🟨Puget Sound Area Advocacy
A ranked guide to organizations promoting environmental justice and equity across the Puget Sound area
These advocacy organizations in the Puget Sound area are dedicated to protecting and restoring the region's unique ecosystems, addressing pressing environmental issues, and promoting social equity.
A Tribal Advocacy & Indigenous Leadership section features Native-led groups working for justice and environmental protection in the region.
Activists visiting their websites can find valuable resources, including action alerts, educational materials, and opportunities for volunteer involvement. There’s likely some overlap with Advocacy Groups for the Olympic Peninsula and Washington State (See Related Resources below).
Top Regional Organizations
Protects and restores the waters of Puget Sound through advocacy, monitoring, and community engagement.
A nonprofit environmental law organization that uses the power of law and grassroots activism to protect health, preserve places and wildlife, and combat climate change.
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Focuses on economic development and social justice, advocating for equity and opportunity in the region.
Environmental justice coalition led by communities of color across Washington, mainly active in the Puget Sound area.
Leads grassroots campaigns for climate justice and against fossil fuel infrastructure.
Focuses on protecting oceans, waves, and beaches through grassroots activism and environmental advocacy. Other chapters serve the Northwest Straits, South Sound, and Olympic Peninsula.
Duwamish River Community Coalition
Advocates for clean water, environmental justice, and community health in Seattle’s Duwamish Valley.
Provides grants and resources to grassroots organizations working for social justice in the Northwest.
Works on improving health outcomes through community collaboration, addressing social determinants of health in King County.
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Supports organizations addressing domestic violence and advocates for systemic change.
Washington Public Interest Research Group (WashPIRG)
WashPIRG advocates for consumer and environmental protections, while the WashPIRG Foundation conducts policy research to promote informed decision-making on public interest issues.
A state agency working to restore and protect the health of Puget Sound by coordinating efforts among diverse stakeholders.
A collaborative effort to protect and restore the marine environment of the Northwest Straits through community engagement, conservation projects, and education.
Advocates for land conservation in the Puget Sound area, focusing on sustainable land use.
Sustainability Engagement Institute, Western Washington University
Promotes sustainability through education, research, and community engagement, empowering students and staff to implement sustainable practices.
Promotes environmental sustainability, social justice, and community empowerment in the Cascadia bioregion.
Democratic Party – County Organizations
Electing and supporting Democratic candidates and promoting Democratic principles and policies.
Indivisible – Local Chapters
Grassroots organizations focused on local activism and progressive policies in specified counties. (Not shown: local group Facebook pages):
Tribal Advocacy & Indigenous Leadership
This is a partial list of tribal and Indigenous-led organizations in the region. Many other tribal nations also lead essential work and may be added as this resource grows.
Based near Bellingham, the Lummi are known for salmon restoration, treaty rights defense, and climate action.
Located north of Everett, Tulalip operates extensive education, health, and cultural programs while leading natural resource co-management efforts.
A major civic and environmental force in the Tacoma area, the Puyallup Tribe supports health care, housing, and climate resilience.
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Located in Skagit County, Swinomish leads nationally recognized work in climate adaptation, public health, and habitat restoration.
Based near Auburn, the tribe manages education, fisheries, and community services while advocating for treaty rights and cultural continuity.
Advocates for federal recognition, land justice, and cultural education in Seattle and the greater King County area.
Serves unhoused and low-income Native people in urban areas. Offers housing, health care, cultural support, and advocacy.
United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
Operates Daybreak Star Cultural Center and supports Native education, family services, and leadership development.
Also see Indigenous & Tribal Rights — a separate Plainly, Garbl resource
A ranked guide to national, statewide, and additional Washington-based advocacy groups supporting Indigenous sovereignty, cultural preservation, and tribal justice. Partial lists of other tribal organizations are included in the advocacy group resources below for Washington and the Olympic Peninsula.
Related Resources
Issues for Advocacy in the Puget Sound Area
Water Quality and Pollution Prevention: Focus on protecting and restoring the waters of Puget Sound from pollution and degradation.
Watershed and Habitat Protection: Enhancing the health of watersheds to support aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and preparing communities for climate impacts.
Ecosystem Restoration: Efforts to restore habitats and ecosystems to support biodiversity and resilience.
Land Conservation and Sustainable Use: Advocacy for preserving natural lands and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Community Health and Social Equity: Addressing social determinants of health and promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Public Policy Advocacy: Engaging in legislative advocacy to influence environmental and public interest policies.
Education and Community Engagement: Raising awareness and involving the community in conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.