Victoria Eby-Bounds, West Central Neighborhood Council, No Phone Number Available
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 3:27 p.m.
1. In what ways are you involved in your neighborhood and the Spokane community?
I'm involved in my neighborhood because I created a project called Trash Smash in March of 2024. Trash Smash is a boots-on-the-ground, community based clean-up. Everyone got together and we cleaned and beautified our neighborhood over multiple events that saw anywhere between 20 - 40 volunteers. I am also interim chair for C.O.P.S. West and secretary of the Holmes Elementary PTA group.
2. What does organizing around neighborhood beautification look like? How do you keep folks involved?
It starts off by asking what the biggest need is. We start by asking our community at the neighborhood council. We ask members about where they are seeing trash, and what areas in our neighborhood specifically have trash or excessive amounts of garbage. We take that information and form it into a plan to create a clean-up project or event. Then we gather neighbors and get them excited by providing pizza by partnering with local places like Pizza Rita or providing t-shirts from sponsors such as Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council (GSSAC). Other partners could include Spokane C.O.P.S., the neighborhood council, and the City of Spokane.
On the day of, we set a game plan of how we’re working as a team, and we just get out there and do it! I think the biggest thing is seeing the pride that neighbors have in their neighborhood, and then also seeing the impact after trash has been collected. Knowing that we made a difference and that every person matters and can make an impact.
3. What are the benefits to getting involved in your neighborhood council programming?
So many! There are amazing people who are passionate about cleaning. I mean, when I first came to a neighborhood council meeting, I had no idea what was doing and I was like, “Okay, I really dislike all the trash in my neighborhood. Does anybody else feel this way?” And of course, everybody was like, let's do a clean-up and help. Based on what you’re passionate about, there is a volunteer opportunity available for you through the neighborhood council.
Neighborhood councils are also informational – you learn what other things are being planned in your neighborhood, how you can get involved, how you can support different events, and how you can impact your neighborhood businesses and nonprofits. There is a lot of impact you can make when you come to a neighborhood council meeting. I think that just going to a meeting and being a part of the neighborhood council and just having a look of like what's all involved and like everything on the agenda is beneficial.
Neighborhood Councils are volunteer-led groups of residents who work alongside the City of Spokane to address resident needs and concerns throughout the City of Spokane. If you are interested in volunteering through your neighborhood council, visit spokaneneighborhoods.org to identify which neighborhood you live in and when they meet.
