United Territories Of Pacific Islanders Washington-Utopia Wa

The SPEaC Change program at UTOPIA Washington advocates for the rights of Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders (QTPI) and the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community through policy advocacy, civic engagement, and environmental justice. In 2024, the program championed inclusive policies in healthcare, gender-affirming care, housing, and environmental sustainability, forming coalitions with policymakers to amplify marginalized voices. SPEaC Change integrated Pasifika environmental stewardship through initiatives such as community cleanups, the Tautua Climate Leadership Cohort, and climate summit workshops. The summit featured nine organizations, providing resources to empower and inform the community. Additionally, the program emphasized healing justice, reclaiming QTPI narratives and addressing systemic oppression. The civic engagement and citizenship efforts supported 64 naturalization applications, resulting in 16 new U.S. citizens, while 32 individuals participated in civic education classes. Voter outreach engaged 14,516 people, increasing voterturnout by 6%. Partnerships with PICA WA and Washington Community Alliance expanded access to training and resources. Through storytelling campaigns, community advocacy, and voter education, SPEaC Change dismantled stereotypes and advanced social equity. Despite systemic challenges, the program strengthened inclusivity, representation, and environmental justice, driving meaningful change for a more just and sustainable future.

MANA Arts & Culture expanded its reach through multiple initiatives. The Talanoa series engaged 12,896 viewers, addressing topics such as Black History Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance. ROOTED programming connected 23,434participants to Pacific Islander cultural arts like Elei and Masi making, rebuilding ancestral ties. MANA Youth empowers diasporic 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults by fostering cultural reclamation and revitalization alongside community resilience and self-advocacy. Through traditional Pasifika practices like Talanoa (storytelling), MANA strengthens intergenerational connections and preserves shared histories. The WOW (Inter/Multigenerational) group provided a space for elders and youth to connect through monthly events. Ala Mai, MANAs cultural arts and leadership initiative, engaged 449 community members and 85 volunteers in program events such as QTPI Camp and attending the UTOPIA Climate Summit. The MANA Youth Program has become a pillar of leadership development and peer support, hosting 66 gatherings and serving 966 students across King and Pierce Counties. Schools in Seattle, Federal Way, Tacoma, Kent, and Auburn partnered with MANA to provide cultural programming and representation for Pasifika youth. Through these efforts, MANA continues to uplift Pasifika identities, ensuring their cultural legacy is preserved and celebrated for future generations In-School Programming: Provided weekly engagement at Chief Sealth, FederalWay, and Mt. Tahoma High Schools, reaching 595 students in King County and300 students in Pierce County. 1:1 Case Management: Supported 71 students with personalized care worksessions. QTPI Camp: Hosted 150 participants, providing space for queer and transPacific Islanders to build community and resilience. ALA MAI Cultural Arts & Leadership 449 participants and 85 volunteers across8 events, including QTPI Camp and Climate Summit.