Program on the Environment

During my time at the Rainwise Outreach program, my project aimed to address the pressing issue of stormwater pollution in Seattle, caused by escalating urbanization and its adverse effects on clean water systems. My interest in wildlife conservation plans to incorporate Rainchangers in my project. My primary aim during this project is to explore various messaging effects of Rainchangers in order to increase community interest in the Rainwise program. While our Rainchanger serve as great mascots for the City of Seattle, they’re also here to educate us about the detrimental effects of Stormwater pollution on Puget sounds most beloved critters and their habitat. During the internship, the responsibilities included survey creation, environmental education, collaboration with partners, program marketing, and customer support, focusing on a specific micro-neighborhood outreach. My specific micro-neighborhood focus will be on Westwood Village, located between West Seattle and Burien. This community is essentially a diverse low-income community that meets our criteria to qualify for the rebate program. Engaging with local communities through tabling events presents a valuable opportunity to connect and promote our program to diverse members of Seattle. This project holds significant importance in addressing critical environmental issues by managing stormwater and reducing pollution, thereby enhancing water quality in Seattle. Recognizing the pivotal role of environmental education in garnering public involvement and support, we emphasize the necessity of well-informed communities in driving environmental initiatives. Through the production of reports, graphics, and visual materials, we aim to communicate findings effectively, fostering improved water quality and fostering more sustainable practices throughout Seattle.