29. February 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – February 29, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

Hey there — It’s Caroline from the Marketing Team at NDTC.

I am passionate about women’s history, especially following trailblazing women who risked it all to fight for their rights. I’m particularly struck by the incredible story of Chinese-American suffrage advocate Mabel Ping-Hua Lee. Despite a deeply racist climate that precluded her from full American citizenship, she continued to speak out against anti-Chinese discrimination within and beyond the suffrage movement. She was featured prominently at the national suffrage parade in New York in 1915.

The long history of amazing women’s activism was spearheaded by brave women like Mabel.

One key way women can make a difference of course is running for office in any capacity. Whether it’s a school board or comptroller position, these critical positions are where real change begins.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m inviting you to our upcoming So You Want to Run for Office training focused on women candidates on Monday, March 4. We’ve partnered with Elect Black Women PAC for a jam-packed training that will introduce you to the main things to consider in preparing to run.

Designed for prospective and early-stage candidates running for office, this event requires no prior experience! Even if you’re not sure whether you’ll run in 2024, we want you here!

Progressive change is simmering, especially at the local, municipal, and school board level in terms of women’s representation. Let’s keep it up!

Don’t miss out! Know a friend who would be a great fit for this opportunity? Be sure to share this program with them too.

I hope you’ll join us – and seriously consider running!

Caroline S.
NDTC Marketing Team

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Connect with us on social media!

28. February 2024 · Comments Off on Indivisible Rural – February 28, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

Join us for the February Rural Caucus Call!

Hello Raucous Rural Caucus, 

Whether you love your state legislature or feel like they have left your community behind, the February Rural Caucus call will offer you ways to meaningfully engage in your state’s legislative session. Last month we listened to your needs and you asked to learn more about bill tracking, proposing legislation, messaging/writing calls to action and how you can strengthen your voice in the state capital. We will highlight Indivisible groups who have built systems for tracking legislation and hear from one of NC’s best Call To Action writers! Join us February 28th, 8PM ET as we discuss “How to Survive Your State Legislative Session!”

Register now! We look forward to seeing you next week!

Indivisible’s Rural Caucus (Natalie, Cameron, Molly, Scott and Rachelle)

Indivisible Project
PO Box 43884
Washington, DC 20010
United States

28. February 2024 · Comments Off on Alliance for Gun Responsibility – February 28, 2024 · Categories: Announcements, Recent Events

OUR WORK IS PAYING OFF!

Last night, the House and Senate passed SB 5444 and HB 2118. This incredible step forward was made possible due to all of our advocacy efforts. Yesterday, we showed up in record numbers by sending 1595 emails to our legislators! The pressure is definitely on to prioritize GVP this year, but we’re not finished yet.

Now, our eyes are focused on HB 1903 and HB 2021. Both of these bills are CRITICAL for stopping firearms from flooding into our communities. Can you help us continue to break records by emailing your legislators now?

HB 1903 strengthens community safety by requiring the reporting of lost and stolen firearms to local authorities. Firearms are dangerous – especially in the hands of bad actors. Owning a gun is a huge responsibility, and losing one should not be taken lightly. Reporting gives law enforcement the tools they need to find and remove firearms that are in the underground market.

HB 2021 puts power back in the hands of the Washington State Patrol, giving them the ability to destroy confiscated firearms just like other agencies in the state. This will provide them with another option, rather than forcing them to sell crime guns back into our communities. Email your legislators now and let them know that Washington State Patrol should have the same authority as other agencies in the state.

HB 1903 and HB 2021 are logical next steps in eliminating firearms from freely circulating in the underground market.

Abdirahman (he/him)
Director of Communications
Alliance for Gun Responsibility

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194

24. February 2024 · Comments Off on Faith Action Network Yakima Advocacy February 24, 2024 – Update · Categories: Announcements, Recent Events

There’s still time to register for Advocacy Day in Yakima, this Saturday, February 24, 9am-3pm, hosted by Wesley United Methodist Church. Sponsored by Between the Ridges: Alliance for the Common Good, a new organizing project in the Yakima Valley, and co-sponsored by FAN, Yakima Association of Faith Communities, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, and other community groups. Goals include developing local advocacy, statewide advocacy, civic engagement, and mobilizing voters. Lunch and interpretation services will be provided, and donations accepted to Between the Ridges.

Please Register here and download flyers in English and Spanish at our events calendar.

We are moving quickly toward the end of this fast-paced state legislative session, and want to make sure you saw this opportunity to weigh in on a hearing for Rent Stabilization this Thursday:
Please sign in PRO here by Thursday 2/22 noon.

HB 2114 would improve housing stability for tenants by limiting rent and fee increases to 7% annually, requiring notice of increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, is scheduled for the Senate Committee on Ways & Means on February 22 at 1:30 PM.

If you haven’t been receiving FAN weekly updates, you can find them archived on our website under News. And if you are looking for more ways to advocate this session, you can also find links on our Take Action page.

I look forward to seeing you in Yakima this Saturday!

In solidarity,
Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

FAITH ACTION NETWORK
www.FANWA.org
509.492.2216


Faith Action Network
3720 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98134
United States
24. February 2024 · Comments Off on Faith Action Network Yakima Advocacy February 24, 2024 · Categories: Announcements, Recent Events

Dear friends,

We are reaching out to invite you to an Advocacy Day in Yakima, Saturday, February 24, 9am-3pm, at Wesley United Methodist Church. Sponsored by Between the Ridges: Alliance for the Common Good, a new organizing project in the Yakima Valley, and co-sponsored by FAN, Yakima Association of Faith Communities, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, and other community groups. Goals include developing local advocacy, statewide advocacy (with FAN staff), civic engagement, and mobilizing voters. Lunch and interpretation services will be provided, and donations accepted to Between the Ridges.

