WA Institute for a Democratic Future – June 6, 2026

In this Issue:

• Help us celebrate the Class of 2026 next Saturday!
• We’re looking for a few individuals to join our board of directors!
• Our Jobs List-Serv has over 100 subscribers!

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Help us celebrate the Class of 2026 next Saturday!

As the Class of 2026 gears up for their last full weekend together in Spokane, I wanted to share some exciting updates about next Saturday’s graduation! Surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of our Washington landscape, we’ll come together to celebrate this remarkable class and honor the many individuals who have made it special.

We’re thrilled to have Shasti Conrad, Chair of the Washington Democratic Party, as this year’s keynote speaker, and Xavier Ajeto will also deliver a speech on behalf of the Class of 2026.

We’ll take a moment to thank the outgoing board members for their dedicated service over the years.

Get ready to celebrate and honor some fantastic awards:

•  This year, we’re introducing the Board Member of the Year award, shining a spotlight on Meadow Johnson ’09 for her 12 years of outstanding service – her contributions for over a decade are as inspiring as our Cascade peaks!
• We’re also excited to present the Community Partner of the Year award to the Washington Education Association, whose steadfast support and partnership with WAIDF over the past year have truly made a difference.
• Finally, a big congratulations to Jac Archer ’18, our Alumni of the Year, whose ongoing advocacy for Spokane, especially for immigrants, continues to fight for civil rights and dignity for all.

On behalf of Landon, our Program Director, the board of directors, we all look forward to seeing you at a festive and celebratory evening on June 13, filled with good food and drinks, camaraderie, seeing friends, and perhaps making new ones, and celebrating the Class of 2026!

-Emily

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We’re looking for a few individuals to join our board of directors!

As a working board, board members work hand in hand year-round with staff to fulfill the organization’s mission, including organizing and executing our signature six-month annual fellowship and alumni events.

Read the Prospective Board Member Packet here: https://bit.ly/4dG70OE

Application link and details here: https://bit.ly/4u2GCU0

Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 26.

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Our Jobs List-Serv has over 100 subscribers!

Since relaunching our WAIDF Jobs List-Serv in February, over 40 job, internship, and fellowship opportunities have been shared with the greater WAIDF network.

Share opportunities ranging from internal roles within your organization to ones that catch your eye, like internships and fellowships, through the WAIDF Jobs List-Serv.

Once signed up, anyone can share the opportunity by emailing jobs@democraticfuture.org. We ask that you include pertinent details (e.g., who the employer/hiring entity is, a link or PDF of the opportunity, and your relationship to the opportunity (if any).

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