Community Action

Operations Director “Dabber” and Security Director “Rooster” at the 2024 KCLS Rainbow Connections event.

Direct Action

The Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound’s mission is to empower communities by providing trained volunteer security teams as an alternative to police presence at events, ensuring safety while prioritizing dignity, de-escalation, and community care. We focus on protecting marginalized communities, fostering trust, and creating secure spaces where all individuals feel respected and valued. Through comprehensive training, collaboration, and a commitment to nonviolent conflict resolution, we aim to build a model of community-led safety that is inclusive, accountable, and just. Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound, is dedicated to providing community-led, volunteer-based security as a compassionate and effective alternative to traditional policing at events. We are committed to protecting marginalized communities by fostering safety through de-escalation, conflict resolution, and mutual care. By equipping volunteers with the training and resources needed to ensure secure and inclusive spaces, we strive to reduce harm, build trust, and empower communities to take charge of their own safety in a way that is just, accountable, and centered on human dignity. DAPS believes that safety is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Our organization is committed to providing accessible, community-led security that prioritizes the protection of marginalized communities without financial barriers. We value trust, dignity, and accountability, ensuring that our volunteer teams foster safe, inclusive spaces through nonviolent de-escalation and conflict resolution. By replacing traditional policing with community-driven security, we empower people to take ownership of their safety in a way that is just, compassionate, and rooted in collective care.

Goals

Providing accessible, community-led security that prioritizes the protection of marginalized communities.

1. Replace traditional policing with community-driven security.
2. Collaborate with organizers and local governments and/or event spaces in order to safely secure events.
3. Reduce harm, build trust, and empower communities; equip volunteers with the training and resources needed to ensure secure and inclusive spaces.

Medical Director “Canola” watches over the First Aid tent, alongside medical team members, at Trans Pride Seattle 2022.

Consultation

Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound (DAPS) does not and shall not discriminate in Board Service, Membership, volunteering, advertisement, termination, contractors, or any other conditions on the basis of race, gender identity, gender expression, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, illness, health status including HIV or other STI status, ability, recovery from addiction, citizenship or citizenship status, immigration status, employment status, economic status, national origin, ethnicity, creed, color, size, height, weight, veteran status, pregnancy, familial responsibilities, genetic makeup, primary language, religion or spiritual belief, housing or houselessness, experience surviving sexual or physical abuse, involvement in sex work or the sex trade, political affiliation, education level, union membership or other unlawful factors. DAPS strives to serve all areas of the diverse transgender and gender diverse community without exception.

Goals

Provide communities with the necessary information to better secure their events.

1. Consult and collaborate with organizers to assist in educating and procuring community-driven security to replace traditional policing.
2. Collaborate with organizers and local governments and/or event spaces in order to safely secure events.
3. Reduce harm, build trust, and empower communities; equip volunteers with the training and resources needed to ensure secure and inclusive spaces.

Operations Director “Dabber” poses with Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr, one of Trans Pride Seattle 2023’s headline Speakers.