July 2024 Newsletter

With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, the WA State Leadership Board (WSLB) is pleased to welcome the summer season and thrilled to announce some important updates and changes.

In May, the WSLB passed a resolution to extensively revise its bylaws with the goal of enhancing the organization's ability to fulfill its mission and better serve our communities. The updated bylaws reflect the WSLB's ongoing dedication to continual improvement, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the organization and those we serve.

Under the new bylaws, the WSLB proudly presents an updated Executive Team structure featuring the Board President, Vice President, Secretary, an At-Large member, and Chairs overseeing the Boundless Washington, Sports & Mentoring, Washington World Fellows, Compassion Scholars, and Honors Committees. This dynamic reorganization underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to Washington State.

The WSLB is also thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Representative Stephanie McClintock as the newest Ex-Officio member. Representative McClintock represents the 18th District in Southwest Washington. She was appointed on Friday, June 14 and brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the Board. Welcome, Representative McClintock!

As the WSLB embraces its newest member, it is also with a tinge of sadness that we bid farewell to two long-standing members, Mary Cadera and Allison Ball. Both Mary, former WSLB Treasurer, and Allison, former Honors Committee Chair, have played pivotal roles in the success of the WSLB, and their contributions have been truly invaluable. The WSLB extends its heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering commitment and service, and wishes them every success in their future pursuits. Thank you, Allison and Mary!

On May 18th, we kicked off our summer programming with an unforgettable celebration. The WSLB hosted its annual Program Celebration Day at Point Defiance Zoo, beginning with a main ceremony that honored the growth and accomplishments of program participants. The participants' hard work and pride in showcasing their achievements further underscored the WSLB's belief that empowering young leaders is crucial to driving positive change. It served as a testament to the effectiveness of the WSLB's leadership programs and the organization expresses deep gratitude to our committed Board members, lawmakers, and communities for their support over the years. We eagerly anticipate expanding this celebratory event in the future.

We gathered our 2024 Boundless Washington Cohort together at Program Celebration Day in May! It was the first opportunity for our cohort members to meet in-person. Their next in-person gathering is quickly approaching as the Boundless Washington Summer Adventure will take place at Eastern Washington University August 12th – 16th! Adrianne, Boundless Washington and Team S.A.M. Programs Coordinator, is working diligently on coordinating adaptable athletic opportunities with a variety of Spokane area community partners. The students will also take part in leadership training, participate in a variety of cross-programming activities, and venture to Spokane Velocity and Spokane Indians events!

The Boundless WA and Team S.A.M. Committee have made a recipient recommendation for the Q2 Team S.A.M. grant of $5,000 and eagerly await the Executive Committee’s approval at their upcoming meeting. We are accepting Team S.A.M. grant applications for Q3 now through August 31st. Please share the word with any eligible youth sports-oriented 501(c)(3) organizations.

Our Washington World Fellows have been busy since our last update! Our 2023 Cohort of International Ambassadors have arrived in Logroño, Spain, where they are fully immersed in Spanish Language and History classes. The Fellows are forming strong bonds with their host families and deepening their connections with fellow cohort members. They will showcase their international Youth Summit projects on July 25th, alongside their Spanish host peers. We’ll be livestreaming the Summit on our Facebook page (@TheWALeaders), so be sure to tune in!

Meanwhile, our 2024 Cohort of Domestic Advocates are gearing up for the International Exchange program at Eastern Washington University. They have attended the first of many Zoom meetings, connecting with the Spanish Fellows who will be visiting Washington this summer. As they cultivate lifelong friendships, all participants seem eager for the adventure ahead.

Our 2024 Compassion Scholars have returned from their trip to Spain and are hard at work with their mentors creating their service-learning projects. From what we’ve seen so far, each project stands out as both impressive and unique. Highlights include initiatives such as educating seniors about the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and creating informative cartoons to raise awareness about the risks and dangers of fentanyl use. These efforts promise to make a positive, meaningful impact not only in their growth as evolving leaders, but within their communities.

Our 2023 Cohort of Compassion Scholars have also completed their service-learning projects, with two students delivering outstanding presentations at our Programs Celebration Day. To learn more about their projects, visit our 2023 Compassion Scholars Page. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and the positive impact they’ve made within their communities and beyond. Now that’s what we call Compassion in Action!

Until next time!