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 addressed an all-member meeting on Dec. 9, followed by an evening reception with board members and committee leads, hosted by Sue Irwin, Spokane co-president with Ruth May. While in Spokane, Crowley 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 in 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 Washington state elections and the conversation was lively,” Crowley said.

She said workshop participants 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 focused on government and public policy, and 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."