There are some great non-profits in Olympia that are doing innovative work. Here is a profile of one of my favorites:

Founded in May 2007, Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights (POWER) is a collection of low-income parents and their allies. POWER was formed by former members, staff, and volunteers of the Welfare Rights Organizing Coalition, (WROC), after a disagreement with the two-member WROC Board over the future of the organization. POWER continues the work of WROC and looks towards further opportunities to support families navigating the welfare system. Member led and consensus based, this local nonprofit recognizes the power of building community and supporting leadership among those most impacted by social, economic and political injustice.

POWER offers an impressive array of services and resources that increase members’ understanding of the welfare system, their rights within that system, and ways to advocate for their families and their communities. Currently POWER provides the following:

· Information on legal rights to public benefits through tabling at welfare offices, food banks and other places where low-income people congregate. Additionally, information is given over the phone and at “Know Your Rights” workshops held on a regular basis at Safeplace and Family Support Center in Olympia and the Human Response Network in Chehalis. POWER members and staff will bring the workshop to any group of parents or organization that serve parents who invite them.

· Training for members in areas such as public speaking, understanding and navigating the legislature, and understanding economic systems and the global struggle for social justice. Workshops can be presented in Spanish as well as English.

· Voter registration and continued education at meetings and outreach. · Weekly updates to over 500 members that include information about how and when to contact legislators, information on pertinent bills, job openings, opportunities for activism, answers to poverty and parenting questions, and free or affordable cultural events.

· Activities and events for families to gather together, share their stories, skills and ideas for coping with poverty, and have fun while planning the revolution.

POWER is made up of passionate and intelligent members, volunteers and staff, but there is plenty of room for your involvement! Volunteer meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the Payne Room of the First Christian Church at 7th and Franklin in downtown Olympia. You can also call for more information, 360-352-9716 or toll free at 1-866-343-9716, http://www.myspace.com/parentsorganizing. Tax free donations can be sent to POWER at 701 Franklin Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501 or on website pay pal account, http://www.oly-wa.us/power/.

We signed up with Kirsop Farms to get a CSA box last year and really enjoyed it. Now that the new CSA season is looming, we're trying to decide whether to stay with Kirsop, which we loved, or branch out and try someplace new. Any recommendations?

A friend told me that Olympia Lighting was giving away free light bulbs so I stopped in yesterday. They are giving away 4 packs of 60 watt fluorescent light bulbs (you do have to pay for the tax.) I got a case! This is a promotion by PSE, so you have to be a PSE customer. The sales clerk told me to pass the word along and that as far as he knows, this is going on for awhile.

Is there such a thing?  If there isn't would people be interested in one?  I'm thinking of a group that would share information and resources, and possibly hold events or activities.  In addition to parenting/child-related information, I'd also want to discusses and promote approaches to social issues that impact children and families, both on a local and national level.

 I realize there are many groups out there and wouldn't want to be redundant.  Initially, I thought about just doing a listserv or Yahoo group to share information (for example, I need to find a good pediatrician). 

 If you are interested, you can respond to my email here or write me at juliemontgom@yahoo.com