Read our latest monthly newsletter, Synthesis.

No images? Click here [link removed]

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.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) month. People of API regions and those of API descent in the United States have long fought for environmental justice, clean air, and clean water. Check out our AAPI blog [[link removed]] here to know some of the AAPI leaders championing the conservation movement!

On Earth Day, we kicked off an ambitious voter engagement campaign, “Call 4 Climate Action” with the goal to get 50,000 new or infrequent voters to commit to vote in November. We’re just getting started and we need YOUR help to gather pledges to vote and keep up the call for climate action. Please attend and bring a friend to our upcoming day of action on Thursday, May 16. [[link removed]] Climate action and our democracy is at stake. We can’t do this without you. Register now! [[link removed]]

A growing, unprecedented statewide coalition of business and environmental leaders, Tribal nations, families, medical professionals, labor unions and community organizations are united to protect our health, air and water, forests and farmland, jobs, and transportation investments here in the Evergreen State and defeat 2117. Join us and pledge to vote NO on 2117 today. [[link removed]]

Each year, WCA awards a leader who embodies an environmental champion during the most recent legislative session. This year, WCA selected state Representative Beth Doglio as the 2024 Legislator of the Year! Rep. Doglio is one of the most passionate and dedicated leaders in the legislature. Read more about Rep. Doglio’s achievements here. [[link removed]]

We are still accepting applications for the $100,000 Bullitt Prize through June 2024! This prize is awarded annually to an individual or collaborative group, are 35 years or younger, and are working on a project or issue that addresses conservation and environmental justice in Washington State or the Pacific Northwest region if their work impacts Washington. Learn more and apply here. [[link removed]]

On April 5, a Thurston County Superior Court judge affirmed that DNR has the constitutional and statutory authority to lease forests for carbon credits rather than logging them. This is historic. The judge’s decision clears the path for DNR to proceed with the first carbon credit project on forested state trust lands in Washington. Sign our letter urging DNR to restart the project! [[link removed]]

WCA works to elect environmental champions across the state. For every election, we endorse candidates who we expect to be environmental champions as well as ballot measures that will protect people and nature as one. Check out our endorsements for the 2024 Primary Election! [[link removed]]

We believe that democracy works best when every possible eligible voter votes and when as many communities as possible are represented in public office. Two things have been shown to help reach those goals: 1) even-year voting and 2) ranked-choice voting. Check out this op-ed by our voting justice partners and WCA's Tony Ivey on why we're in favor of these pro-democracy measures. [[link removed]]

In this critical election year, both democracy and the environment are on the line. It will take a collective effort to protect people and nature as one. Check out our op-ed in The Stranger “We Must Save the Climate Commitment Act from Cynical Climate Arsonists” [[link removed]] and learn more about our Call 4 Climate Action campaign!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our annual fundraiser is approaching! [[link removed]] Join us on May 9 for Spark, Powering Transformative Change at the Museum of History and Industry. This year, we’re defending our record of bold progress and action for people and the environment. Come get together with our community, tour a world-class museum, and hear from Washington leaders!

Mark your calendars for the next Snake River Dinner Hour webinar! Join us on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:00 pm PST for the 4th webinar of the series, Salmon & Grain: How to keep our plates full, responsibly. We can get wheat to the ocean ports without lower Snake River barges, but can we get salmon on the table without breaching the four lower Snake River dams? Register here. [[link removed]]

The We Are Puget Sound traveling exhibit is now at Gig Harbor! Check out the exhibit at the Harbor Wildwatch from May 1 through July 31 2024 [[link removed]]. The exhibit explores people, places, and wildlife through captivating images, describes human connections in the past and present, and showcases community members engaged in remarkable efforts that benefit Puget Sound.

STAFF CORNER: Karina Solorio (she/her/ella)

Karina is WCA’s Yakima Field Organizer. She is a first generation Mexican-American born in Washington but has only lived in the state since she was 15 years old.

“I love it here, it's a beautiful progressive state and I love how much people care about protecting our natural environment. I feel weirdly patriotic about the state, like how some Texans feel about Texas. Don’t mess with Washington!”

Karina’s role as the Yakima Community organizer is critical to community building in central Washington. She collaborates with various organizations localized in Yakima county that work on environmental justice and civic engagement. Karina also co-manages the field internship program and recruits new field interns.

“My favorite part of my job is whenever I get the opportunity to be a part of community events like Yakima Earth Day and Yakima Advocacy Day, I love getting to talk directly with community members.”

Outside of work, Karina enjoys chill activities like reading, watching reality TV, playing Sims. She also enjoys making decorative art pieces using paper mache and plaster.

RACIAL JUSTICE GLOSSARY

Income Inequality

The inequitable distribution of social, political, and economic power and the subsequent creation of inequitable systems and living conditions.

Washington Conservation Action

1402 Third Avenue, Suite 1400 | Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 631-2600 | [email protected]

EIN: 91-0839385

You are subscribed to receive emails from Washington Conservation Action

Preferences [link removed] | Unsubscribe [link removed]