March 2026 Newsbriefs

• The Fig Tree Spring Benefit offers a time to connect, share - March 14, March 18
• Staff recruit directory ads and partners
• PJALS Action Conference is March 21
• Students, families may apply for exchange
• Wildfire resiliency training is planned - March 7
• IRC plans International Women's Day - March 13
• Church Stakes host 'Walk with Christ' - March 27 and 28
• Spokane River Forum benefit is March 31
• April Showers raises funds for The Lands Council - April 11
• Fall Folk Festival seeks designs for promotions
• End the Violence Event supports survivors - March 17-19
• SNAP celebrates 60 years - April 29
• NAACP offers March events - Mondays and Tuesdays
• ALTCEW forums elicit priorities
• Riverkeeper's upcoming meetings introduce projects
• Idaho Nonprofit Center Summit is planned - March 10 - 11
• Launch NW hosts 'Collective Impact' - March 26
• More than 450 gathered for prayer service in solidarity with refugees

The Fig Tree Spring Benefit offers a time to connect, share

Four 2026 Spring Benefit speakers will reflect on how The Fig Tree stories and resource sharing express the theme, "Persist Together: Inspire Miracles."
For the Benefit Lunch, the buffet will be open from 10:45 a.m. until the program begins at noon, Saturday, March 14, in the Hemmingson Ballroom at Gonzaga University. Guests may come early to network with each other.
The speakers are David Gortner, pastor at St. Luke's Lutheran in Coeur d'Alene and a Fig Tree Board member; LaRae Wiley, founder and elder at the Spokane Salish School; Luc Jasmin III, Eastern Washington representative of the Governor's office, and Laurel Fish, organizer with the Spokane Alliance, sharing how their efforts intersect with The Fig Tree.
Comments of seven other community leaders—Pat Castaneda, Jennifer Compau, Andre Dove, Jeff Ferguson, Jillian Joseph, Rob McCann, Rusty Nelson and Katie Thompson—are included in a promotional video Hamilton Studio has prepared to tell The Fig Tree story as it intersects with their efforts to overcome hate and to promote peace, fair trade, multicultural ministry, human services, refugee lives and river health.
The livestream is available during the Benefit Lunch and the promotional video will be shared during the Breakfast-Time Benefit from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, on Zoom, along with opportunity to chat online.
The events are the major fundraisers to support The Fig Tree's monthly newspaper and the annual Resource Directory.
"Last year we raised more than $73,500 from sponsors, including about $50,000 from the benefits," said Mary Stamp, editor. "To meet rising costs, our goal is $78,000 this year."
For information, call 535-1813 or visit thefigtree.org/donate.html to sign up by March 6.

Staff recruit directory ads and partners

The Fig Tree staff has begun connecting with the annual Resource Directory advertisers and community partners to support that part of its outreach.

Directory editor Malcolm Haworth works all year to research the listings and keep the information current so it continues to be relied on by the region's organizations that provide services and by people in need, as well as people seeking opportunities to share their skills as volunteers.

"Because it is continually updated and because it is comprehensive, it remains the primary guide used by caregivers, professionals and advocates in healthcare and senior services, job training and education, children and family resources, housing and homeless outreach, cultural  awareness and interconnections, racial and social justice, environmental and sustainability programs, ecumenical and interfaith ministries, and the arts and civic services," said Malcolm.

Its value is that it is in print and online, readily accessible to people.

"We expect to publish 22,500 copies again this year, based on income we receive. While many advertisers are facing uncertain times, we will be reaching out to many more so we can continue to our wide outreach," he said.

Staff invite agencies interested in advertising and donors interested in supporting to reach out.

For information, call 509-535-4112 or email ads@thefigtree.org.

PJALS Action Conference is March 21

The Peace and Justice Action League annual Action Conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 21.

The theme "From Survival to Vision: Crafting the Future We Deserve" will focus on going beyond reaction into response. Attendees will explore how care, creativity, strategy and solidarity can shape futures rooted in dignity, justice and collective well-being.

