Civic Engagement

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Civic Engagement

Since 2014, Washington Family Engagement has been building civic power by creating opportunities for people across the state to connect, build community, and take action to strengthen democracy and support the well-being of all.
Parents across Washington are an untapped source of civic leadership. We believe investing in parent leadership yields a strong return because parents are role models for their children, understand what families need to thrive, and are deeply committed to building a better future. Parent leaders help create welcoming spaces where people build relationships, strengthen trust, and share ideas for civic action.

A PIPELINE OF LOCAL LEADERS

Washington needs leaders that are informed, inspired, and empowered to drive positive change we have met this need by creating the Washington Institute for Parent Leadership (IPL) a free, virtual program designed for parents to participate without leaving home or paying for childcare. Open to parents across the state, it helps them build leadership skills and learn how to advocate effectively in legislative and public-school systems while reflecting on how they can best serve their communities. During the program, parent participants meet and form community with other parents from rural and urban communities from across the state.

After graduating from IPL, participants join ParentNet®, our coalition of parent leaders who continue to receive support and learning opportunities from Washington Family Engagement.

CIVIC ACTION

IPL parent graduates attend public meetings and community forums, study emerging issues and recommend policy improvements to elected officials, testify before the state legislature, city and county councils, and school boards; serve on boards, commissions, and school committees; support voting campaigns; and run for public office.

Number of statewide IPL graduates in 2024–2025 who:

Designed and implemented civic projects – 52 IPL graduates.
Ran for public office – 5 IPL graduates.
Currently serve in Boards, Commissions or State Advisory Groups – 18 IPL graduates.
Testified or advocated in front of their elected officials – 24 IPL graduates.
Returned to school or earned job training certifications – 14 IPL graduates.
Were inspired to find new jobs– 20 IPL graduates.
Organized civic events in their communities – 13 IPL graduates
Graduated from WAFE’s advanced leadership training program The Parent Power-building Fellowship – 13 IPL graduates.

Summer Salazar, a WAFE graduate and PPB fellow, giving public comment at the Bellingham City Council in April 2026.

CIVIC EDUCATION NEWSLETTERS

WAFE helps parent leaders stay informed about public issues, government processes, and opportunities to participate in civic life. These updates are created to make civic information easier to understand and easier to act on.

Recent Newsletters:

Click the title to expand.

ELECTION EDUCATION NEWSLETTERS

Primary Basics
Explains how Washington’s Top Two Primary system works, why primary elections matter, and how voters can return their ballots. It also shares tools to help voters preview what will be on their ballot and find local election information.
How Do People Get on the Ballot?
Explains what Filing Week is, how candidates file to run for office in Washington State, and what steps are involved. It also introduces the role of Precinct Committee Officers, including what they do and how people can get involved locally.
Introducing WAFE’s Election Education Newsletters!
Introduces WAFE’s election education newsletter series and gives a simple overview of the 2026 election cycle in Washington State, including special elections, filing week, primary election, campaign season, and the general election.

LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTERS

Legislative session is over! Bills are now becoming laws
Explains what happens after the legislative session ends, including the Governor’s options for bills and how bills become law. It also introduces the rulemaking process and shares that WAFE’s next newsletter series will focus on elections education.
Legislative Update: Sine Die – The Final Day of Session
Explains what “sine die” means, what lawmakers focus on during the final days of session, and what happens after bills are sent to the Governor. It also notes ways people can stay engaged after the session ends.
The “Millionaires Tax”: What It Is, Why It’s Controversial, and What Happens Next
Explains SB 6346, known as the “Millionaires Tax,” including what the proposal would do, why supporters and opponents disagree, and where the bill is in the legislative process. It also shares how readers can find their representatives and follow the bill’s status
Legislative Update: Dollars and “Sense”: Understanding the State Budget Process
Explains where lawmakers are in the state budget timeline, including the supplemental budget process and the House and Senate budget bills. It also shares ways readers can follow or respond to the budget proposals and lists several bills of interest.
Legislative Update: Floor Votes and Town Halls
Explains how floor votes work, what the House of Origin Cutoff means, and why this stage matters for bills moving through the Legislature. It also introduces mid-session town halls and simple ways people can participate.
First Deadline Passed: Here’s What’s Next for Bills in the Legislature
Explains the policy committee cutoff, what it means for bills that did not move forward this session, and the next steps for bills that are still progressing through fiscal committees, rules committees, and floor votes.
Who Pays and Who Benefits? Making Sense of the WA State Budget Debate
Explains Washington’s budget shortfall and the debate over progressive revenue. It gives a brief overview of Washington’s tax system, possible revenue options lawmakers are considering, and how readers can learn more or contact their legislators.
Be Heard Without Speaking: “Sign In” on a Bill and Make an Impact Today
Explains what it means to sign in on a bill, how people can record their position without speaking at a hearing, and what information is needed to sign in online. It also highlights HB 1834 as an opportunity to sign in that day and lists a few other bills of interest.
This Week at the Legislature: What Committees Actually Do
A brief overview of what legislative committees are and why they matter during the legislative session, with an introduction to the committee room.

Your Guide to the 2026 Legislative Session: WAFE Weekly Newsletters
Introduces the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session, including the short 60-day timeline and expected budget challenges. It also explains what readers can expect from WAFE’s weekly newsletters and invites them to begin by observing committee hearings.

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