"Focus is your friend" is a mantra a close colleague often shared. It was a guide star for her, and I feel it is a fitting reminder for all of us seeking to accomplish worthy work of any kinds. 

The LWVWA Board of Directors took this advice to heart at our July retreat in a facilitated work session, focusing on this question: How can we best meet the demands of the moment and build the capacity and resilience needed for a sustainable future?

We paid close attention to the resolutions passed at the LWVWA Convention, considered the myriad accomplishments over the years, and dreamed about the possible. 

Conversations were candid and thoughtful. We  came to consensus on these priorities: 

• Strengthen Operational Infrastructure: Review staffing and technology needs. Commit to adding capacity to grow the League's impact statewide. 
  
  
• Grow Financial Resources: New financial resources must be generated to support both LWVWA infrastructure and services to local Leagues. 
  
  
• Enhance Internal and External Communications: Tell a clear, powerful, ongoing story of effective civic education, engagement, and advocacy to League members and residents across Washington State.
   
• Increase Statewide Community Outreach and Engagement: Build deep, true, sustainable partnerships with democracy allies across Washington State

Now, with our focus, we take on the challenge of setting specific goals, timelines, deliverables and measurements. As board president I will convene a short-term team and invite three or four local League presidents to four meetings in September and October to craft the plan for the first two focus areas. I want to learn what's important for local leaders and learn what investments you would support. Please email me if you would like to participate.

Other board members will develop plans for the remaining focus areas, based on their portfolio responsibilities. Expect to hear more. We are committed to building appropriate capacity and delivering value for League members and the many communities we serve. The board invites your input on any of our five focus areas. We look forward to reporting on our progress over the next two years.

Karen Crowley, LWVWA President