Anyone who knows me knows I’m the world’s #1 Shrek stan. I say “DONKEH” almost daily. I sing “All Star” also, almost, daily. It’s my #1 most impactful memory from 2001 (think about what else happened that year 👀). I have a Shrek tattoo on my ass (that might be a lie….but who will correct me??) Anyways, I think why I love Shrek so much is that not only is it unhinged, but it’s a story of a recluse who, through external forces, realizes the importance of helping others around him. It’s a story of solidarity (magical creatures rise upppp) and of self realization. Of realizing that you’re so much more than you ever thought you could be. Of realizing that others may look up to you, even when you don’t intend (or even want) to be looked up to. Of being a green hunk of man meat. Dreamworks really, truly, made magic with that film (and Shrek 2 I meannnn the fairy godmother singing I Need a Hero? It inspired a whole generation of drag queens). And did you know that there’s Shrek 5 slated to come out in 2026? I guess I’ll hang onto sanity at leaaaast long enough to see that.
Anyways, completely unrelated to Shrek, but I also found this incredible mashup on Youtube yesterday, and I really want you to play this in the background while you read through this week’s selection of how to get involved in your community. As a reminder: WE ALL NEED TO BE. Enjoy 😉
Sunday Slice- 4/27/2025
Community Building & Activism: 350 Seattle (Seattle)
350 Seattle is a local chapter of the general 350 movement, with a mission focused on moving away from fossil fuels, climate justice, resilience and equity. 350 Seattle is involved in a ton of local volunteer and activism work, including an upcoming May Day rally, Summer Solstice parade, and monthly Climate Community Nights- where upcoming climate justice initiatives and opportunities are discussed. I will be attending their upcoming May Climate Community Night (Thursday May 8th at 6:15 PM at University Heights Auditorium) as there will also be a new member orientation, where key information is shared for anyone interested in joining. If you’d like to come with me, feel free to RSVP here! Their full events calendar is here– check it out and see if anything looks interesting to you! Not in Seattle? There are 350 chapters in many cities across the US- check out if there’s one near to you here.
Community Event: Black Earth Day (Seattle)
April 22nd may have passed, but that does NOT mean that Earth Day is over. Next weekend, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and several awesome local orgs (Queer the Land, Out the Mud, Entangled Oceane, Nurturing Roots, Black Farmers Collective, and Tilth Alliance) for a free afternoon of food, workshops, and hands on activities centered in respect and love for our farmworkers and earth stewards. Let’s be honest- without them we would not be here. Festivities run from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetland. For more event information, check out this page here!
Reminder- KEEP CALLING YOUR REPS.
Hey you! Yes- YOU! Have you called your reps recently? Do it. If anything else, it’s a great way to release stress in a productive way. Make it part of your daily habit. Recently I was able to schedule time to meet with a member of my national House of Representative rep Adam Smith’s team to voice concerns, learn what our Congressman is doing to protect his constituents (verdict is still out on if it’s enough…I don’t think it is) and learn more about our busted ass political system. It was actually super informative and I highly recommend y’all try and do the same. I use the amazing 5 Calls website as a foundation for talking points (aka my biggest fear) to help guide conversation when calling (or leaving voicemails). I highly recommend checking it out. Don’t know your congressional district, representative or state senators? Check out this resource here to get their names and contact information (I have my zip code searched in the link for easy access for anyone in my same area). KEEP YOUR FEET ON THEIR NECKS. KEEP CALLING. KEEP YELLING.
I hope you enjoyed today’s song choice, and found this week’s Sunday Slice selections intriguing, appealing and helpful. As a reminder- I will also be doing Seattle Community Fridge food dropoffs this next Saturday (5/3) from 1:30-4. Let me know if you’re interested in joining (I already have one friend coming- you know who you are 😊 let’s make it a party.)
Stay strong, friends. Keep your eyes trained on what’s happening around us. Keep your senses sharp. Keep your wits about you. And keep your heart open.
Please enjoy this cursed photo of iced oat milk vanilla latte Shrek to keep with you close today (thank you friend who sent this to me- you know who you are 😉).
XOXO your slice of heaven,
– Matt/Vel
La Vida Veeta 
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