The Action Conference invites participants to ask, "What are we moving toward? What does collective liberation look like in practice? How do we build it together?"

Conference Tracks include "Visioning the Possible," "Rest, Joy and Revolutionary Care," "Issues at the Frontlines" and "Skill-Building for Organizers."

Visioning will introduce an indigenous vision of community building, solidarity and strengthening analysis.

Revolutionary care includes self-care, reclaiming power and printmaking.

Frontline issue sessions are on critical race theory, social justice, universal healthcare and rapid response to immigration enforcement.

A session on organizing provides nuts-and-bolts ideas on the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions Movement, 10 things activists should know, Spokane for All, everyday resistance to authoritarianism and leading with liberation in mind.

For information, visit pjals.org/2026conference/#top

Students, families may apply for exchange

Applications for the 2026 Spokane-Cagli Italy Sister City Exchange Trip are available for Spokane high school students who want to join an intercultural learning experience from July 1 to 17.

The cultural immersion will involve 17 days in Cagli, Italy, with day trips to Rome and Florence, stays with Italian families, studying Italian language and culture and developing multimedia skills. Scholarships are available.

The Sister City Exchange also seeks host families for students coming from Cagli from July 21 to Aug. 5. Students who are 16 or 17 years old will join daily English lessons at Gonzaga University, group activities and cultural experiences. Host families provide light breakfasts, family dinners and transportation to GU.

Weekends may involve group activities or host families taking students on short trips.

This is a short-term, meaningful way to be involved with the Sister City program. Families with high school students make a first step in engaging with a cultural exchange program, inspiring them to travel to Cagli.

The program is coordinated through the Sister Cities Association of Spokane, The Chase Youth Commission and the American-Italian Club of Spokane.

For information, call 220-5582, email jcaputo1@mac.com or visit chaseyouthspokane.org.

Wildfire resiliency training is planned

Responsible Growth NE Washington and Selkirk Alliance for Science are partnering to offer a training program, "From Wildfire Risk to Building Wildfire Resiliency," from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at the Camas Center, 1821 N. LeClerc Rd.

This the second in a series of wildfire programs for people in Pend Oreille, Bonner, Idaho and Spokane counties and beyond to raise public awareness about the need to prepare and protect homes and families in the event of a catastrophic wildfire.

The U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Pend Oreille Conservation District, Public Utilities District #1, Newport Hospital and Health Services, South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue, Pend Oreille County Emergency Management/911, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Girl Scout Troops and others will provide fire preparedness materials and presentations.

It has been three years since the Oregon Road wildfire swept near the Pend Oreille County lines burning more than 10,817 acres of forest and timberland in neighboring Spokane County and destroying 100 homes before it was brought under control. Combustion, winds and dry conditions played a role in that fire.

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians Charitable Fund and Inatai Foundation are sponsors.

For information, call 447-7958.

IRC plans International Women's Day

The International Refugee Committee (IRC) will gather local refugee and immigrant women for the annual International Women's Day from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 13, at Spokane Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave.

With partners, volunteers and neighbors, they will celebrate the courage of refugee women rebuilding their lives in the U.S. and will highlight their contributions to Spokane.

There will be a meal, story sharing and information on how to support refugee women.

Because many refugee women do not feel safe gathering to celebrate in a visible way, the IRC will host several smaller, less publicized pop-up events throughout March. In addition, IRC is hosting an educational brunch for women to show support and strengthen services and resources for refugee women.

For information, visit events.rescue.org/en/0XtU956/international-womens-day-brunch-5a5Dav1lmob/overview

Church Stakes host 'Walk with Christ'

The fifth annual "Walk with Christ," hosted by Mt. Spokane and Spokane North Stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be held on Palm Sunday weekend—from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, March 27, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 28, at 401 W. Regina Ave.

