Washington State faces great challenges and great opportunities. A new generation of state leaders will confront issues like the environment, health care, transportation, K-12 and higher education, and economic development. They will need the political savvy, policy acumen, and communication skills to make a real difference.

Action for Washington equips the rising generation of leaders to build winning coalitions, craft good policy, and communicate effectively. Participants in Action for Washington attend weekly training sessions in Olympia during the legislative session, taught by some of the state’s leading authorities on public relations, politics, and policy development. The program culminates in a weekend retreat in the Cascade Mountains.

Action for Washington was originally conceived in 1968 by public-spirited young civic activists Chris Bayley and Sam Reed. Action for Washington inspired a civil, constructive movement in state government that focused on solving problems, resulting in major government reforms and important new state institutions. Bayley went on to become King County Prosecuting Attorney and the founder of Stewardship Partners, and Reed was elected Thurston County Auditor and Washington Secretary of State.

Today’s Action for Washington honors the successes of its namesake. Washington State needs leaders who are passionate about serving their communities, protecting our natural resources, and advancing our system of free enterprise. Whether you can join our next class or support us financially, we hope that you will consider joining with us.