U-District outreach: Familiar Streets, Fresh Purpose
Acadia Vance and Frashia Njenga doing outreach in the U-District
By Frashia Njenga
On Thursday, June 4, my teammate Acadia and I headed out to explore the University District—an area we’ve passed through plenty of times before on our way to other parts of Seattle. This time, though, we weren’t just passing by. We were walking the streets with a mission: to distribute The Christian Science Monitor and share a bit of insight and global perspective with anyone willing to take a moment.
The weather was generous—moderate temperatures, blue skies, and plenty of sunshine made for a perfect day to be out connecting with the community. We covered NE 52nd St, NE 55th St, Roosevelt Way NE, and 11th Ave NE, weaving through the neighborhood’s blend of campus energy, cafes, and everyday hustle.
Familiar as the area was, it felt different today. Walking with intention shifts your perspective—you notice the little things, like who hangs out where, what kind of conversations catch people’s attention, and which corners are best for pausing to engage with someone new.
We handed out 100 copies of The Monitor—each one a chance for someone to look at the world with fresh eyes. While we didn’t get a subscription today, we left behind a trail of curiosity and potential. And that counts for something. Every “no” brings us closer to a “yes,” and every step is part of the process. Here’s to the small wins, familiar streets, and the sun showing up just when you need it.
By Acadia Vance
On Friday, June 5, we continued our outreach in the University District, focusing our walk along University Way NE, making our way down to 42nd Street before turning back. The route took us through a busy mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. We stepped into about 27 to 30 businesses total, some places weren’t interested, but others were more than happy to take copies of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly.
We were excited to get not just one, but two subscriptions today! One came from an ice cream shop, and the other was a renewal from a burger place (they said yes to a subscription last year too). Those moments felt like small but significant victories. It’s encouraging to know that our presence sparked enough interest to turn into ongoing engagement with the Monitor.
In total, we handed out all 100 copies we brought with us, distributing them to around 24 businesses. A couple employees even asked for personal copies, which was especially meaningful. When people connect with the publication not just as a passive display, but something they want to take home or read themselves, it reinforces why planting those seeds can matter. The mix of rejections and warm welcomes is becoming familiar now, but every day, those positive moments seem to shine even more.