My Nonprofit Reviews

I've known of Media Island for at least 20 years, and have been invited to participate in the organization in the past (including having been asked to be on the board) but never felt drawn to the space until after leaving Olympia for over a decade and returning to find it in the hands of new leadership. The organization has become more focused on the goals and leadership of women of color - specifically Black women - in the Olympia area. While some people in this historically white liberal community may find this alienating, there are many of us who see this as a sign of hope, since Black women are among the most targeted in our communities, and most in need of spaces where their needs, desires and visions are centered. I have loved all of the workshops, meetings and events that I have attended at Media Island in the past year, and found it refreshing to find a space in Olympia that is not just giving lip service to inclusion or diversity, but actually centering the needs of those who are most impacted by the harmful legacies of racism, sexism, and colonialism. I am happy to support the work and vision of Media Island International, and look forward to seeing what grows there.