Washington Student Association

08/14/2023

The WSA is now accepting applications for the 2024 CTC Legislative Organizer Internship! This program is open to students enrolled at a community or technical college in Washington, and the deadline to apply has been extended to September 10th, 2023.

Each year, the WSA member campuses hire a student to serve as the Legislative Liaison for their student body. The WSA trains, hosts, and coordinates a strategic advocacy program based on their collective priorities. Students participate in the legislative session through lobbying and public testimony, and furthering their communication, organizing, and leadership skills. This year, the WSA is hiring 3 community or technical college students to join the Legislative Liaison Program for the 2024 session. These students will be given every opportunity to engage in the policy-making process that four-year Liaisons are given. The program begins the first week of January through the end of March 2024. This is a paid internship program, and in addition to compensation, participating students will be provided with travel or relocation accommodations to Olympia.

Apply Today! https://forms.gle/e329apf5cme9z2gZ8

09/09/2022

WSA is proud to announce that the application for the Community College Legislative Fellowship is now open!

For the 2023 legislative session, the WSA is hiring 3 community college students to participate in the Legislative Liaison program. Fellows will be given every opportunity to engage in the policy making process that four-year Liaisons are given, and will be included in all WSA Liaison training, policy development, lobbying, and educational activities. The Fellowship is a paid internship program, and students will be provided accommodations to travel to Olympia during session (Winter Quarter only).

Click this link to apply: https://forms.gle/GqiXE8TNGmFjG1WV9 Application is open until October 21st. For more information, check our website or message us!

[Image description: "Flyer with blue background and white text, the WSA logo, and a black and white image of the Washington State Capitol building. Flyer reads: Now accepting applications for the Community College Legislative Fellowship! www.wastudents.org, application link in bio."]

07/27/2022

Join us on Saturday, August 20th at University of Washington Tacoma for WSA's first-ever Summer Leadership Academy! At this one-day conference, students from Washington public universities and community colleges will have the chance to come together, make connections, and participate in workshops on topics such as student governance, legislative advocacy, policymaking, organizing, and more!

Click here to register: https://forms.office.com/r/SULgRY8ALb The Summer Leadership Academy is free to attend, and registration will be open until August 10th.

06/01/2022

The WSA organization is seeking to hire an Executive Director!! Swipe through for an overview of the position. Detailed position description and application instructions are linked below!! Please share with your circles and anyone you think would be great in this role!!
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IMAGE DESC.: Medium blue background with thin image of the ocean on left-side of graphic. Off-white text that reads:
The Washington Student Association is Hiring!!
Executive Director
The WSA is seeking to hire a new Executive Director! The WSA will celebrate four decades of advocacy on behalf of Washington’s students in October 2022, and the organization is quickly expanding. The Executive Director will be critical in the implementation of the organization’s strategic planning and oversight of new grant funding and programs.
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Serve as a registered lobbyist and legislative director for the WSA Legislative Agenda
Lead the WSA Legislative Liaison Program (LLP) and facilitate the lobbying efforts
Educate students on existing and emerging issues impacting the access, affordability, and quality of higher education
Among other duties as listed in the position description
Details: Link in Bio
Expected Start: July 1, 2022
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The Executive Director plays a central and facilitative role in the association. The Executive Director is the chief administrator of the Washington Student Association and has the general authority with respect to its business and affairs, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Since a new board of directors transitions every summer, the students rely on the ED to provide direction and stability for the organization. This means providing training and mentorship to students as they execute their legislative agenda and their campus-based outreach. The ED of the association is tasked with educating students about the underlying budget and policy issues that impact the affordability, access, diversity, and inclusion of our institutions. This means researching the key issue areas impacting public higher education and steering students towards a successful legislative strategy.

The students rely on the ED to develop, maintain, and foster productive relationships with the WSA Board of Directors, members of the Washington State Legislature, and higher education stakeholders. Finally, the ED ensures that all operational and financial functions of the association are maintained.

