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About Us

In Brief

The Statewide Poverty Action Network fights to ensure everyone in Washington State is able to meet basic needs and has the opportunity to prosper.

We believe things need to change. People are working harder for less. The rising cost of health care, education and child care are putting the squeeze on families. Most of us pay more in taxes – to keep our communities healthy for everyone – while the wealthy pay less and less.

Poverty Action is working in Olympia. We want the Governor, legislators, regulators and other decision-makers in the state to hear our voices, especially of those directly impacted by poverty. Our 5,000 members throughout the state provide the grassroots network to make those voices strong. As one of Washington State’s leading organizations on poverty—directed by low-income people—we have the special expertise and powerful track record of victories to connect with those who are most disenfranchised, engaging people with low incomes to become activists for social change.

Poverty Action is:
Creating Change – Poverty Action is a statewide network of individuals and organizations pushing for innovative policy solutions. The strength of our organization lies in the size of our membership and our ability to unite individuals to fight for a common cause. We reach out to people in all parts of the state to ensure we represent the diverse concerns of our community.

Speaking Truth – Poverty Action strives to ensure the public, the media and decision makers get the straight story. Through involvement of people with lower incomes, Poverty Action dispels the myths, holds government accountable, and promotes media coverage to forward real solutions.

Reclaiming Democracy – Poverty Action mobilizes its members to come together, get educated and act. Real people working together can make a difference. That’s why we organize people across the state to vote, march on the capitol steps, flood legislators with mail and phone calls, and testify at hearings. Together, we can make sure elected officials work for all Washington families.