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Synthesis is a quick overview of our recent work, amplifying our partners' work, and sharing important environmental stories.
We are honored to announce Chris Esponda as the winner of the 19th annual Bullitt Prize! Chris dedicates himself to connecting under-resourced communities with access to digital technology by refurbishing and donating computers. His work keeps tons of electronic waste out of landfills. Read more about Chris’s story and what he plans to do with the $100,000 prize funding here.
Mark your calendars for the next Civic Holiday! National Voter Education Week kicks off on October 6. This week of action and education aims to empower voters with knowledge and tools to participate fully in our democracy. Follow this voting checklist to be an informed voter:
Pictured: Volunteers at WCA-endorsed port commissioner candidate Kristin Ang's canvassing event in Tacoma.
Your vote shapes policies that impact the environment and your communities. For every election, we endorse candidates we expect to be environmental champions. We also endorse ballot measures that will protect people and nature as one. Review WCA’s endorsements for the 2025 General Election here.
Get involved in election-related actions, receive voting reminders, and get the inside scoop on endorsed candidate events through our election newsletter. Click here to opt in.
On September 6, WCA sponsored and tabled at the Olympickin’ Bluegrass Festival in Quilcene. Thanks to everyone who contributed to our community zine, Interwoven worlds: Uniting humanity and nature as one. We received over 30 pages of submissions from all ages sharing stories about people and nature. Check out the virtual zine here.
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is currently developing a new 5-year Fish and Wildlife Amendment, which will provide funding and projects to help fish and wildlife populations recover. Call on the Council to prioritize the recovery of native fish and wildlife in our region. Add your name to the petition now!
On September 12, we received heartbreaking news: The orca J36, known as Alki, was seen carrying her dead newborn calf (pictured). While we do not know exactly why Alki’s calf died, the science is extremely clear about the greatest threat to the Southern Resident orca's survival: The lack of salmon. Write to the governor and to your federal representatives urging them to act on salmon and orca recovery!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Poulsbo Film Festival: Tribute to the Orca
Award-winning documentary, Tribute to the Orca, will be screened at the Poulsbo Film Festival on October 11 at 2 p.m. The moving short film is about Indigenous communities' ancient kinship with orca and salmon. The film explores the importance of reciprocity in our relationship with our caretaker, Mother Nature. Get your tickets to the screening here. Select ‘Documentary Shorts Block A’.
The Last Catch Series: Episode 3
The Last Catch: Conversations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers is a dynamic speaker series that explores the future of our rivers and the vital role they play in the ecology, economy, and culture of the Northwest.
Join us for the next episode, From Millions to Memories: Stories of Abundant Salmon and Orca, on October 15 at 6 p.m. Speakers will explore what it means to have gone from once-abundant salmon runs to the dwindling salmon returns we see today, and what it will take to bring them back. Register here!
Environmental Justice Book Club
Join WCA Ambassadors on Tuesday, Oct 7, for a guided book discussion on Becky Chambers’ A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. We’ll be exploring nature and social justice themes together. You don’t have to complete the book to join, as we welcome participation in any capacity. RSVP here. We also invite you to join our community Discord, where we vote on upcoming books.
On October 18, millions across the country will come together with one clear message: America belongs to us. No Kings. No Crowns. No Thrones. No Dictators! Join us and show up in defense of our democracy. Find a No Kings Rally near you.
NW Energy Coalition’s Fall Clean and Affordable Energy Conference
Join WCA’s clean energy and climate team at the NW Energy Coalition’s Fall Clean & Affordable Energy Conference December 3 at Portland State University. The conference will dive into some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the Northwest’s energy transition. More info and get your tickets here.
The Carbon-Friendly Forestry Conference
The Carbon Friendly Forestry Conference is coming soon. Join us on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Cedarbrook Lodge, Seattle, for a full day of forestry dialog! This year, topics will center around the theme: Collective Solutions in the Face of a Changing Federal Landscape. Reserve your tickets now!
The We Are Puget Sound photo exhibit is now live in Tacoma at the Foss Waterway Seaport. The in-person exhibit is designed to inspire urgent action to restore Puget Sound’s health. It features work from regional photographers showcasing individuals working to find solutions to protect the Puget Sound’s waters, wildlife, health and economic prosperity. Admission to the Foss Waterway Seaport is free!
