Organizational Launch Press Release
New Trans Activist Organization to Support Marginalized Communities in the Pacific NW
TRACTION (trans • community • action) to Champion Trans Visibility and Connection Through Advocacy, Collaboration, Community Service and Summit Gatherings
(Seattle, WA; April 29, 2019)— TRACTION (trans • community • action) is excited to join the nonprofit community in the Pacific Northwest. Recently registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in response to the urgent need to regain momentum toward social progress, TRACTION aims to empower and uplift transgender and nonbinary people and create visibility through social engagement, outreach and community service. Through collaboration with existing groups whose programs are serving marginalized and underserved populations within the Pacific Northwest, TRACTION will provide support in the form of volunteer power, funds and publicity.
“Traction’s organizers are a committed corps of talented individuals who’ve worked together in the past to produce events for the trans community. We’re utilizing this unique opportunity to join forces with other community leaders and organizations in pushing back against oppression toward marginalized groups,” said Shelley Shore, founding board co-chair.
In addition to community action projects, TRACTION will host one or more day-long summits each year to draw together individuals and groups within the broader gender-diverse community, create connection, provide resources and focus its efforts. Emerge!, the inaugural summit, will be held on Sept. 14, 2019, at the Centilia Cultural Center on Beacon Hill in Seattle.
The People
Board of Directors
Michael Woodward (co-chair) • Colleen Ogi • Carolyn MacGregor
Shelley Shore O’Neill (co-chair) • Brooke Wylie • Marja Sovero
Operations Team
Carolyn MacGregor (director of operations)
Shelley Shore O’Neill (summit coordinator)
Jenn Odell (action projects coordinator)
Duncan Gibbs (graphic design/social media)
Brooke Wylie (membership/recruitment coordinator)
Margaret Taboada (logistics/project management)
Logo Design and Website
Melissa Dickinson at The Logical Alternative