handful of women juniors who were starting their careers – and there wasn’t even a dress code for women.

Tune in to listen to Judy share how things have changed, how they haven’t and what affect #MeToo has had on current and past events.

This week we’re talking to Jefferson Mok who serves as the Chair on the City’s Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. The Commission started in March 2018 and was created to elevate voices from the immigrant and refugee community in Tacoma. Jefferson shares the focus of the Commission, why it’s important in our current political and societal climate and some of the additional barriers faced by the immigrant and refugee community.

In this episode:

Focus on Tacoma – Tacoma is one of the most diverse areas in the country. With its location close to the coast and an airport, as well as the Northwest Detention Center, there are many immigrant communities within the city. Tacoma also has an ugly history with immigrants, specifically with the [Chinese immigrants who were unjustly expelled from the city in 1885](http://www.tacomachinesepark.org/tacoma-chinese-park/expulsion-the-tacoma-method/). This shameful history has been potential encouragement for the city to put additional resources into recognizing the immigrant and refugee communities that live in Tacoma today.

Continued trauma – As Jefferson mentions, many refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam were given sanctuary in the U.S. after the Vietnam War. [This sanctuary was not necessarily established in law and with the current administration, we are seeing the very real possibility of these communities facing deportation](https://crosscut.com/2018/03/they-survived-khmer-rouge-now-some-cambodians-face-deportation), adding to generational trauma to these families that have already survived and escaped after the war.

Limiting resources – As this administration continues to expand on the communities they are threatening, the Commission is focusing on what they can do for these communities in Tacoma. Jefferson shares how the Commission might address that and the barriers that exist as immigrant and refugee communities continue to be fearful of government or organizational assistance.

A special thank you to this episode’s sponsor – [Channing Baby & Co.](https://channingbaby.com/)!

SpeakOut 253 is back for Season 2! Today we’re talking to Jill Silva about comedy, feminism and the Tacoma comedy scene. Jill is a comedian who has been around the Tacoma scene for three years and has performed at many of the city’s comedy venues, she currently co-produces two comedy nights, Laughing Mater at Alma Mater and Bob’s Comedy Jive. Jill will be performing at YWCA’s feminist comedy show, Stand Up for YWCA, on October 11th at the Swiss!

**In this episode:**

**Women in comedy** – With the #MeToo movement, Jill feels that it’s refreshing to be a woman in comedy right now, there is a lot more comradery between women comedians thanks to the ability to talk about one’s experiences and use that drive their work. When it comes to jokes about assault or harassment Jill abides by the rule of ‘punching up’; she does not have disenfranchised people or groups be the punchline for her jokes. When speaking about Louis C.K., Jill says “Comedy is a profession and if you act unprofessionally you should not be allowed to work in that field again.”

**Issues in the Tacoma comedy scene** – The Tacoma Comedy Club has a lot of issues surrounding it, the largest and more serious are numerous allegations of harassment or assault from female comics or wait staff at the club. This has created a divide between comedians in town on who will perform at the club. Jill shares her own experience at Tacoma Comedy Club and her follow-up with the owners regarding the allegations.

A light through the clouds – The issues with the Tacoma Comedy Club has opened up space for new comedy venues to blossom, which is exciting for a city that previously really only had one venue for comedians. We’ve shared a list of Jill’s recommendations for comedy in Tacoma below.

**Jill’s local recommendations:**

Natalie Holt

Erin Ingle

Alyssa Yeoman – Podcast: You Suck Don’t Leave

**Jill’s national recommendations:**

Steph Tolev

Sophie Buddle

Caitlin Peluffo

Shanna Christmas

Kristen Schaal

Maria Bamford

**Comedy spots in Tacoma:**

Bob’s Java Jive – Open mic every Thursday, showcases the last Friday of every month

Comedy at Shakabrah Java – Open mics on Fridays

Laughing Mater at Alma Mater – Every Third Friday

You may have heard the term before, but today [Claire](https://arenewablelife.org/) is taking us through what it means to be Zero Waste, why it matters and privilege surrounding the movement. The basis of Zero Waste is attempting to reduce the waste that you create and consume in an effort to offset the negative impacts of waste on the environment. Many popular Zero Waste advocates use mason jars to store their created waste, but Claire explains that this is not essential to being Zero Waste and that it is a learning process. Listen to Claire, Laine and Jessica talk about sustainability and what comes with a Zero Waste lifestyle in our last episode of SpeakOut253’s first season! We will be back with new episodes on October 2nd.

In the episode:

**Plastic straws** – There’s been a lot in the news recently about plastic straw bans. Many of these bans are supported by Zero Wasters and cities, [like Seattle](https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/q-heres-what-you-need-to-know/), are making city-wide bans on plastic straws. [These bans are facing a lot of criticism from disability rights groups](https://www.facebook.com/disabilityrightswa/photos/a.519865841447842/1397155980385486/?type=3&theater) as they are pointing out that this ban is not inclusive to people with disabilities and medical needs that require the use of a plastic straw, which are the only types of straws that provide the flexibility and safety that is needed. The idea behind the ban is one with good intentions but isn’t one that is inclusive to all and creates additional barriers for people with disabilities.