The open-house-style event will feature immersive activities to help visitors contemplate Holy Week as they follow in Christ's footsteps, leading to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The event will include a Jerusalem market with snacks, crafts and music. There will be walk-through rooms depicting Christ's experiences and videos on Jesus' life and mission.

For information, call 953-2073 or email mgraesser@gmail.com

Spokane River Forum benefit is March 31

Spokane River Forum's H20 Breakfast benefit will be held 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, at Centerplace, 426 N. Discovery Pl, Spokane Valley. The breakfast raises funds for Spokane River Forum's initiatives and presents a program on the future of water in the region related to use, conservation and aquifer protection in drought and expanding population.

The featured speaker, Lisa Seales, is a regional expert on water-saving infrastructure, water quality and recreational access with Oregon's Deschutes River Conservancy. She will describe efforts to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin.

For information, visit spokaneriver.net/main-h2o-landing-page

April Showers raises funds for The Lands Council

The Lands Council's 31st annual April Showers auction on Saturday, April 11, will gather community members, local businesses and conservation supporters for a dinner, an auction and a mission-focused program supporting conservation and environmental education across the Inland Northwest.

This year's auction features experiences and community generosity, with a paddle raise to support The Lands Council's work restoring forests and watersheds, protecting wildlife habitat and connecting the community to nature.

Local businesses offer sponsorships and host tables.

For information, email jbilar@landscouncil.org or visit landscouncil.org/april-showers-auction

Fall Folk Festival seeks designs for promotions

The Spokane Fall Folk Festival invites graphic design proposals for online and print promotional materials and merchandise, including programs, posters, T-shirts, buttons and other advertising for the 2026 Fall Folk Festival.

Designs should capture the festival's theme: "31 Years of Celebrating Spokane's Cultural Diversity" and incorporate elements of Spokane's diversity, history and landmarks.

Submissions, which are due on June 1, will be assessed based on design quality, color, originality and adaptability in various graphic formats.

This year's Fall Folk Festival will take place on Nov. 14 and 15 at Spokane Community College.

For information, call 828-3683, email designcontest@spokanefolkfestival.org or visit spokanefolkfestival.org/design-contest-2026.html

End the Violence Event supports survivors

The Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition's 2026 End the Violence Conference will be held from Tuesday to Thursday, March 17 to 19, at the Spokane Community College Lair, 1810 N. Greene St.

The conference seeks to empower domestic violence professionals with presentations, resources and collaboration to prevent, interrupt and address domestic violence.

Experts will share research, strategies and best practices for intervention and prevention. Networking with colleagues will help foster community to support survivors.

The March 17 program includes "The Power of We: Working Together to Change the World" with Casey Gwinn, of Alliance for Hope International.

Casey will lead another session with Bill Smock, medical director of the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, on "Hope Rising: How the Science of HOPE can Change Your Life."

Breakout sessions include trauma-informed care, empowerment strategies, community resources, youth violence prevention, law enforcement and the judicial role.

On March 18, Jeffrey Edleson of the University of California, Berkeley, will lead a session on "Developing Comprehensive Supports for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence and Their Families." There will also be a Department of Corrections simulation and breakout sessions.

The March 19 morning keynote is Carla Ritz, managing director of the Montana Institute, and the closing keynote is Ginger Johnson, consultant/supervisor with Relationship Advantage.

There will also be a Family Justice Center information session and eight breakout sessions.

In addition, Marijke Fakasiieiki of The Fig Tree will lead an interfaith panel discussion on domestic violence.

For information, visit endtheviolencespokane.org/etv-conference

SNAP celebrates 60 years

Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) will celebrate "The Power of Connection" and its 60th Anniversary, from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, at Spokane Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave., in downtown Spokane.

This event is SNAP's largest fundraiser of the year and officially kicks off Community Action Month in May.

It will be the first major opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate 60 years of impact and fuel the next chapter of SNAP's work.

For six decades, SNAP has been opening doors to opportunity for families, entrepreneurs and individuals across the region.

