Synthesis is a 2-minute read to give you the quick hits of our recent work, to amplify our partners, and to share important environmental stories.

Members now have the opportunity to rep WCA through t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags! This Earth Month, we are partnering with Recover, a zero-waste apparel store to sell WCA exclusive merchandise as a fundraiser for our organization. All items are made out of 100% recycled materials and shipped in plastic-free packaging. Our merch is only available for purchase until April 30. So get yours now while you can!

April is also Volunteer Appreciation Month! The work we do at Washington Conservation Action cannot be done without our dedicated volunteers and activists. Whether you've been a super volunteer for decades or recently signed a petition for the first time, we value you. Thank you for all you do to protect people and nature as one!

Washington Conservation Action endorses Dave Upthegrove for Commissioner of Public Lands in the 2024 election! Dave Upthegrove is the candidate best positioned to win, given his grassroots support around the state. He also understands the positive role that our state lands play in storing carbon and addressing climate change, while also creating jobs. That perspective is sorely needed in the office of the Commissioner of Public Lands. When elected, Dave will be the first out-LGBTQ statewide elected official in our state’s history. Read more about this endorsement here.

At WCA, we understand that racism is inextricably linked to climate change. Last week, WCA CEO Alyssa Macy announced the release of our Racial Equity Report, chronicling our journey since 2014 and our progress to advance racial equity and environmental justice within our organization and in the broader movement. Read the report here. 

WCA, along with partners such as Sustainable Northwest, Ecotrust, and more, officially launched a five-year project supported by the USDA’s Climate Smart Commodities Grant program, called Building the Climate Smart Wood Economy in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the $25 million award, we will bring climate smart wood to scale in the region, supporting local economies, and building a climate resilient environment here in Washington with Pierce Conservation District. Read Pierce County Council member Robyn Denson’s op-ed here.

Last month, we launched a new program that celebrates WCA’s most committed advocates and cultivates grassroots leaders like you. Washington Conservation Action Ambassadors is a virtual community focused on building advocacy skills to advance environmental, social, and political progress in Washington state. Apply now to become a WCA ambassador!

Thanks to your support in the 2024 legislative session, Washington successfully passed a bill that electrifies school buses!  On March 28, members of the Environmental Priorities Coalition joined Gov. Inslee in Olympia for the signing of HB 1368 into law. This bill will help advance our state’s climate goals. More importantly, electric buses will reduce kids’ exposure to dangerous diesel pollution. 

We are accepting applications for the $100,000 Bullitt Prize through June 2024! This life-changing prize is awarded each year to an emerging leader or collaborative group working on a problem through a project, engagement in creative thinking, or action to address a specific conservation and environmental justice issue. Learn more and apply here.

As you may have heard, Ballot Initiative 2117 on the ballot this November seeks to repeal the Climate Commitment Act. Check out this article about the right-wing multimillionaire and other bad actors behind this effort. And why we must work together this November to stop this senseless attack on our state’s landmark climate and polluter accountability law—which will take away billions of dollars going directly to people and communities across the state to clean our air and mitigate the effects of climate change.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Register now for our annual fundraiser: Spark, Powering Transformative Change happening on May 9, 2024 at the Museum of History and Industry. This is the year we’re defending our record of bold progress and action for people and the environment! Come hear from gubernatorial candidate Bob Ferguson, tour a world-class museum, eat mouth-watering food, and sip refreshing drinks together with our community.

Mark your calendars for the next Snake River Dinner Hour webinar! Join us on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:00 pm PST for the 3rd webinar of the series, ‘Clean energy + a restored lower Snake River = a more vibrant Northwest ‘. At the center of the conversation will be how federal and state partners are committed to produce a detailed action plan in 2024 to affordably and effectively replace the four lower Snake River dam’s energy services. Register here.

SPONSOR SHOUT OUT: C+C

Photo by: Kristyna Wentz

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde face two of the Northwest’s most challenging issues -- climate resiliency and lack of affordable housing. Thanks to the Tribe’s commitment to energy efficiency and assistance from non-profit Energy Trust of Oregon, Tribal elders are moving into super energy-efficient housing that will keep energy bills low and offer resistance to the impact of wildfires. The beautiful new homes feature solar panels and battery storage, triple pane windows, and advanced insulation that keeps comfort high and costs low. Sponsor C+C worked with Energy Trust of Oregon to tell this story of the new homes for Tribal elders. Read here.

STAFF CORNER: Mallori Pryse (she/her)

"WCA' focus on environmental justice through an anti-racist framework especially drew me to the organization. I know that the work I do at WCA helps build a better future for all of Washington, led by the wisdom of those most impacted by environmental oppression."

At work, Mallori bears an important responsibility of telling the story of our organization and community members through visually exciting products.

"One of the best parts of my job is connecting with staff across the organization to visually amplify their work. From handouts and presentations to brochures and graphics, I love being able to pair my graphic design skills with my colleagues’ subject expertise."