SCAR (Spokane Community Against Racism)
Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR)
Website: scarspokane.org
Founded: May 13, 2017
Location: 808 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
Contact: admin@scarspokane.org
Social Media: Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Mission
SCAR's mission is to identify and address racial disparities through a variety of community efforts, including education, advocacy, research, community engagement, policy impact, and challenges to existing organizations and structures.
History
SCAR was started on May 13th, 2017 after an appeal was made to the Spokane Community when (earlier in the week) a white man was found not guilty of shooting a black man in the back after claiming self-defense. Acquitted by an all white jury.
SCAR was formed out of necessity. In order to understand why harassment, assaults and shootings continue to happen in our community, we must understand how things work in the police department, the sheriff’s department, at the Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council and in the judicial system. We have sub-committees dedicated to SRLJC accountability, racial justice education, housing and social policy, and host public events and communications.
Structure
SCAR operates as POC lead LLC transitioning to a 501(c)4, led by an eight-member steering committee, six of whom are people of color. The organization employs a "hub and spoke" model, with the steering committee at the center and general members—including volunteers and donors—forming the broader community.
Programs and Initiatives
Platform for Change
A comprehensive policy agenda developed in collaboration with community stakeholders, aiming to address systemic racism in Spokane's institutions.
SCAR Weekly Email
SCAR Weekly is a semi-regular weekly email with updates on events and news, that also directing people to take action. Sign up Here
Court Watch
Trained volunteers attend court proceedings to monitor and report on the actions of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, ensuring accountability and fairness in the justice system.
Burritos for the People
A free breakfast program that operated every Sunday morning, providing meals to Spokane's underserved communities. The program served nearly 30,000 burritos before concluding in August 2023 due to external pressures. Not Currently Active
Research and Data (RAD) Team
A volunteer group dedicated to collecting and analyzing data to understand the impact of racism in the community and to develop targeted strategies for change. Not Currently Active
Writer’s Room
A supportive space for individuals to share their experiences and perspectives through writing, aiming to raise awareness about the impact of racism and promote understanding. Not Currently Active
Light Activism Team
A volunteer-led initiative focusing on creative activism methods to educate the public about systemic racism and encourage community action.
Key Issues
- **Anti-Racism**: Advocating for systemic changes to dismantle racism in all forms.
- **Criminal Legal Reform**: Working towards a fair and equitable justice system.
- **Combating Anti-Asian Racism**: Addressing and combating racism and violence against Asian communities.
- **Education Equity**: Promoting equal educational opportunities for all students.
- **Housing Reform**: Advocating for affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies.
- **Indigenous Rights**: Supporting Indigenous communities and addressing issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
- **No New Jail**: Opposing the construction of new jail facilities and promoting alternative solutions.
- **Police Accountability**: Ensuring transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Get Involved
- **Volunteer**: Join various programs and initiatives to support SCAR's mission. Volunteer Here
- **Become a Member**: Support SCAR through membership, which includes benefits like merchandise discounts and participation in events. Membership Information
- **Donate**: Contribute financially to support SCAR's ongoing efforts. Donate Here
- **Attend Events**: Participate in workshops, rallies, and community gatherings. Upcoming Events
SCAR PAC
SCAR operates a Political Action Committee (PAC) dedicated to promoting racial equity and justice in the local community through political advocacy, candidate endorsements, and voter education. Learn More
Community Agreements
SCAR emphasizes the importance of respect, inclusivity, and active participation in all its endeavors. SCAR Community outreach works with this motto in mind, "Support First, Criticize Last". Supporting community actions with active participation and only criticizing after giving our support, tools, and resources.
- Listen and Pay attention
- Take your time – and breathe
- Always be respectful
- Seek common ground
- Make it personal
- Give the benefit of the doubt, and try not to take offense
- Don’t interrupt others’ conversations
- Keep it simple – pick your battles
- Admit you lack information
- Always leave the door open
- Bring it up sooner than later/"fight"
Land Acknowledgment
SCAR stands and organizes on the unceded lands of the Spokane Tribe of Indians and other Interior Salish peoples whose stewardship of this land predates colonial borders and continues to this day. We recognize that racism and colonization are not separate struggles — they are intertwined systems of harm.
We do not make this acknowledgment as a formality, but as a call to action. The land we occupy was taken through violence and deceit. The systems we challenge today — in policing, education, housing, and governance — are rooted in the same legacies that sought to erase Indigenous people.
SCAR is committed to uplifting Indigenous voices, supporting Indigenous sovereignty, and ensuring that our work in anti-racism actively includes justice for Native communities. We encourage everyone engaging with this work to go beyond acknowledgment — to listen, learn, give, and act in solidarity with the original stewards of this land.
