(Note: special announcements for ERW's breakfast, "Toasting Equality" are included at the conclusion of this letter)

Dear Friends,

Your work has made the difference!

The culmination of the last several months of outstanding effort by 500+ coalition partners and a seemingly endless stream of campaign volunteers has played a tremendous role in contributing to our shared success. This effort was no small undertaking. Dedication and coordination among volunteers across Washington was reflected in the victorious outcome of this important decision.

Equal Rights Washington has proudly worked alongside Approve 71 these last several months. Early on, ERW leadership led the charge through initiating conversations with key stakeholders. With an experienced staff whose experience goes across the spectrum of political campaign management, this seemed to be a natural relationship. We also shared use of ERW's offices and a majority of resources to give the campaign an immediate running start. This allowed the campaign to bypass many of the usual start-up issues campaigns face, and allowed for immediate, specialized focus in many other areas such as website and message development.

In our Seattle office, we continued to see increased volunteerism as the result of Approve 71's extensive outreach efforts. Each night, as many as 40 phone bank volunteers would fill every available space reaching out to voters. ERW staff also contributed countless hours in working to ensure we would see Referendum 71 approved. All in all, a successful undertaking with ERW working as an important and involved coalition partner.

Continuing the important work of ERW throughout the course of the campaign, all while contributing staff and other resources, was a challenge we welcomed with enthusiasm. Over the course of the last several months, the ERW Education Fund continued its important work through the launch a tremendous public education campaign, with a great deal of focus outside of King County. We successfully re-launched our website and a statewide media campaign.

We must take a moment to recognize the outstanding efforts of those in our community. Josh Friedes?ERW's Advocacy Director who took leave to manage the Approve 71 campaign?has done amazing work, and reminds us every day of his talents and care for our statewide LGBT community. This work would also not have been possible without the dedication of campaign chair Anne Levinson, who knew the importance of solid coalition building and guided the campaign to success.

We must also recognize the legacy and unending dedication of Senator Ed Murray - we know that none of this would have been possible without him. Ed's thoughtful leadership that has moved mountains in the Legislature, and his tremendous work and support have been critical to important advances that move us toward full equality. 

With this chapter concluded, we now look to the future in Washington. And next week, we are planning an exciting announcement, to be made at next week's "Toasting Equality" breakfast. We hope you will be there join us. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

As we promised we have a roster of special guests, including County Executive elect Dow Constantine, Senator Ed Murray and we are honored to announce today that we will be joined on Tuesday by one of our greatest champions Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire. We hope you will join us to celebrate this important moment.

Finally, we thank all of you for your support and hard work. All over Washington, people came together, united in purpose. And we want you to join us as we move forward - together.

Sincerely,

Connie Watts
Executive Director
Equal Rights Washington