Membership

Founded in 1981, MEDC is the longest standing, broadest-based multi-ethnic coalition of its kind in this region. For over 27 years MEDC has successfully sustained and nurtured cooperation, unity and networking among its members. MEDC is comprised of 125+ leaders of color who currently or formerly worked in community-based,, non-profit health, mental health, human services, housing, education and economic development agencies in Seattle-King County. Combined, our membership annually assists’ ten’s of thousands of King County residents, most of whom are people of color, with their basic human needs.

Statement of Purpose for Membership

To bring together ethnic minority, private non-profit community leaders of color in King County to advocate and develop resources in partnership with and in the interest of minority constituencies in order to improve our health and human services system, increase funding, and expand the role of ethnic minorities in public and private policy making.

Primary Functions and Services through Membership:

Advocacy: MEDC helps to shape, implement and influence public policies and budget and resource issues affecting communities of color.

Educate: MEDC helps to educate the mainstream public regarding issues affecting people of color such as institutionalized racism.

Instigate: MEDC raises important questions regarding equity and social justice and mobilizes our membership and the broader community to take action where people of color are impacted.

Leadership Development: MEDC provides leadership and professional development opportunities for its members, as well as for potential members in areas such as advocacy, lobbying; providing leadership on our Board or serving as a committee chairperson, meeting facilitation and fund development.

MEDC Training Program: MEDC provides cultural competency training, assessments and technical assistance to individuals, organizations, institutions and customer service driven businesses. We utilize a frame work of cultural competency that can be applied to these various entities.