How To: Advocate For a Safe, Healthy, Hunger-Free Washington
By Jade Fisher, Communications Specialist
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos of each day's news, but don't let it shut you down! Instead of screaming into the void, join us in advocating for a healthy, safe, and hunger-free Washington.
We know grocery bills, the price of rent, and how far our budgets are stretched are pressure points for all of us.
We ask you, our community, to join us in making a difference. Our advocacy happens at the city level with Seattle City Council in the fall and extends into the winter with our work at the State legislature in Olympia.
Current Advocacy
This month, Jen spoke at both the Senate and House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committees. You can find her comments in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committees (https://tvw.org/video/house-agriculture-natural-resources-2025021142/?eventID=2025021142 at 1:34:13.)
At the end of February, we will be joining advocates in Olympia for Hunger Action Day. Follow our social media channels (Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn) to stay updated with our advocacy and to see if other bills get added to our priorities list.
We know food security is tied to housing security and increasing both helps our communities thrive. There CAN be enough for everyone. To improve material conditions for our neighbors, we must address the root causes of poverty.
This year, Ballard Food Bank is supporting these bills that align with the Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition’s priorities:
🥕 Free School Meals for All Kids (SB 5352/HB 1404)
🏠 Housing stability (SB 5222/HB 1217)
💰 Expanding access to the Working Families Tax Credit (HB 1214)
Making a difference is as easy as sending a comment in support of legislation that bolsters our budgets with food supports, expands tax credits to everyone over 18, and stabilizes housing via protections from egregious rental and fee increases.
How to Comment on Bills
We'll help you through the process! Let's cover a few basics: how to find bills to support, where to comment, and what to include in your comment.
Navigate the Washington Legislature Site
Or scroll below the ‘Bills and Initiatives’ bar to find out what's happening in the House and Senate.
You can find the agenda for committee meetings to the right. Agendas will include the bills being considered and a small blurb about the bill/initiative.
2. When you find the bill you're looking for, click here to comment!
Fill out your address, contact information, and that you "support" this legislation.
3. Finally, write a compelling comment! Remember there is a 5,000 character limit. Here's a template to use:
📝 Introduce yourself.
📝 Why is this issue important to you? How has it personally affected you or someone you know? Personal stories may impact representatives more than just numbers or data.
📝 Describe the benefits you anticipate from this legislation. How would it change your community for the better?
Now that you know the basics, we hope you will use these skills for good during this year's legislative session and beyond. Happy commenting, neighbors!