WA Institute for a Democratic Future – January 28, 2025

Posted on January 28, 2025

Reception with Snohomish County Leaders

Join us this Saturday in Snohomish at Angel Arms Works. Learn more about the former Saint Michael Catholic Church, which Karen Guzan turned into an art studio and gathering space here.

No sign-up is needed; just show up, mingle, and talk story with the Class of 2025 and Snohomish community leaders. Appetizers and beverages will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our mailing address is:

Institute for a Democratic Future

401 2nd Ave S Ste 303

Seattle, WA 98104

	
						
			
						
				
				
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				            Benton County WA Democrats
				        							Serving the Democrats of Benton County, WA
						
		
	

	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 3 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Your voice matters. The decisions shaping our neighborhoods, schools, housing, transit, and quality of life are made right here.VOTE NOW!You have ONE WEEK left to fill out your ballot! Election Day is on November 4th.			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 4 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		There has been a lot of conversation and questions regarding the City of Richland Charter Amendment Measure No. 1 (aka Richland Districting). Background:Since Richland was incorporated, 67 years ago, its population has more than doubled (from 24,000 to over 60,000) and its land area has significantly expanded (from 8 square miles to 35 square miles). In a nutshell:The current at-large system, which was adopted in 1958, means that everyone in Richland votes for all 7 City Council positions. Many citizens of Richland have felt under represented and argue that the city has outgrown its current at-large system. ✅ Voting YES on Measure No. 1 supports changing the City Council election structure so that five of the seven council members are elected by geographic district. This is intended to improve accountability and achieve more even representation across the city.❌ Voting No on Measure No. 1 supports keeping the City Council election structure the way that it is.Richland voters, the choice is yours. Do you feel fairly represented by the current system? Or would you rather have council members serve both their district and the city? -------------- Need more details? Here are some common questions:❓ Question: How were the districts created?Answer: The districts were created by following Washington State law using 2020 census population data and GIS precinct data layers. The district boundaries  are contiguous, and are equal in population. Council members serve both their district and the city as a whole, preserving teamwork while preventing lockstep conformity. - A Better Richland (ABR) used the state law (RCW 29A.76.010) and guidance from the Municipal Research and Services Center to draw the districts.- The state law requires 1) each district be as close as possible in population, 2) that the districts be composed of whole precincts, and 3) the precincts in a district be contiguous.- Each proposed district has almost exactly 12,000 residents per 2020 census data. The population of each Richland precinct (a geographical area defined by the state for electoral purposes) varies from 361 to 2,219 people. The whole, contiguous precincts for each district are listed in the proposed charter amendment.❓ Question: What is going on with the Proposed District 2?This proposed district takes that particular shape due to the population density in that area and the guidelines listed above (continuous districts with approximately 12,000 residents).❓ Question: Is this politically motivated? Is this gerrymandering?Answer: The proposal is a non-partisan effort supported by Richland voters across the political spectrum. Claims that districts are politically motivated or gerrymandered are completely unfounded. Check out the proposed district boundaries at abetterrichland.com and decide for yourself: experience.arcgis.com/experience/40eb8af4aef640b5a5cba2ef523b1bc2/page/Page?org=s-d-gSources:app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.76.010mrsc.org/explore-topics/elections/basics/district-based-elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZB...www.abetterrichland.com/charter-amendment-1 www.sos.wa.gov/elections/data-research/reports-data-and-statistics/precinct-shapefiles?fbclid=IwZ...			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 1 week ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Still not sure who or what to vote for?Here are two great nonpartisan resources:✅ TriCitiesVote.com is a nonpartisan, community-driven website that provides key information—including candidates' views, donors, and endorsements—to help you make informed decisions.✅ Indivisible Tri-Cities Voter Tool (linktr.ee/IndivisibleTriCitiesVoterTools) is a one-stop guide for local voters. From Essential Voting Links to Get To Know Your Candidates, everything you need is in one convenient place!And don’t forget to VOTE!			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 1 week ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Your presence at Saturday’s No Kings protest was powerful. Now, we need you to help turn that energy into action! The Benton County Democrats' General Meeting is where you can meet fellow advocates, learn more about nonviolent resistance strategies, and help mobilize our voters for change.🗓️ Thursday, October 23rd🕡6:30 - 8:30pm📍Round Table Pizza - Kennewick location(3300 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick)			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 2 weeks ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Let’s talk about School Boards. ❗Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland pay attention ❗School boards make important decisions about public schools. They hold significant power over children's rights, setting policies that determine curricula, extracurricular programs, student discipline, and how district funds are spent. Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland have some big decisions to make in this election. We’ve outlined some quick points on each candidate to help with your research but remember to read your Voters’ Pamphlet and to research each candidate (some of them have campaign websites that make their goals loud and clear). And don’t forget to VOTE!  Even if you don’t have children your vote could help your neighbors, family members, or the kids who sell lemonade down the street every summer. Remember, the policies and decisions made by school boards can have long-lasting effects on your community and its future generations.			