**Privilege and Zero Waste** - Though the world of Zero Waste does not look very diverse - an overwhelming majority of participants online are white, middle/ upper-class women – people have been living a Zero Waste lifestyle for years. Many people in different socioeconomic groups have been living thoughtfully with their money and consumption without considering it Zero Waste. Some of the practices of Zero Waste are survival methods for many families. [Other practices of Zero Waste come with a lot of privilege, like being able to only buy from sustainable sources or buying expensive alternatives to commonly used plastic products.](https://in-balance-co.com/opinion-zero-waste-and-privilege/) These experiences are especially highlighted when we look at Flint, MI, which has been without clean water since April 2014 – being Zero Waste and avoiding the use of plastic water bottles is not an option if you do not have access to clean water. Living a Zero Waste lifestyle is possible for anyone who wants to commit to lessening their negative impact on the environment, but it is important to recognize that there are many privileges that come with the ability to prioritize spending additional time and money to examine how to reduce one’s own waste.

**Five things to do today to reduce your waste:**

If you menstruate, get a menstrual cup or reusable pads – these reduce cost and waste

Get a reusable coffee cup – and use it!

Reusable produce bags – perfect for fruits and vegetables, and can be found online and in stores like Fred Meyer

Swap your toothbrush for one made with bamboo

Use solids when possible for both shampoo and soap

Links:

[Zero Waste Home](https://zerowastehome.com/)

[Being Green While Black](https://www.instagram.com/beinggreenwhileblack/)

[Brown Environmentalist](https://www.instagram.com/brownenvironmentalist/)

[Zero Waste Habesha](https://www.instagram.com/zerowastehabesha/?hl=en)

[Follow Claire’s Zero Waste journey!](https://arenewablelife.org/)

Today we’re talking about a very important civic duty – voting! We here at the YWCA are passionate about voting and getting people registered to vote. This year we have partnered with the League of Women Voters to help register voters at our outreach events and with our clients. Claire, Laine and Jessica are joined by Jayne, YWCA’s Fund Development Manager, to discuss the ins and outs of voting and why it matters (because it does!).

**No stamp necessary** – This year no stamps are needed to mail in your ballot. [A temporary measure was put in place by Governor Inslee to cover the cost of postage](https://www.heraldnet.com/news/postage-paid-election-ballots-wont-need-stamps-this-year/), with hopes of making the change permanent come 2019\. We’re hoping that legislators can make this a permanent standard, as it increased the likelihood of people voting, especially those who do not have easy access to a [voter drop box]((https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=13M_ZTb_zVszBZRjsNm5UvOfhmBU&ll=47.357012530915945%2C-122.58070734863287&z=10)).

**Confidentiality matters when voting** – Thanks to the Address Confidentiality Program, qualified applicants can protect their address when registering to vote. This program is made for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking to help them maintain confidentiality and safety when voting. To learn more about this program, visit https://www.sos.wa.gov/acp/.

**Accessibility matters** – Registering to vote requires a mailing address, so what happens when you are experiencing homelessness? You can still vote! Homeless voters can list a park or shelter as their residence address and can list their mailing address as anywhere they can pick up mail from, be it a relative’s house or a shelter address.

**Links:**

[Register to vote in Washington State](https://wei.sos.wa.gov/agency/osos/en/voters/Pages/register_to_vote.aspx)

[Find your voter district](http://www.vote411.org/enter-your-address#.W2I279VKhhE)

**General voting information:**

[Vote 411](www.vote411.org)

[Pierce County Elections](http://piercecountywa.org/328/Elections)

This week we’re talking #MeToo and empowerment with Chelsea Talbert and SpeakOut253 host Jessica Gavre. Chelsea and Jessica founded a group called [Empower Happy Hour](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1993300374255716/) to allow space for people to talk about sexual harassment and their experiences. The Empower Happy Hours were started after a news story detailing sexual harassment from a local elected official was released. The story broke as the #MeToo movement was creating waves of empowerment for people to share stories of sexual harassment and abuse creating the perfect environment for such an event. There was a need in Tacoma to create safe space to talk about these experiences and learn about what next steps for holding abusers accountable, enter [Empower Happy Hour](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1993300374255716/). Since then three happy hours were hosted earlier this year, and the group has continued to bring women into the political sphere and will continue to hold events in the future.

These spaces are so powerful not only for having safe space to share personal experiences but also to brainstorm ways to create change. One idea that came from the Empower Happy Hours is the idea of having a database of people who will provide physical support for when someone needs it, like when they have to interact with their abuser or go to HR to issue a complaint. If our listeners have any thoughts on what support they would like to see in the Tacoma community surrounding sexual harassment, [reach out Chelsea or Jessica](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1993300374255716/)! If this episode has inspired you to create action in your own community, consider engaging in your workplace’s policies for handling sexual harassment and if there are areas in the policy or workplace atmosphere that could be improved, start that conversation!

Links:

[Empower Happy Hour Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1993300374255716/)

[UPS Peer Allies](https://www.pugetsound.edu/sexual-misconduct-resource-center/prevention/brave/peer-allies/)