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Ag and Rural Caucus Call to Meeting, March 2023

Posted on March 19, 2023

I am proud to introduce Walla Walla and Dayton leaders in our child care meeting tomorrow. I think that this is the first time I have led with Walla Walla sources. Welcome them.

I have been less sparing with my Dayton friends. Joining us tomorrow is Shane McGuire from the County County Health District in Dayton. He led our “Rural Hospitals: Essential. Viable?” session last fall.  Those with good memories will remember, too, that we spotlighted Dayton in a face-to-face gathering at the Weinhard Hotel in the pre-Covid days.

You are all invited to join early at 6:15 pm tomorrow for a casual conversation and to meet each other.

Don
18 April 2023
Child Care in Rural Washington
Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin, YWCA-Walla Walla
Tabitha Haney, YWCA-Walla Walla
Eiledon McClellan Walla Walla Community College

Shane McGuire, Columbia County Health District

6:30 pm Thursday 20 April


Child Care in Rural Washington

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83419676203?pwd=NUo0NVVYOHU4Ky91RTYxa1Q0cjdXQT09
A family affair

Our meeting next Thursday, the 20th, is a family affair. Not just because nurturing of our children is at the core of our families, but also because I have asked my family partner, Anne-Marie, to head up the program. Anne-Marie has a story to tell about her organization’s current effort to provide services in Columbia County. She has recruited colleagues to help tell the story and generalize its lessons.

Most of Ag and Rural’s programming brings new and, sometimes, peculiar topics to your attention. This is intentional. Childcare, though, is something with which you are already familiar.  So, bring your thoughts to our meeting. Share.
 
Policy teaser:
“It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex” (Wash. Const., art. IX, § 1).

Why does the state not recognize a responsibility to educate its children from birth? (Child care is not financed as a public good like elementary education and secondary education.)

Don
13 April 2023

And how are the children?

“And how are the children?” is the Masai greeting signaling that “the well-being of their children is the best way to determine the future health and prosperity of their whole society.”

Investment in our children’s early learning is a priority for the Ag and Rural Caucus. We have attended – quite properly – to children at risk.  We have insisted on the social value of the well-being of individual children. This is not welfare; it is smart investment. The mental and physical well-being of all our children defines not only our values as a community but the social and economic health of our community as well.

“Child care” underlines this mix of the private and the social. Parents see care of their children as a family affair. Take a step or two back, though, and most of see the societal effects of how well our children thrive. The family and its care of children are the root of our culture. We as a people have a stake in how our children are nurtured.

Uncomfortable with talk of culture? Try the hard economics. The availability, quality, and affordability of child care affect families, employers, and their employees. Families have to make choices of one parent staying home to care for the children or having that parent earn enough on the outside to pay for “center” childcare, assuming that acceptable childcare is available within commuting distance. Employers struggle recruiting employees if childcare is not locally available. Do we pay enough for child care? Can local non-profits afford to meet state regulations and pay employees enough to hold them? Can families afford to pay for child care?

On 20 April we will examine whether rural Washington qualifies as a child care desert. Who in rural Washington provides child care, how do we know it is good enough, is it affordable? And who cares?

Don
22 March 2023

Resources:

ChildCare Aware of Washington: https://childcareawarewa.org/
CCA-WA is a primary source for data and advocacy.
(I have summarized the provider data.)

Center for American Progress:  https://childcaredeserts.org/
CPA maybe coined the term “child care desert.” Use their interactive map comparing poverty scores and child care availabilty by census tract. Look for the anomalies.

Department of Children, Youth, and Families: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/find-child-care
Cross reference with the CCA material. 

Copyright © 2022 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved.
Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee
Our mailing address is:
Ag and Rural Caucus
2921 Mud Creek Rd
Waitsburg, WA 99361

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Party Calendar

April 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    April 2, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    April 3, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing, 8804 W Victoria Ave # 140, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

•
4
  • B5 Learning Center Book Fair

    B5 Learning Center Book Fair

    April 4, 2026  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Columber Center 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Suite 700, Kennewick, WA 99336

    Join B5 at Barnes & Noble tomorrow, Saturday, April 4, for a bookfair! B5 staff and volunteers will host an information table, as well as a station to make your own bookmark, and several story-times. If you mention B5 at checkout, a portion of your sale will go to B5!

    See more details

  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    April 4, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community members in Hermiston for our No One Is Above the Law visibility action!
    On the first Saturday of each month join folks in fighting for accountability, democracy, and justice — reminding our neighbors that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy for an hour of peaceful sign-waving and community visibility.
    📅 When: 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 AM | 📍 Where: Corner of Hwy 395 & Highland (by Safeway), Hermiston, OR

    See more details

• •
5
6
7
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    April 7, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    April 7, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
  • John Duresky Town Hall

    John Duresky Town Hall

    April 8, 2026  5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    White Bluffs Brewery 2034 Logston Blvd, Richland, WA

    John Duresky Town Hall

    See more details

  • VoteBuilder Training

    VoteBuilder Training

    April 8, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    PCO'S with VoteBuilder account. Contact orgchair@becodems.org

    See more details

• •
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    April 9, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
10
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, March 13, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, March 13, 6:00 PM

    April 10, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland, WA 99353, USA

    Update! The host location has developed Strep Throat, so in an abundance of caution, we're going to revert to the Pasco Round Table location. Sorry about the late notice! We do still plan to have our presenter from Save Our Wild Salmon.

