About Us » About Raw Network of Washington
Our Vision
Our vision is for every person to realize that they are the source of individual and global well-being and for every person to be empowered with information and resources for achieving abundant health.
Our Mission
Our mission is to increase public awareness of the personal and planetary benefits of the raw/living foods lifestyle; to be a "hub" of information and resources that help people identify, choose, and maintain a diet that is healthy, ethical, and sustainable; and to be a community leader that keeps the raw foods movement growing, vibrant, and alive!
Values
Service. We come together to be of service to our community. We listen carefully and respond to the needs our members.
Sustainability. We value sustainability on all levels, from food production to ecological practices, and the structures within our organization.
Education. We are an organization that is committed to learning, personal development, and educating the community we serve. We empower community members with knowledge to make informed choices to achieve extraordinary health and vitality.
Community. We provide opportunities for people to come together to share their experiences with the raw/living foods lifestyle in a supportive and fun environment.
Integrity. We are professional and honest in our working relationships. We strive for equity and fairness in our decision-making and in our treatment of one another. We honor our commitments and hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical and performance standards.
Acceptance. As an organization, we accept all people and do not make judgments based on personal ethical standards. We welcome new perspectives, ideas, and the opinions of others.
Abundance. We are a part of the natural flow of abundance in the universe and trust that we will be provided for and nourished.
Our Goal - A Raw Community Center!
To fulfill our mission and vision, we are planning to open the world's first raw foods community center to service our community. The community center will be located in Seattle, Washington, and will offer the following:
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An educational library with materials that can be checked out
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Seminars on health topics related to achieving optimal health
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Motivational support meetings
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Raw food preparation classes
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Inspirational movie screenings
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Social events
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Potlucks
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An information/referral telephone line
We will expand our presence to the greater community by setting up informational booths at events such as local farmer's markets, street fairs, and local and national conferences.
Testimonials
"I view the Raw Network of Washington as a sign of a positive shift in consciousness in the field of health. I am so glad that people like Monika and her mother exist in this world. Now people in Washington can find a wealth of information about how to make and sustain healthy eating choices. Hopefully this initiative will spread to the rest of the world."
-Victoria Boutenko, Author of Green for Life, 12 Steps to Raw Foods and Raw Family
"I see Raw Network of Washington as the future in the Health Movement. They have shown me their plans I am I very impressed and also excited. It is my prayer that others with learn from the great vision Monika has, which will help so many people. The new community center they are working on will change the way people look at health and happiness."
-Paul Nison, Author of The Raw Life and Health According to the Scriptures
About the Founder
Monika Kinsman, 27, is the Executive Director and Founder of Raw Network of Washington. Monika first began experimenting with raw foods after spending a week at Hippocrates Health Institute in 2004 after her mother, Karen, had developed lung cancer and invited Monika to go with her to be of support. In December 2005, Monika decided to "go raw" full-time, and has been eating about 80% raw foods for the past two years. Since going raw, Monika has lost 60 pounds, her cholesterol has gone from a high-303 to 200, and she has more energy than ever!
In addition to overseeing the development of
Raw Network of Washington, Monika works full-time at the Seattle Police Department, where she supervises approximately
90 volunteers on the Domestic
Violence Victim Support Team.
Monika's educational background includes a Master of Science degree in Organization Development
(OD), a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Management, and a Bachelor's degree in Law and Justice.
Monika
sees herself as a "change agent" and has personal
plans to open
Washington State's first raw foods grocery store in Seattle
in conjunction with the opening of the Raw Network of
Washington's community center. Monika brings joy and
connectedness with her wherever she goes and enjoys new
challenges.
About this Website
This resource site was created prior to Raw Network of Washington's incorporation as a gift to the raw community in July 2006 by Monika Kinsman and Heather Larson. Heather Larson, this website's programmer, was introduced to raw foods and the Seattle raw food community after meeting Monika. After discovering their shared passions for progressive community-building, technology, and eating avocados with a spoon, Monika and Heather decided to create this site together as a gift to the raw foods community (about six months before Raw Network of Washington was incorporated). Heather currently works at the University of Washington and has a professional background in educational and clinical research, training, and online services; and a not-so-professional background in music-, tree-, and avocado-loving.
Get Involved!
Raw Network of Washington is a 100% volunteer-based organization, and does not have any paid staff members. Thus, volunteers are critical for carrying out our mission and vision. To learn more about volunteering, click here.
Donations Welcome!
Raw Network of Washington is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our public charity status is as a 170(b)(1)(a)(vi) corporation. Donations are accepted online (via PayPal). Simply click on "Give Now" below. Many thanks!
