Advocacy Day Diary
Written by Chris Cázares, Education and Engagement Coordinator (in the sunglasses on the right).
WAGAP had the opportunity to collaborate with Front & Center on their Advocacy Day in Olympia. On a personal level, I was honored to join them in the opportunity to echo the extraordinary work our Energy Assistance Department does in our communities, and furthermore to share with senators and representatives the stories of the families we serve. I truly hope I was able to do justice to the work our team has accomplished over the years, as it represents countless hours of dedication, compassion, and commitment to community well-being.
Amber Youtsey and Rachel Johnson, who lead our Energy Assistance Program, had previously met with me in preparation to advocate for the Energy Assistance bill (HB 1903). This bill would support agencies like WAGAP and many others across the state by strengthening and expanding statewide energy assistance for members of underserved communities. It is encouraging to see that the majority of the House of Representatives is in support of this bill, but it is still making its way through the Senate. The continued movement of this legislation is critical, as so many families rely on these programs to maintain stability during challenging times. For many, this type of assistance is the difference between whether or not they will have food on their table for another month.
Advocacy Day was a unique and multigenerational experience. Local Seattle students joined the efforts in support of the energy assistance bill, and it was inspiring to see youth advocate on behalf of their families and communities. Hearing directly from them about what this bill means to their households was powerful and crucial, as it further accentuates the need for this type of assistance, not only statewide, but nationwide as well. Their voices served as a reminder that energy security is not just a policy issue, but a lived reality for many families.
I believe that if I had not had the opportunity to work with Front & Center, I would not have been able to participate in this type of advocacy. After that Thursday in Olympia, I made it my goal to begin communicating more actively with our representatives. These are our elected officials, and having worked in social services most of my life, you come to deeply understand people.. their stories, their struggles, and what truly matters to them. To have the resources and the opportunity to be civically active on behalf of the communities we serve, and to amplify their voices, is a privilege. Being part of events like these reinforces the importance of continuing our advocacy work and strengthening the bridge between community experience and legislative action.
I would also like to highlight the exceptional work that both Amber and Rachel have done with the Energy Assistance Program in Klickitat and Skamania counties through WAGAP. While my role as part of our agency was to advocate and emphasize the relevance and importance of our program, I would not have felt prepared to take on such a meaningful opportunity without their support, expertise, and leadership. Their dedication ensures that our advocacy is rooted in real experience, accurate information, and genuine care for the communities we serve.
