Advocacy

W2D's Advocacy program focuses on state and local issues although we occasionally touch on subjects with national implications such as women's reproductive rights, gun control, climate change and the environment, etc...
We believe by staying informed and involved, we can make a difference in our communities. Here's how you can make a difference:
  • Share information with friends and family
  • Write to your representatives in support of or in opposition to upcoming legislation. Or, just to thank them for doing a good job!
  • Write letters to the editor of your local paper
  • Attend town hall meetings
We have also included tips on how to be successful in each.

Every Vote Matters

Voting in every election cycle is more important than ever before.  It is how we preserve our democracy. Your vote counts in EVERY RACE! Our endorsements for the May 20, 2025, election focus on candidates in non-partisan local education-board elections. These “off-year” elections are among the lowest turnouts across Oregon. Applications are provided to registered Democrats running in select races. Upon receipt of an application, candidates are vetted prior to our endorsement decision.  

The W2D Board is pleased to endorse the following candidates:
​
CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Lake Oswego School District 
Position 2: Neelam Gupta
Position 4: Katherine Lupton 

West Linn Wilsonville School District 
Position 1: Kara Clark  
Position 3: Kirsten Wyatt

MULTNOMAH COUNTY
Portland Community College 
Zone 1: Laurie Cremona-Wagner
Zone 4: Brandy Penner 
Zone 5: Dan Saltzman
Zone 7: Gina Sanchez Roletto

Portland Public Schools 
Zone 1: Christy Splitt
Zone 4: Rashelle Chase-Miller
Zone 5: Virginia La Forte
Zone 6: Stephanie Engelsman
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Beaverton School District 
Zone 1: Van Truong  
Zone 2: Karen Perez-Da Silva
Zone 4: Sunita Garg 
Zone 5: Syed Qasim 

Hillsboro School District
Position 1: Yessica Hardin-Mercado 
Position 2: Mark Watson
Position 3: Nancy Thomas 
Position 6: Katie Rhyne

Tigard-Tualatin 
Position 1: David Jaime
Position 3: Tristan Irvin
Position 5: Crystal Weston

Sherwood 
Position 2: Calli Ross 
The Willamette Women Democrats reaffirm their commitment to support Women's Reproductive Rights (September 2021)
“Reproductive health and women’s rights are at risk with each slight or purposeful alteration to words used in the creation and passage of legislation, the implementation of the laws, and the subsequent treatment of persons who identify as women. Denying such rights treats women as second-class citizens not worthy of vital forms of health care. It perpetuates the belief that women are not able – and should not be able – to make decisions about their bodies and their lives.”  Pam Zuber, May 2019 “Why Language Matters to Women” UAB Institute for Human Rights Blog.
Democracy is NOT a spectator sport!
Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor
Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) of your local or regional newspaper is an effective and easy way to reach a large audience. LTEs are printed on the editorial page, which is one of the most read pages in the paper.

Congressional staffers also tell us that members of congress keep a close eye on media coverage, including LTEs, in their local papers so they can keep a 'pulse' on issues of importance to their constituents. Having a strong letter published helps you reach both a wide public audience and your elected officials with the same effort! Even if your letter is not published, it is important for educating and persuading editors. The more letters they receive on a given topic, the more likely they are to dedicate more time in their newspaper to that issue—both on the editorial page and in news articles. It clearly expresses the issue’s importance to the community.
DOWNLOAD this handy flyer with tips on how to write an effective letter to the editor.
Attending a Town Hall
One of the most effective—and most underutilized—ways to communicate directly with Members of Congress is to attend their town hall meetings.
Members of Congress take to heart what they hear directly from constituents who make the effort to show up at a town hall meeting. Members see attendees first and foremost as concerned voters.

In addition, the media often attends these meetings providing another opportunity to spread the message.
DOWNLOAD this handy flyer on the best way to be effective at town hall meetings.