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Advocacy & Action

As a nonpartisan political organization, the League of Women Voters works to understand policy issues and advocate for those policies that are in alignment with officially adopted national, state and local positions. League Positions are adopted after thorough study and with consensus of the membership. Advocacy is simply creating public support for an idea, plan, or way of doing something.

Forms of Advocacy:

Lobbying: Lobbying involves direct communication with legislators to influence specific legislation.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Nonprofits can raise awareness about critical issues through campaigns, social media, and community events.
Coalitions and Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations amplifies your advocacy efforts.
Educational Efforts: Providing information to policymakers and the public helps shape opinions and policies.
Engaging in Respectful Conversations: As a member, reach out to others and be willing to ask respectful questions and share your values and goals.

Contact Advocacy Team Chair Dorie Belisle at advocacy@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org

The League does not endorse candidates or endorse political parties.

Action Alert!

The Advocacy Team is currently working to support three state initiatives and one local initiative. Please join us by voting No on all the initiatives and be willing to share your thoughts and conversation with others.

Vote NO on I-2109 to protect the Capital Gains Tax. I-2109 will eliminate $5 billion from childcare and schools over 5 year. It is a tax break for the wealthy. 99.8% of Washington residents do not pay this tax. If you are not a multimillionaire, chances are you will never pay this tax.

Vote NO on I-2117 to Protect the Climate commitment Act. I-2117 would repeal the state Climate Commitment Act (CCA) which is helping Washington meet our climate goals and helping reduce energy waste. I-2117 is a tax cut for oil companies and other large polluters. The CCA funds tax credits for good paying jobs and for cleaner energy installation of heat pumps and solar panels. The CCA funds transportation, including ferries and bus passes for riders under 18 years old.

Vote NO on I-2124 Protect WA Cares. I-2124 defunds the WA cares program, ending assistance to people needing skill nursing or home care. Like Medicare and Social Security, the WA Cares fund is a support program for WA workers. It covers short term home care and paid household caregiver costs. The WA Cares fund can be used if you are out of state and is a lifeline for the meddle class.

Public Bank, Pros and Cons

What is a public bank? Why would it be useful for Washington?

On April 15, 2021, the Voter Rights Issue Group heard a presentation about a public bank.

The presentation describes the movement for public banks taking place all over the United States and what is happening in the Washington state legislature in 2021.

The speakers includes Stoney Bird, Co-Chair of the League's Public Bank Advocacy Committee, and Dick Conoboy, who has written frequently about public banking and other subjects for Northwest Citizen.

Bellingham City Councimember, Michael Lilliquist, speaks about the resolution the council passed last year in support of a public bank.