Washington Community Action Network Education & Research Fund

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & CAPACITY BUILDING:WaCANERF strengthened community capacity through 303 one-on-one meetings, where individuals learned about housing rights, healthcare policy, mass incarceration, and economic justice. Educational opportunities focused on understanding legislative processes, civic engagement strategies, and how to interact with policymakers. Community members participated as spokespeople in three Healthcare Cost Transparency Board (HCCTB) meetings, one Health Care is a Human Right General Meeting, and two Universal Health Care discussions, helping share lived experiences to enhance public understanding of these issues. Additionally, 10 leadership council meetings were held with community leaders, each attended by eight engaged participants, fostering education on civic engagement and advocacy strategies. WaCANERF also hosted 4 community members at staff meetings, helping them to develop their public speaking and presentation skills.

COALITION & PUBLIC POLICY EDUCATION:WaCANERF collaborated with community organizations and coalitions to advance public education on economic and housing justice issues. In Burien, WaCANERF played a role in efforts to inform the public on wage equity, supporting education initiatives related to worker protections and minimum wage. Similarly, efforts in Kent helped expand public awareness of governance structures and community representation models. As part of our housing justice education initiatives, WaCANERF conducted 99 renter surveys (49 online, 50 in person) to assess housing conditions and affordability concerns. The findings reinforced the need for greater public education on tenant rights and housing policies. WaCANERF also contributed to efforts educating gig workers and consumers about wage protections, with 87 individuals engaging in educational opportunities focused on worker rights as they pertain to gig-workers specifically. Additionally, community members participated in digital advocacy, sending 151 emails to policymakers to express their perspectives on economic and social issues. These combined efforts expanded public education, increased community participation in civic processes, and strengthened long-term public awareness on key policy issues across Washington State. WaCANERF actively participates in the Powerbuilding Table, a coalition committed to strengthening community-led efforts for economic and racial justice. Through this collaboration, WaCANERF has engaged in public discussions on long-term movement-building strategies, contributed to capacity-building initiatives, and supported efforts to align organizations around shared goals for public education and civic engagement. This work ensures that grassroots leadership and community voices remain central to broader systemic change efforts in Washington State.