Local governments have the most direct impact on our lives, which is why it is so vitally important to vote in local elections. November’s ballot will have a number of local races for voters to decide.  

Volunteers at our candidate forums often mention that watching a forum has determined the candidate they ultimately voted for. You can glean so much from hearing candidates answer tough questions and observing their demeanor.  Everyone can see this for the 2023 General Election candidate forums.  

So before filling out your ballot, watch the forums available on our webpage at LWV Candidate Forums - League of Women Voters of Thurston County (lwvthurston.org).  Better yet, watch with a friend or a family member and tell everyone you know about them! 

Forums available for viewing are:

1. Port of Olympia, Commissioner Districts 1, 4 & 5
2. Thurston County Commissioner Districts 4 & 5 
3. Lacey City Council, Positions 2 & 3 
4. Olympia Mayor
5. Tenino Mayor
6. North Thurston School Board, Districts 1,4 & 5
7. Griffin School Board, Districts 1 & 4 
8. Olympia School Board, Districts 1, 2 & 4

 

These forums reflect our commitment to ensuring that all voters have the information they need to be informed voters.  We are a non-partisan organization; the League never supports candidates for office or political parties.  

It is the Board of Directors’ responsibility that the resources are available to continue our work. The LWVTC has two main areas of work which are education and advocacy. The structure of all leagues is to have both an education fund which is 501(c)3 so any donations are tax deductible and an operating (advocacy) fund which is a 501(c)4 so donations are not tax detectable.  

 

A substantial amount of our members’ annual dues are sent to the state and national leagues. They both do important work, and we are proud to support their efforts.  This means that we need to do some fundraising to stay afloat.  In the past we had two fundraisers, an annual luncheon in the spring and every other year a yard sale in the summer.  During COVID we were not able to have these events and we got a bit behind in our fundraising efforts. 

Thank you to everyone who donated and to all our members who continue to support us in a multitude of ways. You make our work possible!

For the 29th year, the YWCA of Olympia seeks to honor and celebrate inspiring women during their annual Women of Achievement Gala on Nov. 4.  Join them in honoring the amazing accomplishments and contributions of women in their professional work or in service to the community.

 

This year’s honoree is Mauricea Warnick and the keynote speaker is Dr. Thelma Jackson.

The YWCA of Olympia Women of Achievement Award was established in 1994 and is one of the most prestigious honors for women in the South Sound. The mission of YWCA is to eliminate racism and sexism, to advance the political, social and economic status of all women and girls and embody our vision of a world where all people are valued, live free from oppression and thrive in a just society. This award honors women who align with that mission, embody outstanding leadership qualities, and are exceptionally committed to their community or profession.

 

Along with efforts by Voter Services, the Freshwater Futures and Tribal Update Studies (see the Tribal Study here and Water Study here) and the Untold Story Project, we have reached more diverse communities, expanding our efforts to Empower Voters and Protect Democracy AND addressing climate crisis and racial injustice. In the December Voter, you’ll see a report detailing actions, events and community connections since forming the DEI & Justice Committee. 

As we reflect on ways we’ve carried out the Committee’s work, we ask, “What is our membership’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion?” The organization is the membership and we’re all volunteers. As we see increasing attacks on democracy, civil and voting rights, book bans and attempts to erase our shared history – we need more than a committee meeting once a month to activate our organization.  

Help us form a strategic plan to engage more members for next stages and to activate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice starting in 2024.

Please join us! Email me at cgosslwv.tc@gmail.com  for Zoom link or for more information.

It reflects the organizers’ goal to inspire and nurture the excitement and dedication of Latino/a/x students in pursuing education and career-focused dreams. Through inspirational speakers, enlightening workshops, and invaluable connections with peers and educators, students not only gain access and resources to thrive in higher education but also witness the incredible achievements of Latinx graduates and leaders who believe in their potential. This year's summit will feature journalist Jenny Castro as the keynote speaker. 

 

The Latinx Youth Summit is proudly presented every year by the Hispanic Roundtable and organized in collaboration with many academic and community partners and sponsors, including our rotating host schools; Centralia College, Grays Harbor College, Saint Martin’s University, South Puget Sound Community College and The Evergreen State College. Holding this event at our community’s local colleges helps students envision themselves taking the next step into an exciting future, building the bridge between high school and college.

 Students register and attend with their cohorts and chaperones from their high schools. Student, educator, and volunteer registration for Latinx Youth Summit 2023 is free and available online at www.hispanicroundtable.org

This is the second year the LWVTC has joined the Hispanic Roundtable and other community co-sponsors to provide this opportunity for students to chart a map for their continued success. We’ll be there to promote the “Be A Voter” campaign and civic education via the textbook, "The State We’re In: Washington" – now available in Spanish!

You can help to organize legislator meetings. If you would be interested in setting up meetings and giving a brief orientation to League members who will be participating in legislator meetings for Legislative District 22, please contact me at cstewart@lwvwa.org. The orientation for League members will help them feel comfortable as well as assure that the meetings are handled efficiently and effectively.

There will be training for anyone who volunteers to help this way. It is offered twice to make it as available as possible for all Leagues. We will get the links out to those whose names are sent to me as volunteers.

10:00-11:30 a.m.  Saturday, Nov. 11
6:00-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14

For more information, contact membership@LWVthurston.org.

The council is looking for residents of Thurston County who have a passion for engaging in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work.  Community members who represent the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Resident of Thurston County, age 16 and older. 
• Represents members within marginalized populations, including BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color).
• Represents members with lived experience of racism, discrimination, or oppression. 
• Represents members who have been trained in the dynamics of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Able to commit to monthly meetings, generally two hours per month. Occasionally special meetings and additional engagement opportunities may be necessary. 
• Able to serve a three-year term. 

If you are interested in applying, please complete the Racial Equity Council application and email your application to the Thurston County Racial Equity Program Manager, Devi Ogden at devi.ogden@co.thurston.wa.us. For more information regarding the council and its goals, please read Resolution 16097 which established the Thurston County Racial Equity Council.