Event encourages community members to connect with each other

SEDRO-WOOLLEY - Though the weather outside was gloomy, the Let's Go Together celebration inside Cascade Flats in Sedro-Woolley lit up the space with warmth and community.

As people trickled in May 14, they found the seats were arranged in a circle to encourage conversation and that small tea lights were on the chairs.

Once seated, attendees were invited to raise their tea lights when they heard something that particularly resonated with them.

Two tables sat on either side of the room, covered with paper, encouraging participants to express their visions for the Skagit community through art.

About 60 people attended the event, representing all ages and walks of life. The objective, as advertised, was to bring people together and lead to action through connection.

Estrellas de Triunfo Folklorico, a Mexican dance group from the Triumph Teen Life Center, performed traditional dances to kick off the event.

Part of the nonprofit Paths to Understanding, Let's Go Together is made up of a council of community leaders who represent different areas of Skagit County.

The May 14 event was the third that was held this year, but the only one open to the public.

Paths to Understanding has been around since 1960. It began as an interfaith organization, born out of a collaboration between a rabbi and a priest.

Program Coordinator Viveka Hall-Holt said interfaith work leaves out a large portion of the population in the state. According to the Pew Research Center, 38% of Washingtonians identify as religiously unaffiliated.

Rather than focusing on religion, Let's Go Together encourages people to draw from all aspects of their identity to connect with others.

"People speak from lots of parts of themselves," Hall-Holt said. "They tell a story about who they are and what it means to be in community."

Attendees were offered three prompts for discussions with those sitting near them. First, participants discussed how they eat Oreo cookies, debating the pull-apart versus the sandwich method.

The second prompt asked which local events people like to attend in Skagit County, and the third offered was an opportunity for everyone to share and discuss their visions for the future.

In one small-group discussion, Skagit Queer Vice President Maximus Kiehn shared his hope for the Skagit community that it be more compassionate toward homeless people, offering support and attempting to help in any way they can.

Skagit Queer, a local nonprofit, has been working to bring Pride events to different areas of the county in recent years.

Between prompt-led discussions, various community members shared their life stories and unique experiences with humanity.

Luca Martinez, a peer recovery specialist in Skagit County, spoke about their upbringing and background, which they said emphasized respect for all living beings.

"I was taught that it's OK to be a mess, and what we're really meant to do is struggle together," Martinez said.

To close out the event, community organizer Tony Cienfuegos left attendees with a call to action, encouraging them to talk to their neighbors about making their visions for Skagit County a reality.

"Don't let this just be a beautiful evening, let this be the beginning," Cienfuegos said.

Hall-Holt said taking action can look like simply getting to know those around you or hosting a community block party.

People were also encouraged to share with others their efforts to make change in their communities, inviting collaboration and partnerships.

"Healing doesn't happen only in the big moments, sometimes it happens in conversation," Cienfuegos said.

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