WA Institute for a Democratic Future – October 27, 2025

In this Issue:

• Welcome from Landon Labosky
• Applications due November 11!
• Two Remaining Connection Nights
• 🌵 LAST CHANCE: Arizona Extended Learning Trip 🌵

Welcome from Landon Labosky

Hello everyone! I’m Landon, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Program Director for the Washington Institute for a Democratic Future.

I am a proud Washingtonian whose career has been shaped by a love of service toward others, a deep belief in regular people’s involvement in their governments, and a lifelong commitment to making government function better for everyone. From leading policy initiatives to building coalitions that center equity and opportunity, my work has always been about helping people and communities thrive. 

Why WAIDF – Why now?  

Through graduate school, I asked myself, “Where in the country are there people who care as much about our civil service as I do?” Having gone through the WAIDF Fellowship in 2025, I can confidently say that I have found that group of people in all of you. 

WAIDF is more than a fellowship, alumni, and speaker network; it’s a movement. The six-month program brings together people who believe in the power of their actions and collective voices, and helps fellows identify various ways to make an impact throughout their communities – whether here in Washington State, Washington, D.C., or abroad. Being involved takes many forms, and WAIDF sheds light on the myriad of opportunities, organizations, changemakers, and community leaders that are impacting change throughout our communities.

What’s ahead?

Over the next year, I’ll be focusing on a few key priorities: 

1. Strengthening our curriculum: Updating and expanding our Fellowship Program to reflect today’s political landscape, continuing the work of expanding equity, and amplifying diverse voices across Washington State.
2. Deepening alumni engagement: In partnership with our Executive Director, Emily Wicks, we will work to expand our mentorship opportunities, hosting regional gatherings, and celebrating the impact our network has been making all across Washington. 
3. Building joy and connection into our work: Because joy is part of the movement, and we do our best work when we do it together. 

Let’s Connect!  

As I jump into this role, I am committed to connecting with anyone who has a thought about the program and where we could go to further advance our mission of progress in Washington. If you are reading this and have a speaker, issue, place, or idea in mind, please reach out! More ideas at the table create better outcomes for all of us in our great state. 

Together, we are not just training Democrats; we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more hopeful Washington for our collective future. 

With gratitude and solidarity, 

Landon Labosky
Program Director
Washington Institute for a Democratic Future
progdirector@democraticfuture.org

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Applications due November 11!

The Washington Institute for a Democratic Future (WAIDF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Fellowship Class!

In times of chaos, we organize. Because it takes all of us to build a better future and create an ecosystem of leaders in politics, business, government, and public service, working together for progress.

WAIDF is a premier leadership development program that has prepared more than 700 leaders for careers in public service, politics, advocacy, and civic engagement across Washington state and beyond. Fellows spend six months learning directly from policymakers, community leaders, and experts while building a strong, lifelong network of peers and providing the tools and knowledge to mobilize. 

What we’re looking for:
Applicants between the ages of 21 and 39 who are passionate about civic engagement, equity, and community leadership. Ideal candidates possess a combination of professional or volunteer achievements, unique life experiences, and a strong desire to contribute to Washington’s civic and political life.

How to apply:
The application includes a resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, with select candidates invited to interview in early December. Our process is designed to highlight your leadership potential, community connections, and commitment to equity.

Deadline: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

📩Apply today and take the next step in shaping Washington’s future.

Questions? Reach us at info@democraticfuture.org.

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Two Remaining Connection Nights

Come meet current board members and former fellows to learn more about WAIDF! Join us for a casual evening of networking, stories, and Q&A about how this transformative experience can shape your leadership journey.

Click the link below for venue information and to sign up!

• Tacoma | Tuesday, October 28
• Virtually | Thursday, October 30

If you know of a prospective fellow for the Class of 2026, use the link below to forward this email to that individual.

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 LAST CHANCE: Arizona Extended Learning Trip 

November 13 – 16, 2025 • Phoenix, AZ

WAIDF has an incredible extended learning trip planned in early November, and here’s just some of what you can expect:

• Visit to the AZ Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning & Budgeting: An inside look at Arizona’s state priorities, long-term planning, and how fiscal strategy shapes public policy.
• Lunch and conversation with Ruben Reyes: District Director for Congressman Raúl Grijalva & District Advisor to Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, for a candid discussion about border politics, and what representation looks like in one of the most dynamic regions in the country. 
• Behind-the-scenes legislative briefing with Arizona’s Democratic leadership team on coalition-building, governing in the minority, and advancing equity-driven policy.
• Meeting with Charlene Fernandez, Chair, Arizona Democratic Party and Former State Lawmaker, for a veteran leader’s take on grassroots organizing, candidate recruitment, and what it takes to win and govern, in Arizona’s shifting political landscape. 
• A conversation with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods for a forward-looking discussion on local innovation, housing, sustainability, and what’s next for Tempe’s dynamic civic landscape.
• Time with former Washingtonian and Political Strategist Rory Steele, Executive Director, Freedom to Learn Foundation & Intersection, exploring the intersection of education policy, freedom of information, and democracy in action.
• And of course, pool time, connection, and good eats! 

Get your application in today. A member of WAIDF will reach out with further details.

Don’t be the one watching Instagram stories with regret.

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Help Us Keep the Door Open for Every Future Leader

In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The pace and harm of national politics, the cruelty, chaos, and fear many communities feel, it can make it hard to know what to do.

But we can take action right now by supporting the WAIDF Scholarship Fund.

Your gift helps ensure cost is never the reason someone can’t say “yes” to the Washington Institute for a Democratic Future. Every dollar reduces tuition, offsets travel for fellows across the state, and helps our cohorts reflect the full diversity of Washington’s communities.

This season, we’re working to raise $10,000 by December 31 for the Class of 2026.

Together, we can meet this moment with determination, because every fellow we support is one more leader ready to defend democracy, strengthen communities, and build a more just future for Washington State

Give today to the WAIDF Scholarship Fund.

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