WA Institute for a Democratic Future – January 6, 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026

In this Issue:

Win Kraken Tickets at WAIDF 2026 Kickoff!
Meet the Class of 2026!
We’re just $1,715 short of reaching our $10k Scholarship Fund goal!
Host a fellow in your home or host an evening reception

Win Kraken Tickets at WAIDF 2026 Kickoff! 🎟️🏒

We’re counting down to our 2026 Kickoff Event with our keynote speaker and labor leader, April Sims, and we’re excited to share a fun way to support the next generation of civic leaders while you’re there!

Seattle Kraken Raffle

We’ll be holding a raffle during the Kickoff for a chance to win three tickets to see the Seattle Kraken take on the Ottawa Senators:

🏒 Game: Seattle Kraken vs. Ottawa Senators
📅 Saturday, March 7
⏰ 7:00 PM
📌 Climate Pledge Arena
💰 Fair Market Value: $600 (for all three tickets)

Details:

🎫 Tickets: $5 each
⏰ Raffle Drawing: 7:55 PM during the WAIDF Kickoff
📌 Location: Rainier Tower, 1301 5th Ave #2600, Seattle, WA 98101
⚠️ Must be present to win

All raffle proceeds directly support the WAIDF Class of 2026 Scholarship Fund, helping ensure our program remains accessible to emerging leaders from across Washington State.

Special thanks to WAIDF Alumn, Brittney Bush Bollay, for donating these tickets!

Raffle tickets must be purchased at the event!

Get your tickets for the event here:

https://secure.anedot.com/idf/2026kickoff

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of community, celebration, and a little Kraken luck; all in support of building a stronger, more inclusive civic future.

See you at the Kickoff!

Buy your ticket(s) now!

Meet the Class of 2026!

Click on the images for a larger version

We’re just $1,715 short of reaching our $10k Scholarship Fund goal!

Can you help us reach our goal of $10,000 to support the Class of 2026 by Kickoff Weekend?

One of the most critical aspects of the program is ensuring access and affordability for all fellows.

A contribution, whether it’s $5, $25, $250, or $5,000, helps ensure that someone from Yakima, or Spokane, or a rural corner of the state can say “yes” to this program. It reduces tuition, offsets travel, and opens doors for leaders who might otherwise be shut out.

Every dollar helps us live our values: that leadership shouldn’t depend on your income.

Help us raise $10,000 by Kickoff weekend!

Contribute Now

Host a fellow in your home or host an evening reception

As fellows, staff, and board members travel the state on a tight budget, we rely on our amazing alumni, partners, and friends to help make this program accessible and welcoming.

That might be opening your home, sharing a meal, or hosting a casual gathering after a long day of learning. These are often the moments when connections deepen, and the WAIDF community truly shines.

As we plan the 2026 Fellowship year, we’d love to know if you’re interested in:

Hosting one or more fellows in your home, and/or
Hosting or co-hosting a relaxed Friday or Saturday evening reception

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please fill out the Program Hosting & Reception Interest Form below.

Every offer, big or small, helps keep this program accessible, affordable, and rooted in community. Thank you for being part of what makes WAIDF special.

Express Your Interest Here

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
				 
			
			
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		❗Richland, Kennewick and Grandview ❗February 10th (that is ONE WEEK from today) is the special election deadline, don’t forget to vote!!			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 5 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
					
				Port of Benton fires CFO weeks after executive director placed on leave
			
		
					www.applevalleynewsnow.com
		
					The Port of Benton has fired a member of its leadership team just weeks after its executive director was put on leave and amid demands for greater transparency in the
		
	


	
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 1 week ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		If you haven't listeneBruce Springsteensteen's new song or watched this music video we highly recommend you doing so.			
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				Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Lyric Video)
			
		
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					Directed by Thom ZimnyEdited by Thom Zimny and Samuel ShapiroProduction Footage: Pam Springsteen and Thom Zimny
		
	



	
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 1 week ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		We join forces to win more elections! It was a pleasure co-hosting with Franklin County (WA) Democrats for yesterday's Precinct Committee Officer training! And thank you to all Democrats from all of the legislative districts in the Tri-Cities who joined us.It was a packed house at tonight's Democrat Precinct Committee Officer training for PCOs from Franklin and Benton Counties. Others joined on Zoom.  It was an excellent training.  Many thanks to Ken, Karen and John for conducting the training and to Carl for tech support. 			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				  is at John Dam Plaza.
			
			
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		Dear Students,You should be damn proud of yourselves! You used your 1st amendment rights to stand up for your peers, your communities, and your nation. You have proven that young Americans will not be silent about the injustices happening around you. You have inspired us all and given us hope for a better future! Shout out to these incredible organizers:@kennewickhighwalkout @southridgewalkoutprotest @kamiakinwalkout @rhsstudentsforchange @hhsstudentsforchange_			
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	February 2026
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1	2 Posters for Progress! Posters for Progress! February 2, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838 Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action! There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table. See more details •	3 Tri-cities Protest Tuesday Tri-cities Protest Tuesday February 3, 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 February 3, 2026 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	4 Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco February 4, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there! See more details •	5 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs February 5, 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 •	6 Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour February 6, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Moonshot Brewery 8804 West Victoria Ave Kennewick Join us for socializing and having some fun! See more details •	7 No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally February 7, 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 Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace February 7, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM East Lincoln Avenue & Yakima Valley Highway Sunnyside, WA 98944 This a local Indivisible event hosted by Central Washington Resistance! Saturday, February 7th, there will be a protest from 12pm-2pm! We will meet on the sidewalk on the corner of East Lincoln Ave & Yakima Valley Hwy. In Sunnyside! Community, bring your 'No ICE' signs, your flags, and your voices! We are tired of I.C.E. bringing violence to our communities and this administration spreading fear here and in other countries! Please share… See you there See more details • •
8	9 Posters for Progress! Posters for Progress! February 9, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838 Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action! There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table. See more details Benton County Executive Board Benton County Executive Board February 9, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details • •	10 Tri-cities Protest Tuesday Tri-cities Protest Tuesday February 10, 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 February 10, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM See more details • •	11 Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick February 11, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338 Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there! See more details •	12 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs February 12, 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 •	13	14
15	16 Posters for Progress! Posters for Progress! February 16, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838 Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action! There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table. See more details •	17 Tri-cities Protest Tuesday Tri-cities Protest Tuesday February 17, 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 February 17, 2026 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	18 Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco February 18, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there! See more details •	19 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs February 19, 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 Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting February 19, 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 • •	20	21
22	23 Posters for Progress! Posters for Progress! February 23, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838 Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action! There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table. See more details •	24 Tri-cities Protest Tuesday Tri-cities Protest Tuesday February 24, 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 February 24, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	25 Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick February 25, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338 Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there! See more details •	26 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs February 26, 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 BCDCC General Public Meeting BCDCC General Public Meeting February 26, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details • •	27	28 Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities February 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Richland Public Library Conference Room B 955 Northgate Richland, WA You’re invited to our next Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities! Join us for a cozy, welcoming morning of book discussion, community conversation, and knitting or crafting if you’d like. See more details •