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Register for FAN's Annual Dinner November 15! We have seen FAN faith communities and individuals in all corners of Washington rise up during the challenges of this year. Together we have risen up in the face of multiple pandemics: COVID-19, systemic racism, economic uncertainty, and environmental devastation. You have risen up to learn to be community in new ways, take care of neighbors, build mutual aid efforts, non-violently vigil, march and rally for Black Lives, stand with essential workers who provide healthcare and harvest our food, and more. And now you are rising up to encourage others to VOTE their [...]

Breaking news! Gov. Inslee responded to months of advocacy in creating a $40M fund for undocumented workers for relief during COVID-19, a vital resource that has been left out of federal stimulus packages. Thank you for your advocacy to make sure these essential workers who are keeping us fed are supported! Above, workers in Yakima show off their masks donated by the community (photo courtesy of Yakima Immigrant Response Network). Making an Impact on Policing Reform FAN's primary engagement regarding substantive policy change in policing is currently through the newly formed Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA). This coalition’s goal, led by impacted families, [...]

On Wednesday, FAN's Interfaith Leaders Council met with Governor Inslee about bills we want to see passed this session—death penalty repeal, criminal justice reform, TANF equity, homelessness and housing bills, clean air and environmental bills, immigration (Courts Open to All), and addressing anti-Muslim rhetoric with Facts Over Fear. We also talked about the importance of faith communities in keeping people safe during coronavirus outbreaks. Week Eight in Review Monday was the fiscal cutoff, where over 150 bills were heard, amended, caucused, and voted on. Tuesday through Friday, around 200 bills were caucused, amended, debated on the floor, and voted on to [...]

This past week, Elise and Tara met with Satjeet Kaur, the national Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition (above). We look forward to collaborations on census work as well as interfaith engagement on civil rights and against discrimination in schools and workplaces. Below, Paul was invited to give the opening prayer in the legislature honoring the Day of Remembrance on February 19 when in 1942 President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the U.S. Army to remove anyone of Japanese ancestry and place them under custody in internment camps. Let us pray and act so #NeverAgainMeansNever. Week Seven in Review [...]

FAN co-hosted a Faith-Based Summit in Tukwila with the U.S. Census Bureau this week! Attendees came to learn how to be ambassadors for their communities during Census 2020 and discuss how to reach historically undercounted areas. Elise led the panel of faith leaders above, and we were joined by keynote speakers Ron Sims, former Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Urban Development and former King County Executive (bottom right); and Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown of Plymouth Church Seattle who preached powerfully about the justice implications of the census (top right). !!Action Alert!! Repeal the Death Penalty! Please pledge your [...]

We are grateful for the 200 advocates who attended Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia last Thursday, and for the 50 who attended Yakima IFAD on Saturday! See our Facebook page for pictures! Week Four in Review Many important justice lobby days took place last week: Hunger Action Day, Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day, Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day, and FAN's Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia. Thanks to all who attended, raised your voices, and marched with us to the capitol steps! As Co-Director Paul said on Thursday, our work doesn't end with one action day - now is the time to follow up with [...]