At the state Convention last year in Clark County, members asked a critical question: "How will you use member dues to support local Leagues in this change moment?  

In essence, they were asking, "How will we build the needed muscle to deliver on our mission?"

That query came on the heels of a multi-year transformation of the League’s national organization that, among other developments, has brought about a modernization of its infrastructure — and, as a result, more funding from per-member dues being redirected to state Leagues.  

What has unfolded over the past 12 months, since the membership was asked those important questions? 

Two weeks ago in Lacey, at state Council, President Karen Crowley provided that answer in a presentation titled “Asked & Answered: How the LWVWA plans to support Local Leagues and Build Capacity.” 

Crowley said that the board, at a retreat last summer, began its response by crafting a plan to establish strategic priorities for the coming biennium, particularly as the Washington League, already with more than 3,000 members, continues to grow.  

In the past year, Crowley noted, Washington has grown by more than 650 members. 

The board identified the following priorities: 

• Strengthen operational infrastructure
• Grow financial resources
• Focus on membership and leadership development
• Enhance internal and external communication
• Increase statewide community outreach and engagement
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From there, beginning in September, an ad hoc committee of representatives from local Leagues and the state board** began surveying membership statewide to draft a more specific, tactical plan. They asked two questions: "What do you value about what we are doing?" and, perhaps just as important: "What's missing?"

“It took some time, but local Leagues clearly said they wanted more support,” the president said. “Very loud and clearly, you asked us to help reduce cost, risk and administrative burden,” Crowley added.  

“And now we are answering:  We know you need more and we’re going to give you more.” 

The survey, to which 19 of the state’s 20 Leagues responded, actually identified six areas where local Leagues want the state to focus: 

• Bulk purchases and financial support
• Technical tools and support
• Training
• Efficient and effective communications
• A policy and resource library
• A review of current services
  
  

After the ad hoc committee completed its work in February, state board members returned to the drawing board for more deliberation and discussion, recognizing that local Leagues want the state organization to transform from “a resource provider to an infrastructure builder,” Crowley said. 

In April, the board voted to take a number of steps forward toward this goal, including adding bulk purchases and financial resources for the following: 

• Reimbursements to local Leagues of up to $300 each for four years toward director and officer insurance
• Zoom licenses for every local League beginning in 2026-2027
• A $3,000 annual increase of Ed Fund grants to local Leagues
• Reduced Council registration fees for new members and scholarship support
• "Swag" at Council for local Leagues to distribute as they see fit. 
  
  

In the areas of technical tools and structured training, the board-approved plan has the state offering Canva and candidate forum training; expanding Membership, Engagement and Leadership Development training; adding more advocacy training; establishing a communications affinity group; and adding the services of a summer Communications intern.

Recognizing the importance of good policy and governance, state leadership intends to develop a library collection of best practices that local Leagues can use. Leadership will also explore new opportunities for communication between local Leagues and with the LWVWA.

The plan also calls for much-needed staff expansion, moving from an administrative director to an executive director and hiring a development manager to begin as a part-time employee and expanding to additional hours as revenue permits. 

Having reviewed the costs of publishing and distributing the civic education textbook, “The State We’re In: Washington,” state also is looking to hire a program manager. 

Crowley noted the cost of these changes won’t be fully covered by the additional revenue that comes to the state League as a result of the new national dues payment structure. That amount is estimated to be approximately $42,000.  

But she noted a number of board members also have come forward with sizable personal contributions to enable the transformation to go forward. “You have an extraordinary board,” Crowley said.  “Board members are willing to step up to help fund this because they believe in this.  They believe in this work.” 

Crowley acknowledged the changes will take time. “We’re starting a journey, and it’s a multi-year journey.” 

Crowley added, “Our Intention was to be grounded and responsive to what you asked for. You asked, and we answered.” 

**The ad hoc committee was made up of Robin Barker of Bellingham-Whatcom, Vallie Needham Huisman of Thurston, Barb Tengtio of Seattle King, Toyoko Tsukuda of Clallam, Sasha Bentley of Klickitat-Skamania, and Karen Crowley of Snohomish (the last three also represent the and state board).