05/31/2022

Throughout the past few years, many have come to know Zackary Turner as a dedicated Executive Director, caring mentor, and good friend. Zack's unwavering commitment to student advocacy has helped push numerous valuable pieces of legislation across the finish line in Washington state, and his passion for this work has strengthened the Washington Student Association, overall. At General Assembly, Zack announced that he will be moving on from the WSA to pursue an exciting new opportunity. Though we are disappointed to see him go, we are beyond grateful for the time and dedication he has given to the organization.

Prior to holding the Executive Director position, Zack worked with the WSA as the Legislative Liaison from Central Washington University and as the WSA President. His contributions and achievements within these years will have positive, lasting effects for students in Washington state. This past year, Zack has been working diligently with student leaders to construct a detailed and expansive strategic plan to guide the growth of the WSA. This plan includes opportunities for future programming, increased organizational capacity, and expanded membership. This framework is the culmination of hours of thoughtful planning, collaboration with students, and creative visioning for the future of the organization, and it is a strong testament to Zack's dedication and leadership. It is with this foundation that future students will be able to reap the benefits of an even more powerful student advocacy arm through the WSA.

Zack, you are certainly leaving the WSA in a stronger, more resilient position than when you entered, and we are grateful. Thank you for your contributions to making Washington state a better place to pursue a post-secondary education. Thank you for consistently leading with care and respect for the students and partners you engage with. Thank you for your work in securing a hopeful and lasting future for student-led advocacy in Washington state.

We wish you the best of luck on your future pursuits!
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Images include photos from Zack's time as Executive Director, as well as a student leader with the WSA.
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Zack Turner

05/30/2022

This past weekend, the WSA held our Spring General Assembly, hosted by Washington State University, Pullman! Student leaders from our member campuses gathered to discuss legislative proposals, identify steps to strengthen the organization, and elect next year's officer team. Swipe through for a snapshot of the event!
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IDs:
1. Image of WSU Pullman's campus with dark purple/grey overlay. Transparent, white cloud overlay with text reading "Washington Student Association // Spring General Assembly"
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2. Image of WSU Pullman's campus with dark purple/grey overlay. White text reading: GA Highlights!!
Reviewed and approved several legislative proposals for the coming year
Issues include college affordability, housing access, and student basic needs
Held several workshops and professional development training sessions
Approved bylaw and constitution changes to increase accountability and transparency of officers
Elected an incoming team of Executive Committee officers for 2022-23
Adopted a two-year plan to expand and grow the organization and student advocacy capacity
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3. Image of Bryce, Evans, and Zack sitting and chatting at a table
Image of students looking forward, watching Joseph's speech for WSA Presidency
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4. Image of Zack speaking with Central Washington University's students
Image of Glory at the podium, running for WSA VP of Communications
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5. Image of outgoing WSA President, Evans, shaking hands within incoming President, Joseph
Image of WWU Student Attendees
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6. Image of students sitting at tables in the main GA room
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7. Image of a Washington State University podium with purple overlay. White, transparent cloud in top right corner with text reading "Thank you for your hospitality, Washington State University, Pullman!!

05/09/2022

The WSA organization is seeking to hire an Operations Assistant! Learn more about this position at: tinyurl.com/WSAOA22 and apply by May 23rd at 5:00pm. Share with friends and peers!
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IMAGE DESC.: Medium green background with thin image of trees on left-side of graphic. Off-white text that reads:
The Washington Student Association is Hiring!!
Operations Assistant
Our organization is growing, and we want you to be a part of it! This position will focus on internal communications, supporting new programming, and helping to keep us organized. This is a hybrid/virtual eligible position with some required travel to our Olympia office.
- Membership engagement
- Programming planning & support
- General administrative support
Details: tinyurl.com/WSAOA22
Closes: May 23rd, 5:00PM
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MORE INFO:
The Washington Student Association is a statewide 501(c)4 organization that represents over 140,000 college students across the state of Washington. Our association brings together students on campus and in the legislature to advance our mission of making Washington’s higher education system more affordable, accessible, and inclusive for all.

