Student Leaders Fighting Against Austerity: Invest in Our Future!

Olympia, WA – On MLK Day, students, educators, community leaders, and advocates all over Washington State came together to advocate for our legislative agenda that includes: Expanding access to free college, paid opportunities for undocumented students, expansion of mental health, and deeper investments in wrap-around services. More than 130 people joined Communities for Our Colleges to meet with legislators, rally together for free college, and push for a vision beyond austerity.

Attending C4C’s first Lobby Day of the year was thrilling. It was inspiring to see everyone from across the state come together and have a voice on issues that impact our community. It was such an amazing experience to be able to be educated on democracy and be in spaces where our communities are usually not seen. Being able to represent Purple Group was also great! Our members had a great time and would like to thank C4C for inviting us!” – Karina Cruz, student leader

Student leaders meeting with Rep. Osman Salahuddin.

Students, educators, community leaders, and advocates had active conversations with elected officials during. We had about 30 meetings with elected officials. Many brought attention to the affordability of college and open doors for undocumented students for employment opportunities in higher education. Our student leaders educated Elected officials on the need to make investments in higher education – how those investments build our economy by building on the aspirations of our students. 

Angelita reviewing our agenda for the day.

Lobbying is some of the most meaningful work I’ve done so far. Participating in democracy in-person and in real life is crucial to understanding the systems of government we have and how they can be influenced. ‘Representation matters’ isn’t just a buzz phrase. Showing up in numbers to talk to real people about real experiences in order to give them an idea of what it’s like to be a Washingtonian has the potential to change the lives of thousands. With more and more participation every year, lawmakers are able to see patterns of needs, from housing, to financial aid, to health care. It’s too intimidating. Your representatives are there to listen to you, and it’s the stories they hear in person that they remember when they’re casting their votes. So come out and join us next time, you won’t regret it!” – Rae Watkins, student leader 

Rep. Julia Reed addresses speaks at our rally in support of expanding access to higher education.

Communities for Our Colleges’s MLK Action Day builds power by bringing students, community members, and supporters to advocate on behalf of solutions rooted in people’s experience. Our leaders practice how to speak truth to power, share their stories, and lift up the demands for free college and employment opportunities for undocumented students in higher education. It shows elected officials how our communities continue to contribute to the state economy, but more importantly, how we are the future of Washington State. 

Paul reviewing talking points ahead of meeting with decision makers in Olympia.