    As usual at the pizza location, Tri-City Democrats will order several pizzas to share. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group. Some of our generous members are likely to purchase pitchers of beer to share. If you want the salad bar or soft drinks, you are on your own for those items.

    We have scheduled the 'Save our Wild Salmon' group to come talk to us about the Snake River Dams and we will have 'Hate Has no Home Here' signs available.

    For full details, including the address, and to RSVP see: 

    https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/3140737007/

    See more details

•
11
  • 8th District lawmakers to host town hall on April 11

    8th District lawmakers to host town hall on April 11

    April 11, 2026  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    Columbia Basin College Gjerde Center 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301

    Residents of Washington’s 8th Legislative District are invited to attend a town hall meeting with their state lawmakers on Saturday, April 11. Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Rep. April Connors, R-Kennewick, will provide an overview of the 2026 legislative session and take questions from attendees.

    The meeting will cover key issues, including passage of a new state income tax, capital budget investments, the lawmakers’ opposition to the state’s proposal to site a home for sexually violent predators in Kennewick, and legislation that passed or failed during the 60-day session.

    Constituents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and share their perspectives on issues affecting their families and communities.

    “We’re looking forward to meeting with constituents, answering questions about the 2026 session, hearing directly about the concerns they want addressed, and discussing how decisions made by the Legislature will affect our district now and in the future,” the lawmakers said.

    See more details

  • Stitch & Story Circle

    Stitch & Story Circle

    April 11, 2026  1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA

    Join our Indivisible Tri-Cities book and knitting club every month at the Richland Public Library for a warm and lively meetup. All readers and crafters are welcome!

    📖Book choices include both fiction and nonfiction that are relevant to our goals of creating a just, inclusive, and equitable society for all. You do not have to read this month's book to join our meetup.

    🧶Bring a craft to work on while we chat, or learn a new one from one of our members. You do not have to be a crafter to join our gathering.

    👀There's no need to RSVP for a Stitch & Story Circle. This posting will be updated to indicate the exact day of the meetup and chosen book as soon as it's selected, so stay tuned!

    📫To learn more, please email us at: education.indivisibletricities@gmail.com.

    See more details

• •
12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    April 13, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    April 14, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    April 14, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
  • John Duresky Town Hall

    John Duresky Town Hall

    April 15, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W Victoria Ave # 140, Kennewick, WA

    John Duresky Town Hall

    See more details

•
16
  • Columbia Basin Badger Club

    Columbia Basin Badger Club

    April 16, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Kennewick Irrigation District headquarters, 2015 S. Ely, Kennewick

    Does the current water crisis in the Colorado River basin predict the future for Eastern Washington rivers?

    REGISTER HERE

    Most experts agree that how our principal river systems are managed will tell the story. Water is essential for continued growth and economic success for the region, which is entering its third consecutive drought year. Reservoir storage in the Cascades is far below average with little sign of recovery.

    The federal Bureau of Reclamation's latest water supply forecast says that irrigators in the Yakima Basin may receive less than half of their full entitlement this year. And it's not just Washington's eighty-billion-dollar agriculture industry that depends on water. The rivers provide water for our cities and industry, generate electricity, move all manner of commodities, and provide for our unique quality of life.

    See more details

  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    April 16, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

• •
17
18
19
  • Indivisible Tri-Cities Working Meeting.

    Indivisible Tri-Cities Working Meeting.

    April 19, 2026  11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Mid-Columbia Libraries - Kennewick Branch, 1620 S Union St, Kennewick, WA 99338, USA

    See more details

•
20
21
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    April 21, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    April 21, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    April 23, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • 16th LD Meeting

    16th LD Meeting

    April 23, 2026  5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81837917439?pwd=5kiSQvuTavDmrRe8Vazfbia3G2yvfb.1

    Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
    Monthly: https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUldO6hrzwuGd3-10krfe1QmS1Jo9tXBOs-/ics?icsToken=DJVFuCKh_Z4OoP_SCgAALAAAAFdu_ZAfRNNEgm3YY-r-IQJW5lTWuy29jBlclOVfmw-klIsBeuZV2F2PvUCBHbh0ht8yhdyefiR9fBmqRDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=AnaBeSvNSjeuG9ncdABDuA
    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81837917439?pwd=5kiSQvuTavDmrRe8Vazfbia3G2yvfb.1

    Meeting ID: 818 3791 7439
    Passcode: Dems2026

    See more details

  • Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    April 23, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    We’re excited to invite you to our February General Meeting on Thursday, February 19th!
    As always, we’ll kick things off with our community potluck at 5:30 PM, followed by the meeting at 6:00 PM.
    You can join us in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) or on Zoom. We’d love to see you in whichever way works best for you.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    April 23, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    Zoom Link

    See more details

• • • •
24
  • Community Whistle Packaging & Training

    Community Whistle Packaging & Training

    April 24, 2026  10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA

    Join our Indivisible Tri-Cities book and knitting club every month at the Richland Public Library for a warm and lively meetup. All readers and crafters are welcome!

    📖Book choices include both fiction and nonfiction that are relevant to our goals of creating a just, inclusive, and equitable society for all. You do not have to read this month's book to join our meetup.

    🧶Bring a craft to work on while we chat, or learn a new one from one of our members. You do not have to be a crafter to join our gathering.

    👀There's no need to RSVP for a Stitch & Story Circle. This posting will be updated to indicate the exact day of the meetup and chosen book as soon as it's selected, so stay tuned!

    📫To learn more, please email us at: education.indivisibletricities@gmail.com.

    See more details

•
25
26
27
28
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    April 28, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    April 28, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    April 30, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
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