The Associated Recreation Council (ARC), in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, serves Seattle by offering a variety of recreational and lifelong learning programs, classes and activities. ARC, incorporated in 1975 as an independent nonprofit organization, supports this work through the ARC Board of Directors and a system of 37 advisory councils. Citizen volunteers on the board and advisory councils help to enhance the mission and vision of Parks by providing a connection to the community and advocating for the success of citywide recreation services. ARC is committed to remaining sensitive and responsive to the communities we serve. This is reflected in the way we design our programs and hire and train our staff. We have established an Equity Team to foster organization-wide awareness for race and social justice values through effective communication, idea sharing, consensus building and collective action.