In this Issue:
- Join the Class of 2026 on February 16 in Olympia!
- After the Weekend — Notes and Reflections from the Class of 2026
- Thank you for helping meet the needs!
- Interested in joining the board of directors or board of advisors?
- Host a fellow in your home or host an evening reception
- We’re bringing back our Jobs List-Serv!
Join the Class of 2026 on February 16 in Olympia!
Join WAIDF for our Annual Olympia Reception on Monday, February 16, at 6:00 PM at Mercato Ristorante.
Gather with alumni, supporters, elected officials, and community leaders and meet our impressive Class of 2026, who will be in Olympia that week. Our cohort of emerging leaders works across public service, advocacy, labor, and civic life throughout Washington State and can’t wait to connect with all of you.
Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting new people, this reception is about networking, great conversations, and strengthening relationships across the state.
We’ll provide light food, and beverages will be available for purchase.
Interested in joining our list of sponsors? Contact emily@democraticfuture.org for sponsor opportunities and details.
After the Weekend — Notes and Reflections from the Class of 2026
The first of the series of notes and reflections from the Class of 2026 is brought to you by Xavier Ajeto and Manousos Jacobsen:
Day 1: “The start of day one felt like a college syllabus day; my highlights were the introductions and getting to know everyone. The pace picked up significantly after lunch as we heard from Eric Liu on citizenship and institutions, Wil Johnson on equity, and Ken Workman on tribal affairs. We gained new perspectives on the challenges facing our country and left with a shared sense of civic responsibility and optimism about our role in the solution.”
Day 2: “Day two of our fellowship took us deep into the mechanisms of power. We dug into the weeds, breaking down progressive tax revenue and mapping out how institutional structures shape what’s possible in political organizing and government. We met with the founder Lisa Witter and reflected on the WAIDF’s mission to elevate young people in democratic politics. A highlight of the day was hearing from Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, who shared candid insights on running for office and turning progressive values into real policy wins. Our takeaway: meaningful change requires both vision and fluency in the systems that govern us. This is the work that our cohort will continue to build on in the months ahead.”
Thank you for helping meet the needs!
Thanks to your generosity, we were able to meet all of the initial financial assistance requests of the Class of 2026.
One of the most critical aspects of the program is ensuring access and affordability for all fellows throughout the programming year. From mileage for fellows traveling across the state to ensuring everyone can afford lunch, a contribution, whether it’s $5, $25, $250, or $5,000, helps ensure that every fellow in this program can participate fully. Your contribution keeps our tuition low, offsets travel, and opens doors for leaders who might otherwise be shut out of the full experience.
Every dollar helps us live our values: that leadership shouldn’t depend on your income.
Interested in joining the board of directors or board of advisors?
As WAIDF approaches our 30th anniversary in 2028, we’re growing — and we want you to be part of it.
We’re recruiting passionate individuals for two leadership opportunities: our Board of Directors and our newly established Board of Advisors.
Board of Directors
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Our working board is where your voice, expertise, and energy directly shape the next generation of progressive leaders. Directors collaborate to guide strategy, oversee our signature fellowship program, and build the pipeline of leaders Washington needs. We’re seeking problem-solvers with skills in governance, finance, communications, technology, fundraising, or program development. One position we are trying to fill is the Treasurer role. If you have a financial background or are willing to step into the role and learn the ins and outs of being a Treasurer, we’d love to hear from you!
Board of Advisors
Prefer to lend your expertise without the time demands of a governing board? Our first-ever Board of Advisors will serve as strategic thought partners for the road ahead. We’re seeking seasoned professionals who can offer guidance through quarterly meetings and flexible engagement.
Both roles offer the chance to make a lasting impact on progressive leadership development in Washington and beyond.
Ready to join us?
- Read the FAQ to see the differences between the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors
- Board of Directors: Cover Letter and Packet and Application Form
- Board of Advisors: Cover Letter and Packet
Questions? Contact Board Chair Francis Choe at chair@democraticfuture.org.
Host a fellow in your home or host an evening reception
WAIDF will be in Snohomish County and North King County for programming from Friday, January 30, to Saturday, February 1. Interested in joining us for a get-together to meet the class of 2026? Contact emily@democraticfuture.org for updates on where we’ll be!
As fellows, staff, and board members travel the state on a tight budget, we rely on our amazing alumni, partners, and friends to help make this program accessible and welcoming.
That might be opening your home, sharing a meal, or hosting a casual gathering after a long day of learning. These are often the moments when connections deepen, and the WAIDF community truly shines.
We’d love to know if you’re interested in:
- Hosting one or more fellows in your home, and/or
- Hosting or co-hosting a relaxed Friday or Saturday evening reception
If you’re interested or want to learn more, please fill out the Program Hosting & Reception Interest Form below.
Every offer, big or small, helps keep this program accessible, affordable, and rooted in community. Thank you for being part of what makes WAIDF special.
We’re bringing back our Jobs List-Serv!
We’re pleased to announce that we’re bringing back our WAIDF Jobs List-Serv!
To subscribe, either email jobs+subscribe@democraticfuture.org (no subject line or text in the body is necessary)or use this Google Form.
If you choose the email option, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your request will be approved shortly thereafter.
Copyright © 2025 Institute for a Democratic Future , All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Institute for a Democratic Future
401 2nd Ave S Ste 303
Seattle, WA 98104