Local Leagues have eagerly taken up state President Karen Crowley’s offer to meet with them, with Crowley most recently visiting the Spokane-area League in early December.
"It has been such a pleasure to connect with members in this way. Some visits have been in-person and others virtual. But all have been inspiring.”
In Spokane, Crowley met with board members and committee leads at a reception hosted by Spokane co-presidents, Ruth May and Sue Irwin. She addressed an all-member meeting on Dec. 9 and took time to tour the Gonzaga University campus as a possible future convention site.
She’s also met with members in San Juan, Snohomish and Mason counties and Pullman. Next up, in January, is a Zoom presentation with members ofin the new League in Klickitat/Skamania counties.
“The creativity and scope of work being accomplished across the state is a testament to the power of the League,” Crowley noted.
Meanwhile, also in December, Crowley participated in the Leadership Snohomish County Signature Program, which held a daylong training.
“The day’s subject was Government and Public Policy and the conversation was lively,” Crowley said.
Workshop participants during the Elections Panel were looking to better understand ballot processing and election security. “They wondered how we could strengthen our democracy,” she said.
The panel Crowley participated in also featured Snohomish County Auditor Garth Fell and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.
Crowley described several approaches to elections and improving democracy, including ranked-choice voting and proportional representation. She challenged participants in the leadership program to be more involved, including by running for office and, certainly, by voting.
"A successful democracy demands our engagement. You give up your power if you do not vote. Democracy needs you now, more than ever."
