I was at the University of Washington to hear Julie Wise, King County director of Elections, and Kate Starbird, UW Center for an Informed Public co-founder, talk about elections and rumors. Seeing the “We the people” sign made me think that another member of the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County was here as well.
I looked around and discovered Janet Lenart from the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County owned the bag and the sign, which was branded with their logo. “Our League member designed that!” I exclaimed.
Janet had no idea. She excitedly told me how often their League uses the rally signs and showed me a photo of about a dozen LWVSKC members, each holding one.
I had to tell Erin the impact she made by sharing some of her talent and time to make a customizable poster that all Leagues could use, so I texted her the bag photo and the story.
Oftentimes, we never know the impact of the one thing we might do. But sometimes, when we step up to volunteer, we can see the difference unfold in front of us.
That happened a couple of days before our Fire Up meeting at the end of August. I asked three volunteers to call our League members with a message to register for and attend this special event. I could tell whenever one of those volunteers was making phone calls because I would see new registration notices pop up in my inbox. In less than 24 hours, the number of people who had signed up for Fire Up doubled – all because Liz Whitham, Laurie Schreiber, and Julie Martinson shared a little time to make calls. They did one thing and it made an impact.
But here’s what we don’t know. Perhaps one of the individuals who registered and attended Fire Up because of a phone call Liz, Laurie, or Julie made discovered how they could engage with the League and that one person did just one thing and it made a difference.
Let’s all be bold and do at least one thing – or one more thing. This Voter newsletter is packed with opportunities for you. Find something and give it a try.
Brenda Mann Harrison
LWVSC President, 2026-27