Thawing the Seattle Freeze with fellowship
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The Sunday Assembly Seattle gang meeting at Bulldog News & Cafe for fellowship and hot drinks. Photo courtesy of Donna Hart
Seattleites are finding innovative approaches to form networks and make friends, and one new chapter of a growing secular fellowship is providing a sense of belonging.
Why it matters: In a city often associated with the "Seattle Freeze," where making connections can be difficult and a world where loneliness is epidemic, finding creative ways to foster relationships is increasingly important.
Driving the news: While searching for ways to cultivate connection after moving to Seattle seven years ago, resident Donna Hart read about Sunday Assembly, a secular organization founded by two U.K. comedians in 2013 that fosters interaction through music, learning and fellowship.
- She reached out to the parent organization, which connected her with others interested in starting a chapter in the area, and together they established the Seattle group in late 2023.
How it works: Sunday Assembly Seattle meetings are held on the second Sunday of the month at public libraries across King County and feature singing, inspirational talks and time to visit and chat.
- In addition to its main gatherings, the group organizes smaller activities like board game nights, walks and boating excursions.
What they're saying: "To have people recognize you and know you by name is a big part of feeling local," Hart said.
The big picture: Sunday Assembly now has 13 active U.S. chapters, some of which have as many as 60 regular attendees, Ross Llewallyn, president of the national organization, told Axios.
- Meetings draw inspiration from religious traditions but without theology and are open to all, atheists, agnostics and theists, he said.
- Chapters are typically action-driven, and activities often include volunteer projects like street cleanups, food bank support and community gardening.
- "We want to help often, live better and wonder more," Llewallyn said.
What's next: Sunday Assembly Seattle will hold its next gathering on at 11am Sunday at the Seattle Public Library Montlake Branch.