Hope Is Alive: The 44th LD Democrats Back From The Washington State Democratic Convention
Images of the Seattle Times and The Spokesman-Review Publications featuring the 44th LD Democrats.
I don’t know about you, but many of us in the 44th Legislative District Democrats delegation are still carrying the energy we felt at the Washington State Democratic Convention in Spokane. If I had to put the experience into one word, it would be this, hope.
That hope did not come from a single speech or moment. It cultivated from our time of being in community with people from across Washington who are doing the often-unglamorous work of building a more just, inclusive, and equitable democracy. It came from conversations in hallways, shared meals, caucus sessions, general sessions, and the simple reminder that none of us are in this alone.
For the 44th LD, the convention was also an opportunity to share what we have been building over the last 18 months. We were proud to talk about how we have been growing our organization, our new communications muscle, the coalition-building across parties and organizations, and the community-centered work happening in our district. Even more proud to share some of our new communication infrastructure projects and experiments to increase safety, resilience and connection within our community.
Breaking Bread and Building Relationships
One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend happened away from the convention, over dinner at the Steam Plant restaurant and bar. Co-hosted with the Washington State Democrats Progressive Caucus, we came together with an incredible coalition of volunteers, leaders and activists from across the state, including friends from the 12th, 21st, 38th, 39th, 46th, 47th, and 4th Legislative Districts, as well as organizers from the Democratic Socialists of America and Progressive Victory.
There is something powerful about sharing a meal with people who are committed to the same larger purpose, even though we may come from different communities, experiences, and strategies. Around that insanely large table, we had the chance to get to know one another, exchange ideas, talk honestly about what is working, and imagine what could be possible for our evergreen state.
Coalition-building is not a slogan. It is an intentional act. It happens when people make time for one another, respect one another, listen deeply, share, and choose solidarity over isolation. That dinner was a reminder that relationships are foundational for organizing change, and when we invest in those relationships, our march towards progress becomes stronger.
Members of the 44th LD Democrats, Washington State Progressive Caucus, 12th, 21st, 38th, 39th, 46th, 47th, and 4th Legislative Districts, as well as organizers from the Democratic Socialists of America and Progressive Victory having dinner at the Steam Plant in Spokane.
Sharing Best Practices, and Understanding the Needs Of Others
Another highlight was the Progressive Caucus session, where our Comm Tech Jermey Evans and I had the opportunity to share some of the ways we have been “taking care of business” in our district. We talked about practical tools, repeatable systems and resources, and the importance of making organizing more accessible for volunteers and community members who want to take action but may not know where to begin.
The response from the room was energizing. As hands shot up around the room, it was clear that people were not waiting for permission because they lacked passion. They were looking for models, templates, examples, and reassurance that they could just start. There was a real hunger for shared resources, of which our templates, presentations and upon request for you to download and reuse.
One of the clearest lessons from that conversation was this: do not wait for perfect guidance before beginning meaningful work. “Just, do it!” Try something new. Share what works. Repeat it. Make it easier for the next person or organization to build from your hard work. When we treat organizing knowledge as something to be shared generously, we help the whole ecosystem grow and our movement even stronger.
Democracy Requires Care and Consistency Builds Trust
On the final day of the general session. I was reminded of the responsibility we share as Democrats. Working with fellow delegates from across Washington was a joy. We met thoughtful people with big hearts, conviction, and were committed to doing the work required of us in a challenging political moment.
The weekend also offered important lessons about process, consistency, and trust. The platform process continues to improve each year of the State Convention cycle, and that progress matters. However, we also saw opportunities to make it more inclusive, especially by ensuring marginalized voices are meaningfully included early enough to shape better outcomes.
One practical improvement would be to share draft language with caucuses with enough time for thoughtful review, input, and to raise awareness around potential unintended harm to said communities. Inclusion is not only about who is present in the room, but also whether people have adequate time needed to participate in a meaningful way.
Trust is not built in a single moment. It is built over time. You must have follow-through, be reliable, and consistently up when it matters. That consistency helps people see that you are genuine and builds that trust.
That is part of what made the convention so inspiring. It was not just a gathering of people talking about our values Democrats. It was a community coming together and actively living those values to the best of our ability.
Democratic process is strongest when it is both effective and caring. We can move with urgency while still making room for reflection. And we can be ambitious while still being accountable.
The 44th LD Democrat Delegation getting ready to casts votes and debate during the Washington State Democrat Convention general session.
Let Us Carry Hope Forward
I left Spokane inspired by the stories we heard, the people we met, and the work already underway across our state. Hope is very much alive in the people who keep showing up. It is alive in the organizers, volunteers, voters, and developing leaders. It is alive in every person who believes democracy is worth the fight.
Democrats are not only eager to stop the spread of MAGA extremism. We are eager to build something better: a future where more people are seen, heard, protected, and empowered. That work will not happen by accident. It will require organization, humility, creativity, and courage. But after this weekend, I am more convinced than ever that we have the people, the heart, and the determination to keep going.
To everyone we connected with at the convention, I just want to say, thank you. Thank you for your ideas, your questions, your future partnership, and your commitment to your communities. Thank you for reminding me that this work is bigger than any one district or campaign. And thank you for helping make the convention not just a political event, but a place of hope.
And finally, to the people of Spokane. Thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful city, for the hidden treasures, your hospitality, and the space to gather. The 44th LD and I were grateful to be your guests, and an appreciation for your historic buildings, bar scene and gorgeous parks, and we left with full hearts.
Forward, Together
Proud Chair of the 44th LD Democrats, Hillary Moralez