Please Register here and download flyers in English and Spanish at our events calendar.

We also want you to know that Rev. Eric Don Anderson ended his time as a regional organizer with FAN in December. His duties with hospice chaplaincy were increasing and he no longer had the time he wanted to devote to FAN. I’m sure we’ll still see him at community events! And we thank Eric for his service, teamwork, and deep commitment to justice.

FAN staff are midway through an extremely fast-paced legislative session, and we are getting ready to host FAN advocates in Olympia next week. There’s still room to register for Interfaith Advocacy Day, if the pass is good and you want to make the trip! If you haven’t been receiving FAN weekly updates, you can find them archived on our website under News. And if you are looking for more ways to advocate this session, you can also find links on our Take Action page.

I look forward to seeing you in Yakima on February 24th!

In solidarity,
Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

FAITH ACTION NETWORK
www.FANWA.org
509.492.2216


Faith Action Network
3720 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98134
United States
23. February 2024 · Comments Off on Alliance for Gun Responsibility – February 23, 2024 · Categories: Announcements, Recent Events

We are thrilled to announce that our 12th Annual Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 8th, at the Westin in Downtown Seattle!

This year’s theme will be Growing Together, which will spotlight our shared accomplishments throughout the year and unveil an exciting development at the Alliance.

Our luncheon generates nearly half of our annual operating budget, enabling us to advance policies and programs that save lives. Together, we can continue this life-saving work and ensure a world free from gun violence. 

In the upcoming months, we’ll share further event details. Until then, please RSVP to secure your spot for this year’s luncheon. 

Unable to attend? Your generous contribution in lieu will ensure the continued success of our mission. Donate Now

Warm regards,

Abdirahman (He/Him) 
Director of Communication 
Alliance for Gun Responsibility

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194

22. February 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training Events – February 22, 2024 · Categories: Announcements, Recent Events

Here are some ways you can take action.

All times Eastern


Connect with us on social media!

Paid for by the National Democratic Training Committee, TrainDemocrats.org, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

22. February 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – February 22, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

Good morning – Thank you for being a part of the NDTC community! Whether you’ve joined a virtual event or used a resource, we’re grateful for your support.

In mid-March, we have some exciting changes coming to our website that will affect the way you register for and join live trainings. While the procedure is the same right now, we want to give you a heads up on what to expect.

The biggest thing to know is that you will need a free NDTC Online Academy account in order to register for and access live trainings. If you have ever taken a course or used a resource, that means you already have one!

When it’s time to join, you will log into your account and access the training via your dashboard. If it’s been a minute since you logged in, now’s the time to double check!

If you do not have an account, you can register for free by using the following link: https://traindemocrats.org/login/

We will have more updates for you soon. In the meantime, double check your account login info or create one if you haven’t already!

We’re committed to ensuring a smooth, helpful learning interface for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a seasoned staffer looking to level up your skills, these upcoming changes will enhance your overall experience!

If you have any questions, you can always email our Live Training Team at livetraining@traindemocrats.org.

Thank you for your time,
The NDTC Team

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Connect with us on social media!

21. February 2024 · Comments Off on Kennewick School Board Passes Resolution Opposing Legislation to Enhance Diversity and Inclusion in Schools · Categories: Announcements, Recent Events

Kennewick School Board Passes Resolution Opposing Legislation to Enhance Diversity and Inclusion in Schools

In their special meeting on Tuesday morning, February 20, the Kennewick School Board passed a resolution in formal opposition to Legislative bills, ESB 5462 and ESHB 2331. These bills require the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to revise our educational standards to include the histories, contributions, and perspectives of LGBTQ people and they bar local districts from not using materials related to or including the study of the role and contributions of individuals or groups that are part of a protected class as established in public school nondiscrimination provisions.

They seem to be resistant to social progress in Kennewick.

We thank those who voiced their comments on this critical issue at the special meeting that found even school board members scrambling to make an appearance. Board members Galbraith, Valentine, Gledhill, and Miller voted for the resolution.

21. February 2024 · Comments Off on Benton County Presidential Primary Election Processes – February 21, 2024 · Categories: Announcements, Elections, Recent Events

Greetings,  

Greetings,

The Benton County Canvassing Board will be meeting at various times during the March 12, 2024 Presidential Primary Election cycle.  This is to advise you of the current ballot processing schedule and canvassing board meetings for this election. 

Commencing Monday, February 26th, 2024 the following processes may occur daily, depending on the level of ballots returned on a day-to-day basis. 

  • Drop boxes emptied
  • Signature verification
  • Prepping ballots for scanning
  • Scanning of ballots
  • Ballot adjudication/resolution
    • February 28 – Official Logic and Accuracy Test @ 9:30 am
    • March 21 – Pre-Certification processes begin for the Presidential Primary Election @ 9 am
    • March 22 – Certification of the Presidential Primary Election @ 9am

The processing schedule may be modified from time to time depending on the number of ballots received on a daily basis.

All election processes will take place at the Benton County Voting Center, located at 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland. 

During the course of processing, no persons except those employed and authorized by the county auditor may touch any ballot, ballot container, or vote tallying system.  We also ask that no photos be taken without the approval of the Election Manager.

To determine which processes are being conducted on a given day, we advise that observers contact our office directly.

Please let me know if you should have any questions.

Amanda Hatfield
Elections Manager
Benton County Auditor | Elections Division
2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd. | Richland, WA 99352
(509) 736-3085 ext. 5639
Email: amanda.hatfield@co.benton.wa.us
www.bentonauditor.com