WPC
is setting up local chapters
within many legislative districts, as a way to stay organized. Many
legislative districts are designating WPC District Captains—to
welcome new supporters and to arrange citizen lobbying of the district's
state representatives—in whatever way is most practical and
effective.What do local
chapters do?
WPC chapters in selected  areas
soon will begin organizing to create public financing programs for
local office—in cities, counties, towns and local districts
that might benefit. The "Local Option" bills we have fought
for in Olympia remove a state ban on such programs, left over from
a 1992 statewide initiative—and now we can take advantage.
Under the new laws, any jurisdiction that wants to use public funds
for campaigns for local office, must submit the proposal to a vote
of local voters. WPC chapters will take on this challenge: To create
the programs and work for approval by local voters. After we prevail,
anyone with voter support will be able to run for local office,
without needing personal wealth or the backing of big donors! This
will be a huge victory for Clean Elections.
In addition, WashClean advocates educate
local neighbors, arrange presentations to local civic and church
groups, encourage local news media coverage on public financing,
prepare to lobby legislators from your area, seek endorsements for
public financing from your city, county, municipality, provide feedback
to WPC of what works in your area and coordinate activities with
WPC. With the upcoming 2008 legislative session, we urge our state
representatives to support WPC's bills for public financing of campaigns.
We want our legislators to know:
there is a far better way to finance campaigns than "dialing
for dollars" and appearing to be beholden to big donors. And
when our elected representatives support public financing, we will
make sure local voters know about and appreciate their stance!
Join
our team
Many hands make light work! Our mailing list of supporters has grown
from less than 900 in May 06 to over 4,300 in August 07, as many
people sign the Citizens' Petition. What an opportunity to help
focus our citizen lobbying power and bring about a major campaign
reform like public financing. It will make a difference for all
time!
We invite you to become part of
a local chapter, and even serve with other WPC leaders in your district.
WPC has a Field Organizing Committee with an experienced Field Organizer
on staff, to coach and assist local WPC groups.
If you would like to organize or become part of a local chapter,
contact us: craig@washclean.org
or your local WPC chapter: We are also building our Student
Chapters on college campuses all over the state of Washington!
Contact Jenn: studentactivist@washclean.org
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