Equity Organizations
We Admire
Image from Washington Bus Education Fund's first-ever Youth Climate Assembly (2025).
Our Student Team of Sustainability Ambassadors curates this collection of inspiring organizations that are leading on climate justice, community building, and youth engagement.
-
Learn about their work!
-
Follow their socials!
-
Get involved in their programs!
EQUITY ORGANIZATIONS WE ADMIRE (in alphabetical order)
Alianza
Alianza is an inspiring nonprofit. They work to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable way of life for migrant communities. Join them in their mission to address systemic inequities and amplify migrant-led initiatives by getting involved with their youth leadership development, advocacy training, and community organizing!
Check out their website!
Bascillica
Bio
Basilica Bio is an fascinating nonprofit organization working at the intersection of biology and social justice. They work hard and creatively to connect communities to science through education and community-led research. They run several youth-based programs that you can join that teach climate and food systems! They also provide food distribution alongside lessons on environmental justice and bioremediation.
Check out their website!
Black Star Farmers
Black Star Farmers work hard to uplift Black and Indigenous values through land and food sovereignty and as they work towards their mission of collective land stewardship, mutual aid, education, and direct and powerful action. The program hosts a Black Lives Memorial Garden you can sign up for as an active community hub! This community works toward food distribution and political education for building unity amongst oppressed communities. Check out their website!
Burien Environmental Science Center
The Environmental Science Center’s mission is to promote environmental stewardship and academic achievement through science-based education in south King County! They have youth serving programs that approach education through active learning in programs such as Climate Heroes, Salmon Heroes, and Teacher Professional Development Program. They are creative and fun as they explore solutions to environmental problems. Sign up for their lessons on their website!
Duwamish Valley Youth Corps
Duwamish Valley Youth Corps supports restoration and revitalization of the Duwamish Valley neighborhoods of South Park, Georgetown and surrounding areas. Check out their paid environmentally-based job skills program that focuses on uplifting youth. They uplift through environmental science education, job skills training, stewardship, and outdoor hands-on community service!
Check out their website!
Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association (DVSA)
The Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association looks to promote economic growth alongside sustainability. In order to do this, DVSA also addresses issues related to quality of life, health, and education. They offer training for BIPOC youth in project development and implementation and provide feedback and guidance throughout the process! Check out their projects on their website!
El Centro de La Raza
El Centro de La Raza is a Latino based organization with a mission to organize, empower, and defend vulnerable and marginalized populations. They particularly focus on caring for the needs of the Chicano/Latino community! Check out their website, which displays their services in education, government, community, and advocacy.
Check out their website!
Hip Hop is Green
Hip Hop is Green is a nonprofit reclaiming hip-hop culture as a force for environmental and social transformation. In youth communities, they promote holistic wellness, climate justice, and plant based living through their Youth Excellence Program and the Cherry Street Farm and Lab. Explore their website if you’re interested in climate literacy, plant-based nutrition and leadership!
Check out their website!
Indian American Community Services
Indian American Community Services is committed to building pathways for economic mobility, social connection, and long-term community resilience. Their investment in youth lies in The Youth Leadership Program, which provides mentorship, leadership opportunities, and support. Participants are offered community service credit for schools, internships, and college applications!
Check out their website!
King County Climate Equity Community Task Force
The Climate Equity Community Task Force frontlines community leaders who partner with King County to shape climate policy, funding decisions, and equity strategies. They uplift youth voices through providing partnerships and opportunities to work on important climate issues. Their programs Climate Justice Learning Series (CJLS) and the Climate Equity Sponsorships provide platforms for education, storytelling, and leadership development.
Check out their website!
Langston Hughes Cultural Center
Langston spearheads programs at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. They lead innovative programs and foster community partnerships that center Black art, artists, and audiences to strengthen the community while honoring the legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area.
Check out their website!
Muslim Association
Maps Youth is a dynamic program that seeks to connect young Muslims to the Masjid! MAPS develops a confident religious identity in brotherhood and sisterhood while training service orientated young adults in a relevant islamic experience. Check out more of their youth-focused events on their Maps Youth Website!
Check out their website!
Native Lens
Native Lens is a community hub for indigenous storytellers and filmmakers around the continent, providing training and fellowship on a platform that celebrates Indigenous stories and media production. Take a peek at their hundreds of films told by Indigenous storytellers!
Check out their website!
FEEST
FEEST is a youth-led nonprofit based in South King County focused organizing change in their schools. See how you cna get involved with their paid youth internships, campaigns for culturally responsive education, and weekly community dinners at local high schools!
Check out their website!
Build 2 Lead
Build 2 Lead empowers BIPOC youth and young adults through leadership development, workforce opportunities, health equity, and wellness programs. The organization partners with schools, families, and community organizations to create pathways that help young people thrive and lead. By connecting leadership, wellness, and economic mobility, Build 2 Lead works to create lasting opportunities and stronger communities.
Check out their website!
Rainier Beach Action Coalition
RBAC is a grassroots organization devoted to renewal and development in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. They are motivated to enhance the quality of life for youth and families in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. See their website for how you can support their mission!
Check out their website!
Seattle Aquarium Youth Ocean Advocates
If you are a youth who is passionate about the ocean and wants to inspire others to take conservation action, check out Youth Ocean Advocates! As volunteers, educate Aquarium visitors and the public online. Check out their YOA Programs such as Tides, Currents, and Breakers!
Check out their website!
Sea Potential
Sea Potential empowers BIPOC Youth and enables workplaces for a thriving maritime future. For example, Aquabilities is an outstanding program that empowers youth to pursue marine careers. You can see how this program and more expands BIPOC community members to opportunities around marine science!
Check out their website!