December Meeting Recap
Washington State Democratic Party Chair and Vice Chair of the DNC speaks to WSI members at the December Members Meeting.
DNC Vice Chair Shasti Conrad Answered YOUR Questions
By Christine Mrak
DNC Vice Chair and WA State Democratic Chair Shasti Conrad had to choose: Attend the 100th birthday party of beloved Dick Van Dyke – or attend WSI’s December Members Meeting.
She chose us.
For over an hour, Shasti spoke and answered questions posed by some of the 70 people who attended, including our members, and friends from the 34th District Democrats, Seattle Indivisible, and North Seattle Progressives.
Shasti brings a younger, Western, person-of-color perspective to the national Democratic party structure. She credited WSI, Indivisible chapters and other groups with having “driven our victories” in recent elections. She acknowledged the frustrations many Democrats have had with elements of the Democratic Party but urged us “not to throw the party away” because it represents the best way to bring about the changes we espouse.
Shasti noted that the national party is now focused on developing stronger state parties and encouraging candidates at all levels to “bloom where you’re planted.” This requires a big-tent party that accepts local voters’ candidate preferences. In some areas, the local voters may choose candidates that are more progressive; in others, more conservative.
Bringing that message home, Shasti encouraged us to “have mayor-elect Katie Wilson’s back” as she navigates the difficult task of integrating her coalition’s ideas into governing. If we don’t, and Wilson fails, conservatives will point to her administration as proof that progressives can’t govern.
Shasti was generous with her time in fielding questions from members about a range of issues, including pending healthcare legislation, voter registration efforts, getting out the vote among young and Latino citizens, and eliminating US complicity in Gaza. She encouraged us to bring resolutions to our 34th District Dems and/or run for delegate to the June Democratic State Convention in Spokane. She also encouraged us to consider running for office, citing helpful resources like “Run For Something” and “Toolbox for Candidates,” both on the WA Dems website. This information is designed to help first-time candidates run for down-ballot positions.
WSI 2026 Vision, Mission, and Strategic Priorities Discussion
The meeting then broke into small discussion groups where members discussed WSI’s revised vision, mission, and values and the four strategic priorities that will help guide WSI in 2026, as proposed by the Extended Leadership Team, based on the results of the recent Member Survey.
Vision: We envision a thriving democracy where communities rise together in non‑violent, cooperative action to protect justice, strengthen civic engagement, and build a connected society rooted in trust, equality, and shared responsibility.
Mission: West Seattle Indivisible organizes neighbors to defend democracy, elect leaders who reflect our values, and provide tools for meaningful civic participation. Together, we stand against authoritarianism, support those most impacted, and grow a joyful, powerful community that makes our voices heard and holds government accountable to We the People.
Values:
Pro‑Democracy – We champion democratic principles and work to ensure government reflects the will of the people.
Non‑Violent Action – We commit to peaceful, constructive engagement as the foundation of lasting change.
Cooperation – We collaborate across differences, recognizing that collective strength comes from working together.
Community Building – We create a resilient community that empowers neighbors to act, by fostering connection, solidarity, and joy.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2026
1. BUILD a WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY THAT ACTIVATES CIVIC ENGAGEMENT by creating a welcoming space for people to build authentic relationships in a variety of activities that spur action.
2. SUPPORT VOTING AND FAIR ELECTIONS TO ELECT OFFICIALS WHO REFLECT OUR VALUES in local and national elections. Develop actions that support voter registration, GOTV, election observers and best-practices election legislation. Encourage member participation in the 34th District Dems and support party leadership that reflects our constituents. Collaborate with other pro-democracy organizations.
3. PROTECT LOCAL IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES by working with immigrant-led groups supporting those targeted, including rapid response preparation and pressing local officials to adopt immigrant rights policies.
4. CHAMPION THE PASSAGE OF THE WASHINGTON HEALTH TRUST (SB5233 and HB 1445) by educating the community about the need for universal healthcare and building coalitions with allied organizations.
Members overwhelmingly supported the above and added a few suggestions. The final version will be available in January.
Contact volunteer@westseattleindivisible.com if you’d like to be involved in any of these efforts.
Facilities at The Center For Active Living have been rented for this event. In so renting its facilities, The Center for Active Living does not either endorse nor disapprove of this event.
