WA Institute for a Democratic Future – October 19, 2025

I hope you’re doing well and finding at least a little time to breathe amidst all of the work that keeps our movement going. I’m reaching out because I think your members might be interested in a program that has helped shape many of the Democratic leaders serving our state today.

I serve on the board of the Washington Institute for a Democratic Future (WAIDF), a six-month fellowship that’s been training and connecting emerging progressive leaders for more than 25 years. Our alumni include hundreds of people who’ve gone on to serve as elected officials, campaign staff, labor and nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, and community organizers, from local boards to the state legislature and beyond.

Our 2026 fellowship applications are now open, and we’re eager to reach people who are passionate about making a difference but may not yet know about WAIDF. The program is ideal for people early in their careers, people looking to make a career change, engaged community members who want to increase their impact, or for those exploring how to get involved in public service, campaigns, or advocacy.

At a time when so much is at stake for our democracy and when so many are asking, “What can I do to help?”  WAIDF offers a place to learn, connect, and take action in a way that builds lasting impact.

To help prospective applicants learn more, we’re hosting several upcoming info sessions across the state (and online):

Upcoming Info Sessions

• Oct 19 | 5–7 p.m. | Métier Brewing – Seattle, WA 
• Oct 22 | 6–8 p.m. | Spokane Club – Spokane, WA
• Oct 23 | 6–8 p.m. | The Bus Stop – Olympia, WA
• Oct 28 | 6–8 p.m. | The Living TapRoom – Tacoma, WA
• Oct 30 | 7–8 p.m. | Virtual on Zoom

You can find details about the fellowship here: https://democraticfuture.org/our-program/

And apply here:https://democraticfuture.org/apply/

• Regular deadline: Tuesday, November 11th at 11:59 p.m.
• Late deadline (with additional fee): Tuesday, November 18th at 11:59 p.m.

We also would be deeply grateful if you could help us spread the word by:

• Announcing the fellowship and info sessions in your next meeting or newsletter, and
• Sharing our links on your social media channels.

I’ve added some suggested language and images (after my signature block) that you can use in your newsletter or in posts.

Furthermore, we have opportunities for folks to stay involved with WAIDF even if they’re not applying this year, including our rebooted study missions (next up: Arizona in November, applications still open!), limited spaces for community members to join our classes for programming weekends in places like D.C. and Long Beach, WA, or at events like our Election Recap. 

Thank you for all you do, for building community, protecting our democracy, and helping grow the next generation of leaders our movement needs.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or our executive director, Emily Wicks (emily@democraticfuture.org) if you have any questions, comments, or ideas. 

In solidarity,

Meadow Johnson

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