Political Organizations in Washington

Equal Rights Washington serves the Seattle, WA community and beyond as Washington's dedicated statewide organization advancing dignity, safety, and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Washingtonians. Founded in 2004 with a specific mission to secure anti-discrimination protections that had been blocked for nearly three decades, ERW has grown into a multi-faceted organization deeply rooted in the values of persistence, coalition-building, and community empowerment. The organization's history reflects a commitment to transformative change: from securing the Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination law in 2006 to building the Washington United for Marriage coalition that successfully mobilized over 400 political and religious organizations to win marriage equality at the ballot box. ERW's unique strength lies in its ability to bring diverse communities together around shared values of equality and justice. With independent boards of directors leading each of its three organizational components, ERW maintains accountability to the communities it serves while operating with strategic flexibility across advocacy, education, and political engagement. The organization continues to be deeply embedded in Washington's LGBTQ community, understanding that lasting social change requires sustained effort, authentic relationships, and unwavering dedication to the principle that all people deserve full equality and respect regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Founded in early 2002 by Korean American leaders in Bellevue, WA, the Korean American Coalition Washington emerged from a recognized need for greater Korean American civic participation and representation. What began as the Korean American Voters Alliance (KAVA) with grassroots voter registration drives has evolved into a vibrant community organization serving first, second, and multi-generational Korean Americans, adoptees, refugees, and supporters. KAC-WA's mission centers on empowering the Korean American community by fostering informed civic engagement, cultivating strong leaders, and amplifying community voices in legislative and civic affairs. The organization believes that an informed and engaged community forms the foundation for a thriving democracy. This philosophy has guided KAC-WA's transformation from a local initiative into the official Washington State Chapter of the National Korean American Coalition, which now encompasses 15 chapters across the country. The organization's evolution reflects its commitment to community integration and growth. The 2008 merger with the Korean American Professionals Society of Seattle demonstrated KAC-WA's dedication to combining resources and strengthening the broader Korean American community. Today, with over 4,500 members, KAC-WA creates meaningful opportunities for community members to connect, develop leadership skills, and make tangible differences in their neighborhoods. Through volunteer-led committees, board participation, and member engagement, KAC-WA builds a community of grit where Korean Americans can organize, be heard, and shape their collective future across Washington State and beyond.

Since its establishment on November 30, 1998—commemorating the anniversary of Andres Bonifacio and the pre-Martial Law organization Kabataang Makabayan—Anakbayan USA has served as a vital organizing force for Filipino youth and students throughout the United States. Rooted in Seattle, WA, this organization brings together young people from different walks of life who are committed to advancing national democracy and social transformation. Anakbayan USA operates from a conviction that Philippine society and communities worldwide face systemic challenges rooted in imperialism, exploitation by landlords and capitalists, and corrupt governance structures. The organization believes that true liberation requires active youth participation in the democratic struggle and sustained commitment to popular movements. With local chapters established in cities and universities nationwide—from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast—Anakbayan USA creates spaces where Filipino American youth can engage in political education, cultural expression, and collective action. The organization's approach emphasizes that meaningful change emerges through militant struggle and the continuous engagement of new generations of activists. Anakbayan USA maintains deep connections to Filipino heritage and contemporary movements for justice, serving as a bridge between diaspora communities and broader liberation struggles. Members participate in campaigns addressing issues from workers' rights to international solidarity, grounded in the belief that youth represent the future of progressive social movements. The Seattle-based organization continues its legacy of youth empowerment through organizing, education, and community building.