Organization Details:

Thomas C. Wales Foundation

Mission

The Thomas C. Wales Foundation is dedicated to the promise of ordinary citizens actively helping to create a more livable and fair society. Our work, as stated in our tag line, is inspiring civic engagement.
Guiding Principles

 It is our shared privilege and duty to be involved in the improvement of our communities.

 A civil and livable society depends on passionate citizens - volunteers and leaders willing to stir us to action to help our communities and, when necessary, to speak out and persevere against unfair orthodoxies.

 A deep concern for fairness should guide our actions.

 The informed discussion of difficult issues, the creative exploration of common ground solutions, and the desire to understand the views of others are essential to the formation of effective and fair social policies.

 We should honor ordinary citizens with outstanding records of helping their communities.

Description:
Core Purpose – A Legacy of Passionate Citizenship

The Foundation aims to encourage the kind of passionate citizenship championed by Tom Wales – the energetic, courageous, persistent and informed involvement of ordinary citizens in the issues and challenges that affect their communities. This spirit of citizenship is served by the desire to help, the open-minded willingness to listen to alternatives, the wisdom to build fair collective resolutions, and the courage and determination to champion just causes even before they are popular.

The Foundation has developed the following initiatives to pursue its mission:

1. The Thomas C. Wales Award for Passionate Citizenship.

This program provides public recognition at an annual award event in Seattle of an outstanding individual who exemplifies passionate citizenship as defined above. Nominations are solicited from the public and reviewed by an independent panel. The criteria considered for this award include: courage, initiative, time commitment, effectiveness and unselfishness. For information on the nomination process please visit: http://www.walesfoundation.org/nominate.htm

1. The Thomas C. Wales Fellowship Program.

The goal of the Fellowship Program is to develop the next generation of community leaders. We recruit and evaluate community-based organizations that provide valuable learning and leadership opportunities and match them with flexible and motivated interns. Fellows serve a minimum of 180 hours and may receive academic credit for their efforts. Fellows learn the practical steps involved in moving a constructive civic-minded idea from conception to fruition. Fellows observe and consult with leaders in action, and develop vital skills including writing, organizing, motivating, presenting, persuading and leading through assumption of hands-on tasks. Fellows also participate in monthly leadership training and networking workshops. For applications please visit: http://www.walesfoundation.org/tcwinternship.htm

1. The Thomas C. Wales Public Symposia Program.

The objective of the Foundation’s symposia program is to bring together scholars, community leaders and ordinary citizens in open-minded discussions of key public issues. Drawing on the experience of a wide variety of backgrounds, this program addresses issues through innovative and inclusive approaches as a means of moving away from entrenched positions. There is no action agenda in mind, no resolutions for anyone to adopt. Rather, the purpose of this initiative is to engage the entire community in public dialogue, combining ideas and resources to create a better understanding and encourage others to be more involved in key issues.

History:
Background

Tom Wales was a federal prosecutor and a highly active civic leader and volunteer in Seattle. Tom believed in the power of civic engagement and the ability of everyday citizens to make a difference in their communities. The Thomas C. Wales Foundation is a non-partisan organization dedicated to carrying on the spirit of Tom's work. The Thomas C. Wales Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Washington State.

Contact person: Mindy Gardner, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (206) 233-2809

Address:

P.O. Box 2448 Seattle, WA 98111

Web Site: http://www.walesfoundation.org

Directions:

Physical Address: 600 University St, Ste 1601, Seattle, WA 98101 We are located in the One Union Square Building, Suite 1601 on 6th Avenue between Union and University in downtown Seattle. Our office space is located within the McKay Chadwell law firm who donates this space to us.   Nearest Bus Stop: many options, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes

Last updated on August 4, 2009