Guests who want to connect before the program begins may come at 11:30 a.m.

For information, call 456-4111 or visit snapwa.org

NAACP offers March events

The NAACP Spokane Branch Initiative on Building Restorative Communities (BRC) is offering several events in March.

A Book Conversation on The Power of Bridging by John Powell will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, online. It will focus on how to bridge divisions and heal fragmentation to "belong without othering" and to open people to a shared future by expanding a sense of "we." For information, email BRCspokane@gmail.com.

A Circle Centering Hope event from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 17 at The Hive, Spokane Library, 2904 E. Sprague, is for those who feel alone and isolated in the winter to connect with others around hope.

Practice the Future We Want will show the documentary, "How to Love Your Enemy: A Restorative Justice Story" by Free the People from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at The Hive.

After the film, there will be a conversation about a Colorado city's approach for a different kind of justice system to transform the broken system of mass incarceration in the U.S.

A Language of Life – Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Practice Group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, at Liberty Park Library or from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Fridays on Zoom to foster connection, compassion and understanding by shifting from blame to shared human needs to improve relationships and create collaborative solutions.

For information, email BRCspokane@gmail.com

ALTCEW forums elicit priorities

Aging & Long Term Care's (ALTCEW) Community Feedback Forums will be held virtually and in person in March in Spokane, Whitman, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties.

At them, community members will guide the future of aging and long-term care services across Eastern Washington.

Every four years, Area Agencies on Aging develop an Area Plan of service priorities as a roadmap to coordinate resources and support for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families. It includes demographics, services, trends, budgets and emerging needs. Plans inform the Washington State Plan on Aging.

As ALTCEW develops the 2027 to 2030 Area Plan, forums are a way for residents to learn about existing services, identify gaps and share what is needed.

Meetings offer an overview of services and discussion to gather input. Dates, locations and registration details are available at altcew.org/area-plan-community-feedback-forum-registration.

"Community planning is strongest when it reflects real experiences and local priorities," said Lynn Kimball, executive director.

For information, call 458-2509, email action@altcew.org or visit altcew.org.

Riverkeeper's upcoming meetings introduce projects

Spokane Riverkeeper and partners are planning several events in March—a Virtual Tour of Hangman Creek, a Community Science Information Session and the International Fly Fishing Film Festival.

The Virtual Tour of Hangman Creek will explore current restoration efforts at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 5, online.

"Hangman Creek has some of the worst water quality in the state, with sediment, high temperatures, bacteria and pollutants exceeding standards," said Katie Thompson. "The tour shares about riparian plantings along Rock Creek after the 2016 Ford Fire and projects reconnecting floodplains, restoring meanders and improving fish habitat.

Spokane Riverkeeper has created a partnership with local universities, Tribes and community organizations to generate quality data that scientists and decision-makers can use to guide efforts.

Riverkeeper is also presenting a virtual presentation on its Community Science program at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 19.

"Volunteers commit up to two hours a month to collect water quality data and samples, they deliver to Gonzaga University the same day," Katie said. "We'll walk through how the study works, what data we're collecting and what participation involves.

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival begins at 5 p.m., with films at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at the Garland Theater, 924. W Garland.

It presents a lineup of films on conservation, adventure, family and culture. One is on chef and cultural storyteller David Chang.

Sponsored by Silver Bow Fly Shop, proceeds benefit Spokane Riverkeeper.

Spokane Riverkeeper will sponsor an Earth Day River Cleanup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at High Bridge Park on the Spokane River.

For information, visit spokaneriverkeeper.org and click on events.

