Annual Lobby Week, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Washington Lobby Team for League members only, will be Jan. 26-29.

During the daytime that week, members in local Leagues throughout Washington will have the opportunity to meet with their state legislators via Zoom to urge legislative support for League positions.

Evenings, again only for League members, will feature Zoom presentations by Lobby Team members detailing key issues the state Legislature is expected to address this session.

Register here for the week’s events.

Initial planning for the week assumes the lack of financial resources will permeate all discussions, said Cynthia Stewart, LWVWA Advocacy chair. Also, likely to be key will be the effects of federal changes to Medicaid, the continued lack of affordable housing and climate change.

Legislation related to these and other issues such as democracy, immigrants, criminal justice and more also will be discussed, along with talking points for all issues that League members can use for their meetings.

Stewart said the week’s training and interactions represent considerable hours of investment by both those organizing and presenting the sessions and those who attend seeking both information and a chance to meet with their state senators and representative.  

“The whole week is a bit of a laborious effort, but it’s well worth our time as it means more of us can make a difference in our laws and in our state’s future,” she said.

Stewart also said members interested in participating are welcome to pick and choose which sessions they attend and that it’s well understood that members have other commitments beyond the League.

“Of course, it would be terrific if all members could attend all of the sessions, but we recognize, despite the League’s value, people have lives full of other relationships, responsibilities and activities.  Do what works for you.”