Southwest Washington Equity Coalition

Today's newsletter, for those who aren't on the mailing list: Well, Now What? I've just left a small circle of community who gathered this morning around a fire, drinking steaming coffee our host had made for us. We sat together, sometimes bewildered and speechless, sometimes on the verge of tears, and sometimes laughing. As I write this from SWEC's desk at the?Fourth Plain Forward Community Commons, my shirt smells of campfire smoke, and I'm thinking about the children I saw laughing and playing in the morning light as I left the group.? ? Some of us are in tears today, some are in action-mode. Some are paralyzed with fear, while others are already hard at work creating plans and pathways forward. Heck, some are still counting ballots and standing strong in the ring!? ? Everything we are feeling now is real and valid, whether we are are in action-mode, contemplating, or mourning. ? This isn't a letter about how things will all work out; it's not a letter about how we need to just find community, focus on local politics, or take the small wins. It's not a letter about dissecting the data, pointing fingers at who did or didn't vote, or about giving ourselves a pat on the back for defeating some really, really nasty initiatives.? ? I'm writing this letter to you today to tell you that SWEC doesn't have an answer for your questions. We don't have a magical roadmap to a new, fresh world. We don't always feel hopeful, and we often feel angry. We're just like you. We're just like you, because we?are?you.? ? We are undocumented. We are queer. We are Black. We are brown. We are women. We are scared. But - we are not alone.? ? In 2016, SWEC held space for community members to meet with elected officials, law enforcement, and staff to hold them accountable to keeping us safe. We'll hold that space again. In 2020, SWEC held space to train policy and decision makers how to make equitable decisions. We're still holding that space, and will continue to do so for our duration as an organization.? ? We need the visionaries, the storytellers, the disrupters, builders and caregivers. We need the healers, the guides, the weavers. We need us. ? We need all of us. ? And when you're ready, we're here.?

We choose worthy opponents because our cause is just. We choose worthy opponents because our communities are capable and able to guide us. We choose worthy opponents because we hold hope that a different, vibrant future is possible. We choose worthy opponents because the Master's tools (by themselves) will not dismantle the Master's house. We choose worthy opponents because we go further when we go together, and generative conflict is part of the journey. We choose worthy opponents because WE ARE WORTHY OPPONENTS.

ELTA is funded by a capital gains tax that only applies to ONLY 0.2% of Washington residents who make millions in profits off of stock sales. Voting to approve I-2109 means defunding ELTA by stripping $2.6 billion for public schools, higher education, and investments in the early learning and child care space. Giving mega-millionaires, and billionaires, a tax cut will shift more tax pressure on the rest of us. We deserve better. ? VOTE NO on I-2109! ? Paid for by Southwest Washington Equity Coalition, P.O. Box 2823, Vancouver, WA 98668

Voting is an act of love—a powerful expression of care for our communities and our collective future. Today, we condemn the recent arson attacks on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver and Portland, and stand firm in our commitment to democracy. These acts are an attack on our fundamental right to vote, but they also highlight the urgent need to safeguard voter access and ensure election security. ??If you reside in Vancouver and suspect that your ballot was damaged in the recent arson attack on the ballot drop box at 3510 S.E. 164th Ave., it is crucial to take immediate action. Contact the Clark County Elections Office at https://lnkd.in/gt2xK5ci to request a replacement ballot. ??You should also verify the status of your ballot by visiting voter.votewa.gov. Ensuring your vote is counted is vital, especially in this crucial election, so please act promptly to secure your democratic right. We want to remind everyone that today is the last day to register to vote online in Washington State. In-person registration is still possible up until November 5th. Our organizations, alongside allies across the Vancouver-Portland metro area and beyond, will continue to support those historically excluded from democratic participation, during the November election and into the future. We refuse to yield to intimidation, violence, or any efforts to suppress our voices, and we call for a deliberately peaceful process in electing the leaders of our future. We stand united. Read more: bit.ly/4eYbmiv Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund OneAmerica Votes Love and Justice Alliance NAYA Action Fund

Still need to register to vote? In Washington State, you can register to vote online until October 28. Follow the link to get started! All you need is your Washington State Driver's License. ?? https://lnkd.in/eHfqEBgA

Protect our families. VOTE NO on I-2124! ? I-2124 increases costs for working people, including nurses, teachers and firefighters, by eliminating Washington's long-term care insurance program. The Impacts of I-2124 if Passed: ?? Increased Financial Burden Working Washingtonians will face higher costs related to long-term care, risking deeper debt from unaffordable care bills and private insurance premiums. ?? Stripping Benefits Over 85% of current beneficiaries will lose access to the long-term care benefits they rely on, particularly affecting individuals with pre-existing conditions. ???? Greater Dependence on For-Profit Insurers The shift towards private insurance companies could lead to skyrocketing premiums and reduced benefits, creating uncertainty for those needing care. ?? Job Market Disruption Essential workers, including caregivers, may be forced to leave their positions to provide unpaid care for family members, undermining workforce stability. ?? Emotional and Financial Strain Families may experience increased emotional stress and financial instability, further exacerbating the challenges associated with caregiving and long-term care needs. I-2124 DOES NOT benefit working families, VOTE NO on I-2124 in November! Learn more here: https://www.noon2124.org/ #No2124

Action Needed for Our Environment and Communities! ???? Vote No on I-2117! The WA State Climate Commitment Act (CCA) was created by the Washington State Legislature in 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while protecting our communities and the environment. However, I-2117 threatens to undo that progress. Here are the impacts for Washington if I-2117 passes: ? Increased Health Risks: More toxic air pollution ? Reduced Environmental Protections: Key protections for our waterways and fish habitats will be endagnered. ? Funding Cuts: A staggering one-third cut to our transportation ? Cuts to Ferry System: Our already strained ferry service will be further disrupted ? Increased Wildfire Vulnerability: Nearly $30 million in wildfire prevention funding cuts ? Harm to Tribal Communities: Significant loss of funding for Tribal environmental initiatives ? Public Service Reductions: Essential programs for air quality, health, and safety will face severe budget cuts. Let's protect our environment, health, and communities! Vote NO on I-2117! #No2117 #WAElex #VoteWA Paid for by Southwest Washington Equity Foundation, P.O. Box 2823, Vancouver, WA 98668

With the harmful Initiatives on November's ballot in Washington State, we need your voice now more than ever. Together, we can keep our state safe from I-2117, I-2109, and I-2124. VOTE NO. Check your voter registration or register to vote at the link below. ?? https://lnkd.in/gfKZ76gG

SWEC is excited to share that we are working on developing a new leadership program for leaders who are committed to advancing racial equity! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us create a program that meets the needs of our community. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and share your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/g-f6sKm9

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Communities Together event on September 20th! It was beyond powerful to have nearly 100 leaders of color come together in one space, united in our shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community. Seeing so many passionate and dedicated people was a beautiful reminder of our resilience and potential when we were together. As some of these pictures say, "Voting is power," "I vote to protect," and "My son, my family, my loved ones." These powerful images strongly remind us to vote and use our voice for change. Don't forget to vote and keep the momentum going! Let’s continue showing up for one another and building the future we all deserve. Together. A full album of pictures coming soon. #Community #Leadership #BIPOCLeaders #Changemakers #SWWashington #TogetherWeRise #Vote