Grassroots Legislative Organizer's Blog #7
Sunday, February 21
Saturday
My week started early with the Asian Pacific Islander New Year’s celebration at the Tacoma Dome last Saturday. We gathered signatures to support KWA workers in their campaign to get a fair contract. We also had several people sign post cards to save long-term care and raise revenue. The highlight of the event was the different dances from the islands.
Monday
On Monday, we had a huge rally at the Capitol in support of revenue. Nearly 5,500 people – from newborns to senior citizens – came and spoke in favor of raising revenue and avoiding more cuts. Children spoke about what they need at school. Home care workers spoke about quality care and what that has been happening to their clients because of the cuts. The revenue rally helped the people of Washington have their voices be heard in Olympia.
Tuesday
Tuesday was prep day for Purple Presence. We are working with organizations such as the Washington Senior Lobby and AARP who are hosting a Senior Lobby Day on Thursday in support of programs across Washington that support senior citizens.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, Glenda Faatoafe came and helped me put together packets for Purple Presence. Without her support I would not been able to make it to the KWA candlelight vigil in Tacoma. It was so warm that day I only had my purple sweater. It was cold after the sun went down. Before the vigil started, I took a purple rain poncho and stood on the corner of 96th and Pacific waving it like a flag. A lot of people honked in support. I had a lot of fun. The vigil went great. When someone takes on one of our agencies – or even just one of our members - they take on all 40,000 members of our union.
Thursday
Thursday was Purple Presence/Senior Lobby Day. We re-used our yard signs that show the impact of the cuts on home care. The House was on the floor so our appointments were with a few Senators and we did our best to pull Representatives off the floor. This week, legislators voted to suspend I-960. They did the right thing and voted the right way. We delivered thank you cards in order to show our support.
Personal News
On the home front, one of my other clients – who used to get 42 hours – had them cut almost in half, to 20 hours. I just don’t understand how everything’s supposed to get done in just 20 hours.