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	October 2025
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs October 2, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	3	4
5	6	7 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday October 7, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Richland City Council October 7, 2025 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	8	9 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs October 9, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details MiniVan Training: Democrats University MiniVan Training: Democrats University October 9, 2025 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy. See more details • •	10 Tri-City Democrats - Friday, October 10, 6:00 PM Tri-City Democrats - Friday, October 10, 6:00 PM October 10, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland Greetings fellow Democrats! This will be our last picnic of the season! We'll have a potluck picnic at the ranch (4501 W Lattin Ct, West Richland) at 6pm on October 10. There will be a firepit and patio heaters if it gets chilly. Many of the candidates that we're supporting will bring their campaign materials for us to prep and take home for distribution. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. See more details •	11
12	13 Benton County Executive Board Benton County Executive Board October 13, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details •	14 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday October 14, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Kennewick City Council Workshop Kennewick City Council Workshop October 14, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM See more details • •	15	16 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs October 16, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting October 16, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09 Please join us for our October general meeting happening this Thursday the 16th. We will have our usual potluck at 5:30pm and with the meeting starting at 6pm. Our meeting will be both in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) and on zoom See more details • •	17	18 NO KINGS Zillah Washington NO KINGS Zillah Washington October 18, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953 **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. See more details NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA October 18, 2025 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336 Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does. Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org. See more details NO KINGS Hermiston OR NO KINGS Hermiston OR October 18, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Safeway & Old Rite Aid on eith side of the sidewalk by the light. East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838 In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. See more details NO KINGS Pendleton, Oregon NO KINGS Pendleton, Oregon October 18, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location Change to Goad Road Overpass 500 SW Dorion Ave Pendleton, OR 97801 In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. See more details NO KINGS Walla Walla NO KINGS Walla Walla October 18, 2025 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362 In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. See more details • • • • •
19	20	21 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday October 21, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Richland City Council October 21, 2025 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	22 BADGER FORUM: Homeless: More Need, Fewer Resources BADGER FORUM: Homeless: More Need, Fewer Resources October 22, 2025 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=292796115095 Across Benton and Franklin Counties, the need is growing—but the resources aren’t. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to provide shelter, food, addiction recovery, and mental health support. Yet even their combined efforts fall short of meeting the full scope of the crisis. So, what happens when the system can’t reach everyone? What do we do when the need shows up not in a spreadsheet, but on the corner holding a cardboard sign? We'll consider that question and more at our WEDNESDAY, October 22 Forum. See more details •	23 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs October 23, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details BCDCC General Public Meeting BCDCC General Public Meeting October 23, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details • •	24	25 HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser October 25, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does. Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org. See more details •
26 Indivisible Tri-Cities Working Meeting Indivisible Tri-Cities Working Meeting October 26, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Mid-Columbia Library - Kennewick 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338 Join us for our monthly meeting, we will be talking about all things immigration and what our local organizations are doing. We will find out ways to help. And, of course, come together in community and make plans for future events including elections and get out the vote. Would love to see you all there. See more details •	27	28 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday October 28, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Workshop Richland City Council Workshop October 28, 2025 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 October 30, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	31