How Four WFA Funded Agencies Rocked the Vote
December Grantee Briefing
In part to the tremendous work of four WFA funded agencies, women's votes and participation played a significant role in this election! On December 2nd, WFA supporters came together to hear first hand how our Civic Engagement & Leadership Development grantees empowered and engaged women in this year's politic process. Take a moment to watch a 90-second video from OneAmerica and hear from three immigrant women who voted for the very first time in 2008.
"Women made up 53% of the votes in the last election."
–Institute for Women's Policy Research
This was an inspiring and informative post-election dialog with a myriad of women who spoke candidly about becoming involved in the voting process, how that affected their lives and, as a result, how they were inspired to not only continue, but expand their involvement!
WFA grantees Equal Rights Washington, OneAmerica, Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights (POWER) and Statewide Poverty Action Network reported that the funds from WFA were imperative to their programs and what they were able to accomplish. Equal Rights Washington had such success with their two-day leadership training institute for LBTQ women; they have decided to implement it as a permanent program regardless if they receive further funding!
"More African American women voted in this presidential election than in any other."
–Institute for Women's Policy Research
This event was a follow-up to WFA's first briefing in June with these same grantees, where supporters initially learned of the grants and the program goals of these organizations. Stay tuned for more information on our next Grantee Briefing, scheduled for June 2009, which will focus on our Economic Opportunity grants.
Washington voters broke a record this year when 84.61% turned out to vote!
–Washington Secretary of State
Special thanks to Cora Edmonds for once again hosting at her stunning ArtXchange Gallery in Pioneer Square! Thanks also to Aiko Schaefer for moderating an inspiring discussion, to all of our supporters who attended and especially our grantee guests for sharing their stories!
