GOVERNANCE

As a community-wide coalition, SOAR is rooted in partnerships between business and community leaders, grant makers, organizations, schools, governments, parents and faith-based groups in King County. SOAR’s Partnership Council and Teams guide its direction and growth as a community-wide initiative. SOAR’s organizational structure includes:

• Partnership Council: Comprised of key leaders in partner agencies, the Partnership Council provides overall vision, strategic direction and leadership and assists staff in pursuing and securing financial resources
• Implementation Teams: Comprised of community partners, implementation teams provide guidance, support and oversight and make key strategic decisions regarding the advancement of the Action Agendas
• Action Teams: Comprised of community partners, action teams focus on implementing specific strategies that advance one or more Action Agenda goal
• SOAR Staff: Include skilled organizers and provide logistical and technical support to advance the efforts of SOAR and support partners in taking lead project roles.

See SOAR's organization chart.

PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

The Partnership Council meets monthly and provides policy & strategic oversight, input and decision-making support to the ongoing operation of SOAR, and also charters, approves and oversees the activities of SOAR Action Teams. SOAR's Partnership Council includes:

• Karen Akada, City of Seattle
• Lois Brewer, Service Learning Seattle
• Deborah Duitch, Bellevue School District
• Cathryn Garland, Children’s Home Society
• Dr. Enrica Hampton, Kindering Center
  
• Bill Laananen, FACES Coalitions
  
• Evelyn Lemoine , Seattle Chamber of Commerce
• Mari Offenbecher, School’s Out Washington
• David Okimoto, United Way of King County
  
• Alex O’Reilly, City of Bellevue
  
• Jessica Paul Werner, Youth Development Executives of King County
  
• Patti Petesch, Seattle Parks and Recreation
  
• Deann Puffert, Child Care Resources
  
• Helena Stephens, Bellevue Parks and Community Services
  
• Janet Wrathall, King County Developmental Disabilities Division

As a collaborative, SOAR values each partner equally and is committed to the principle of inclusive group decision-making.