SUCCESS for Evergreen Advocates Lobby Day!
Evergreen Advocates made a powerful showing at the State Capitol on Tuesday, January 20—and the impact was unmistakable. We wish all of you could have attended, but maybe next year?
This year, 23 dedicated Advocates came together to urge legislators to support the Governor’s proposed budget and eliminate the $2.7 million cut scheduled to take effect on July 1. In one day, our volunteers visited 17 legislators, carrying a clear and unified message: Evergreen matters, and any further cuts would be both harmful and unfair.
The 22nd Legislative District (Olympia area) brought the largest contingent, with more than 15 advocates in attendance. To ensure everyone could participate, we met with LD 22 legislators together in conference rooms—creating an impressive show of community support. In some meetings, legislators already had a strong understanding of Evergreen and the proposed cuts; in others, our advocates helped deepen awareness about the college’s mission, impact, and the inequities of last session’s budget decision. Across the board, we left feeling confident that our message was not only heard—but that it has legs.
A highlight of this year’s Lobby Day was a brand-new addition: a reception with legislators, advocates, students, and Evergreen leaders. The gathering was held at the “Castle,” a beautiful brick home near the Capitol—turrets and all.
The reception buzzed with energy and conversation. We were also honored to be joined by four legislators: Rep. Beth Doglio, Rep. Lisa Parshley, Rep. Gerry Pollet, and Rep. Dave Paul.
Attendees included many of our advocates such as Washington State Lieutenant Governor and Evergreen alum Denny Heck; Evergreen leadership—President John Carmichael and Vice President Dexter Gordon; three members of the Board of Trustees—Chair Miguel Perez-Gibson, Pam MacEwan, and Karen Fraser; seven members of the Evergreen Foundation Board of Governors; current and former faculty; and an enthusiastic group of students.
Together, we shared stories about Evergreen’s transformative role in students’ lives and recommitted ourselves to working with members of the Legislature to secure a budget that sustains a thriving, equitable learning environment at the college.
Lobby Day was a success because of the passion, commitment, and voices of our advocates. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and helped move this work forward.
Evergreen Advocates
