About Us

For over a century, laws and regulations that impact Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities have been drafted and passed without our input. Whose Streets? Our Streets! (WSOS), founded in 2020, is a workgroup that aims to provide a platform for BIPOC to participate in the drafting, reviewing, and implementing of safety laws and policies in Seattle neighborhoods. We approach issues around transportation and traffic enforcement with a pro-equity, anti-racist framework to develop a vision of how our city can be a safe, thriving place for BIPOC without the use of police.

In 2022, WSOS initiated a partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Vision Zero team to host community conversations about public safety. WSOS has conducted surveys and listening sessions on varying topics: transportation safety, policing and enforcement, public transit, and transportation infrastructure. Based on what we heard, we produced a report that summarized BIPOC community members’ perspectives and concerns.


Our Organizing Values:

Respect

At WSOS, we believe in treating every individual with respect, dignity, and empathy. We recognize the inherent worth of each person, regardless of their background, circumstances, or social status. We foster a culture of inclusivity and actively listen to the diverse voices within our community. By valuing and respecting the inherent worth of every individual, we strive to create an environment that promotes understanding, collaboration, and positive change.

Equity

Equity lies at the heart of WSOS. We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and promoting equal opportunities for all. We recognize that fairness goes beyond equality, and we actively work towards addressing social and economic disparities. By advocating for equitable policies and practices, we aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other identities, has access to the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to thrive.

Education

WSOS firmly believes in the transformative power of education. We are dedicated to providing quality educational opportunities that empower individuals to reach their full potential. Through our programs, workshops, and initiatives, we strive to foster a love for learning, critical thinking, and skill development. We embrace lifelong learning as a means to empower individuals and communities, enabling them to navigate and succeed in an ever-changing world.

Decriminalizing Poverty

WSOS is deeply committed to addressing the complex issue of poverty with compassion and understanding. We firmly believe that poverty should not be criminalized, and we advocate for fair and just policies that prioritize human welfare over punitive measures. By challenging stigmas associated with poverty and advocating for structural change, we work towards creating a society that supports and uplifts individuals and families facing economic hardship.

We believe that the community should define public safety, not politicians, institutions, or skewed legal structures.

Our Community-Driven Recommendations:

  1. Cease involvement of the police in traffic enforcement

  2. Prioritize non-punitive methods for making streets safer

  3. Abolish enforcement of actions that don’t harm other people

  4. Trust, support, and invest in people and BIPOC communities to foster ownership of public places

We are working on updating our full set of recommendations and positions, but you can find reports detailing our community engagement here.