In 2019, UW Impact, the University of Washington Alumni Association's legislative advocacy program, mobilized hundreds of alumni and friends in support of the Workforce Education Investment Act. Their advocacy helped secure the most significant reinvestment in higher education in the state of Washington, in more than a decade. UW Impact advocates visited their lawmakers, wrote thousands of emails, testified in hearings, and submitted written testimony in favor of the WEIA. This increased the B&O tax on certain businesses to create a fund for post-secondary education - an estimated US $1 billion over the next four years.
From the Judges
A strong entry with a transformational impact, both on the legislation and in terms of engaging with alumni and strengthening their ties to the institution. Well done! The outcomes were very strong. Strong measurable campaign to push low-cost/free tuition. Great use of national media to maximize impact. Excellent advocacy campaign that includes measurable support to this legislation, considerable impact, national media reach, and wonderful engagement and stewardship opportunities from students to grassroots advocates coming together. Loved the strong alumni engagement component.
