April 30, 2026, by Tamara Filipović, Seward Folly Staff
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and the Seward Folly wanted to do something special to celebrate our incredible volunteer community here in Seward and Moose Pass. Throughout the month, we’ll be publishing Volunteer Spotlights that recognize Sewardites who embody the spirit of service. Each spotlight will feature one local resident’s responses to a set of questions about their passion for volunteering, favorite moments, and advice for those interested in getting involved.
Volunteer Spotlight #5
As April and National Volunteer Month come to a close, we’re delighted to feature one of our recent Seward transplants in this last Volunteer Spotlight. In just one year, Cosmo Andersen has inspired, brightened, and strengthened our community in a variety of ways through their volunteer work with numerous organizations and local events, including the Seward Pride Alliance, Qutekcak Native Tribe, Polar Bear Jump, Mermaid Festival, and the Seward Arts Council!
Photos by Cosmo Andersen
What is your name?
Cosmo Andersen
How long have you lived in Seward?
1 year
What is your history of volunteering in Seward?
I started volunteering within the first month of moving to Seward. I knew it was the fastest and most authentic way to form meaningful local connections. Just show up.
A lot of my volunteering efforts are concentrated around the Seward Pride Alliance. I serve on the Board of Directors as the Communications Director. I volunteered for the Polar Bear Jump, Mermaid Festival, and with various events hosted by the Qutekcak Native Tribe, such as the Native Youth Olympics. I also organized my own community event for Transgender Day of Remembrance and Community Potlucks as a way to respond to food insecurity caused by the significant loss and decrease of government food support.
In May, I will be facilitating Safe Zone Workshops on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the Seward Community Library & Museum. Safe Zone Workshops are an open space for allies – new and experienced – to come together to have open conversations about LGBTQ+ concepts.
In one sentence, please describe why you are passionate about volunteering.
Volunteering builds strong community bonds that foster mutual aid systems.
Is there a person or role model who inspired you to start volunteering? If yes, please explain.
Queer and BIPOC folks inspire me through their determination to keep working in community to build mutual aid structures that benefit the most impacted community members in a society that is convinced they are worth less.
What are some of your favorite memories or moments from volunteering in our area?
All of my volunteering opportunities have left me feeling more full, more energized, more inspired for the next project than the morning before. From watching the sunrise over a beautiful snow-covered field lit with luminaries remembering loved ones lost to cancer to seeing the joy on the face of a queer performer glittering in the spotlight. Uplifting each person to their fullest potential and watching the light from their joy and inspiration reflect back to our community is the most rewarding part of volunteering.
What is one organization in our area that you wish more people would volunteer with?
The Qutekcak Native Tribe. Indigenous communities are pillars for community building and resiliency. They are some of the most open and welcoming people I have ever had the honor of volunteering with.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone volunteering in Seward for the first time?
Just show up. You do not need to know how to do anything. Just show up!
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