WA Institute for a Democratic Future – August 11, 2025

Being alive right now feels like living in a paradox. We’re answering emails while the world unravels at the edges. People are struggling. Many of us are struggling. And still, we keep showing up.

That’s what this newsletter is about: how we keep showing up for ourselves, for each other, and for the future we’re building together. And doing this appears to be paying dividends; our people are running, our people are serving, and our people are winning! 

There is strength in support. There is power in community, wherever we find it.

Sometimes that’s online, cheering each other on, resharing wins, amplifying stories, and helping more voices be heard in a world trying to silence them.

Like highlighting Kari Bull (Class of 2025), Organizing Director of FairVote Washington, who landed a stellar Seattle Times op-ed on Ranked Choice Voting. Or Fatema Boxwala (Class of 2025), who launched Tech4Taxes, advocating for progressive revenue policies in Washington state.

Sometimes community means … showing up in person and celebrating our 2025 Fellowship Class while listening to words of wisdom from Kraig Cook (Class of 2018), 2025 class speaker Nichelle Curtis-McQueen, and Alumni of the Year, Brianna Thomas (Class of 2012), cheering on the Storm, the Mariners, and yes – even the Seahawks. Be sure to get your tickets for our September 21 game!

And, as always, community means doing the work. In our jobs, neighborhoods, and movements. Yes, your work matters. It shapes how we treat each other, how we serve, and how we move forward. Be proud of that. Be proud of yourself. And stay rooted in why we do this work in the first place. It’s working, even if slowly.

We don’t have to agree on everything. But community gives us space to grow, question, challenge, and support.

So, however you show up, whether it’s online, in the streets, or in a meeting room, keep showing up. Keep talking. Keep partnering. Keep asking questions. Keep celebrating wins, small and large. Keep supporting one another.

Because that’s how we all move forward, and that’s how we all win.

With gratitude, joy, and resistance, 

Emily 

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A Little History of WAIDF

WAIDF launched its first fellowship in 1997, born from Washington’s Young Democrats in response to a conservative takeover in the mid-90s. Republicans had seized control of both legislative chambers, pushing deregulation and cutting labor protections. Meanwhile, Democratic Governor Mike Lowry was embroiled in a scandal.

It all kind of sounds familiar, right?

By 1997, King County Executive Gary Locke was elected Governor, becoming the first Chinese American governor in U.S. history. Republican Slade Gorton won re-election, defeating Democrat Ron Sims for U.S. Senate, and Washington voted for Bill Clinton, who was re-elected in a national landslide. (Can we release those files, already!?)

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Join WAIDF as we watch the Seahawks take on the Saints on Sunday, September 21, at Lumen Field. Kick-off is at 1:05 p.m. and we will organize a gathering before the event.

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Looking Ahead

As WAIDF approaches its 30-year milestone, we’re seizing the moment to evolve, strengthen our foundation, and advance the work that drives progressive change.

This month, 11 new board members will join our 11 returning leaders, and we’re launching a two-year strategic planning process to grow our partnerships, strengthen alumni connections, and chart a bold path forward for progressive leadership in Washington.

Here’s what else is coming:

• A brand-new website
• Extended learning trips are back, and WAIDF is heading to Arizona! Join us from November 13 to 16. Apply HERE!
• WAIDF Field Trips!? Yes, those are coming, too! Share your ideas!
• Welcoming up to 32 new fellows in the 2026 WAIDF Class (Applications open September 1)

We want to meet with and hear from you!

Have ideas, want to reach out, want to find ways to support our shared goals, let’s connect! Email Emily at emily@democraticfuture.org.

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Go Further

And if you’re already in, take your impact a step further. Make a monthly contribution to WAIDF and help our state build a powerhouse of progressive leadership and a better Washington and democratic future for all.

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Recognize our WAIDF Alumni

We’re bringing back our Alumni Spotlight to celebrate the incredible work WAIDF grads are doing across Washington and beyond.

Know an alum who’s making waves, building community, or has a story that inspires? We want to hear about it!

✨Nominate them today → https://secure.anedot.com/idf/alumnispotlight

Let’s lift each other up — and show the world what WAIDF alumni are made of.

The world may feel unstable right now, but within that instability lies the chance to build something better. Our job is to recognize those moments—and act.