05/09/2022

We're hiring! If you are highly organized and passionate about supporting students in their advocacy, we want you to join our team! Application closes on May 23rd.

Position: Operations Assistant Location: Remote/Hybrid Salary: $40,000/year + Employer paid health, dental and vision insurance Supervisor: Executive Director Closing Date: May 23rd at 5:00PM Expected Start Date: Mid June About the Washington Student Association: The Washington Student Asso...

03/14/2022

A shoutout to these student liaisons for their leadership, passion, and dedication this legislative session!
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Anna Corinne Huffman, ASWWU
Lexi Hanson, ASUWB

03/11/2022

Let's take a look at some of this year's legislative victories for higher education! We are extremely excited to know that these investments will help support and empower students in thier pursuit of post-secondary education. This progress was made possible by our Legislative Liaisons, student leaders, volunteers, and staff. We also thank the legislators who championed and supported these bills this year; thank you for recognizing the value of higher education access and affordability. Learn more about us at www.wastudents.org!

02/16/2022

The three financial aid bills we have been working hard to advocate for have all passed through the House as of 5:20pm today!! Today was “house of origin cutoff” meaning that all these House bills will now be heard in the Senate!! …meaning the work only continues. Fill out tinyurl.com/WSA22 to get involved!!
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ID: Image of Washington Legislative building with medium/dark blue overlay. Three columns of text, each one sharing an update on a bill. “Button” toward bottom of image reading “tinyurl.com/WSA22” with a computer mouse clicker hovering over it
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Text: BILL UPDATES: house of origin cutoff
- HB 1659: Expanding WA College Grant Aid eligibility and establishing bridge grants for students to pay for additional living expenses
Passed through House!
- HB 1835: Increasing student support in navigating financial aid, including FAFSA/WAFSA completion
Passed through House!
- HB 1736: Creating a low-interest student loan program for Washington undergrad and grad students
Passed through House!
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there’s more work to be done!! get involved with us!! tinyurl.com/wsa22

02/07/2022

Learn about the Washington Voting Rights Act and proposed updates in Senate Bill 5597!! Fill out tinyurl.com/wsa22 if you’re interested in supporting the progress of this bill!!
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ID: Blue background with lighter blue wave at the top of the graphic with a white border. Text reading “a brief overview” in a circle and “The Washington Voting Rights Act” in large font. Additional sides medium blue background with light blue wave at the top and white/cream text.
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ADDITIONAL TEXT:
Protect voting rights in Washington state!
The WSA supports the passage of SB 5597
SB 5597 strengthens the Voting Rights Act, prohibits gerrymandering and racial bias in electoral districting
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WA VOTING RIGHTS ACT
In 2018, Senate Bill 6002 created the Washington Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act aims to ensure that every voter has an equal opportunity to elect the candidate of their choice. The WVRA empowers local governments to fix the widespread problem of voter exclusion in local elections. (Source: ACLU Washington)
More info at:
wavotingjustice.org/
www.aclu-wa.org/pages/voting-rights-faq
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WHAT IS SB 5597?
SB 5597 would strengthen the existing Voting Rights Act, improving the process of identifying biases (racial, economic) in our electoral systems
Allows histories of discrimination to be considered in assessing if voter discrimination is present
Clearly defines what discrimination looks like in our elections, intentional or otherwise
Allows action to be taken against organizations found guilty of engaging in discriminatory electoral practices
Establishes a central database to assist in researching election best practices and providing voter information
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WHY IT MATTERS!
The passage of SB 5597 w0uld enable us to improve our elections through community involvement and data gathering
Students, young voters, and first-time voters are often disenfranchised from participation in the electoral process
This bill would make it easier for students voices to be heard!!