Idaho Nonprofit Center Summit is planned

Idaho Nonprofit Center, a project of Idaho Community Foundation, holds its Regional Impact Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10 and 11, at Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene.
A March 10 session on developing a 2026 fund development plan will explore donor motivation, messaging and fundraising methods to help participants develop their own funding plans.
Other sessions include tips for nonprofit leaders in navigating change, and a panel of local nonprofit professionals discussing leadership and fund development.
A panel discussion on building relationships with local government to improve quality of life will include Amy Evans of Idaho Youth Ranch and the Coeur d'Alene City Council, Kiki Miller of the Coeur d'Alene City Council and Scott Ferguson of St. Vincent de Paul of North Idaho, moderated by Kent Fogg of The Idaho Community Foundation.
March 11 sessions include a presentation, "A Board Member's Guide to Fair and Compliant CEO Compensation," to ensure legal compliance and retain leadership. Another session is on how well a Form 990 tells a nonprofit's story.
A third presentation on pitching nonprofit stories to local media will be led by Devin Weeks of the Coeur d'Alene Press, Eliza Billingham of Spokane Public Radio, and Marijke Fakasiieiki of The Fig Tree.
For information, visit idahononprofits.org/regionals.html.

Launch NW hosts 'Collective Impact'

Launch NW/Our Kids Our Business is hosting "Collective Impact: Cultivating a Flourishing Community" with Christina Bethell, a John Hopkins University researcher, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26, at the Hive, 2904 E. Sprague.

Christina will discuss the latest science on flourishing. Other presenters will share local data and strategies to improve child flourishing, school success and lifelong health outcomes.

They will provide information on community initiatives contributing to a thriving, prosperous Spokane, local health data and volunteer opportunities.

For information, visit: launchnw.org/event/collective-impact-cultivating-a-flourishing-community.

In addition, Launch NW/OKOB will host a Business Breakfast for local business leaders to learn how Launch NW is building a healthier workforce. It will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 27 at The Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave.

Attendees will hear from Christina on ways to support children and families to create flourishing, prosperous communities.

For information, visit launchnw.org/event/business-breakfast-launchnw-okob

More than 450 gathered for prayer service in solidarity with refugees

More than 450 people from 64 faith and nonprofit communities attended a Feb. 1 prayer service at First Presbyterian Church to express their concern for Haitian refugees whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was expected to end Tuesday, Feb. 3.

The service, coordinated by the church, the Spokane Alliance, Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition and the recently formed Clergy Immigration Table provided solidarity through prayer, songs, messages and stories to uplift the work of Creole Resource and Jasmin Ministries, call for the continuation of TPS, stand in solidarity with Haitian and other immigrant neighbors, and learn ways to provide ongoing support.

Speakers included Haitians Luc Jasmin III and Katia Jasmin, Jasmin Ministries pastor Luc Jasmin Jr., Grace Commons Spokane pastor Emily Kuenker, First Presbyterian pastors John Sowers and Brad Hauge, and storytellers from the community.

Emily preached on the Good Samaritan. Mayor Lisa Brown issued a public statement, calling Congress to extend TPS and highlighting the role of immigrants as healthcare workers, small business owners, faith leaders and friends who contribute to the local economy.

Jer Swigart of Global Immersion listed some action steps:

• Add Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Deportation Defense Hotline to phone contacts at 844-724-3737 to call if ICE or CBP are in the community.

• Attend Rapid Response Training on what people should do if they see ICE trying to detain someone.

• Attend Accompaniment Training to walk with immigrant and refugee neighbors to ICE check-ins, hearings and appointments.

• Ask Senators and Representatives to extend TPS for Haiti and allow all people in a legal immigration process to stay in the U.S.

• Donate to Creole Resources and Jasmin Ministries to fund emergency housing, food, transportation and legal needs.

• Volunteer to provide transportation, groceries and basic needs through Creole Resources.

• Join a Supportive Friends Team through Feast World Kitchen to be paired with an immigrant family.

• Engage with faith leaders in the Clergy Immigration Table.

On Feb. 2, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending TPS protections for Haitians, temporarily preserving work authorization and deportation protections while a legal challenge moves forward.

During the temporary reprieve, there is a need to continue to build support as a community.

For information, visit spokanealliance.org, creole resources.org, jasminministries.org and spokanefpc.org