Defending Education & Building Alternatives in Washington State

By Cody Mahar-Kjos, Oceana Baker, Giuliana Natale, and Michael Doyle – Green Party of NE Washington

The Crisis Is Here—Will We Fight Back?

With Washington State facing a $13 billion budget shortfall and the U.S. Department of Education officially dissolved, public education is collapsing. Federal education funding is gone. Schools will close, teachers will be laid off, and students—especially from working-class and marginalized communities—will be abandoned.

This is by design. The ruling class has never valued public education because educated, empowered people threaten their control. They want learning to be a privilege, not a right. They want students drowning in debt, not fighting for change.

But we refuse to let them destroy our future.

The Green Party of Washington must take action now to:

✅ Expose the crisis—Tell the truth about what’s happening to our schools.

✅ Organize resistance—Rallies, protests, and mass action to demand real funding.

✅ Build alternatives—A new education system that puts power in the hands of communities.

We don’t have time to wait. The future of our students—and our movement—depends on what we do next.


The Plan: From Awareness to Action

1. Demand Immediate Alternative Funding for Education

If the state claims there is “no money” for education, we must expose their lies and fight for new funding sources:

Progressive Taxation & Closing Corporate Loopholes

Tax the ultra-wealthy—A 1% wealth tax on millionaires and billionaires could generate billions for education.

End corporate tax loopholes—Washington State gave $2.7 billion in corporate tax breaks in 2023 alone. That money could fully fund schools.

Increase capital gains taxes—Make the wealthy pay their fair share.

Redirect State Spending from Police & Military Contracts

Defund bloated police budgets and redirect that money into education, mental health services, and community programs.

End subsidies to war profiteers—Washington is home to major defense contractors like Boeing that receive billions in subsidies while schools are left to rot.

Use Publicly Owned Cannabis & Green Energy Revenue

Take back control of marijuana tax revenue—Much of it currently disappears into the general fund instead of being used for education.

Publicly owned green energy projects could generate sustainable, long-term funding for education.

If politicians refuse to act, they expose themselves as enemies of working-class students and families.


2. Organize a Mass Movement to Defend Public Education

Flood social media with testimonies from teachers, students, and parents.

Hold public town halls and mass rallies to demand action from lawmakers.

Organize school walkouts, teacher strikes, and mass demonstrations—direct action gets results.

Build alliances with labor unions, working-class movements, and student activists.


3. Build a Community-Led Education System

If the state continues to fail, we must take education into our own hands.

Community-Led Education Alternatives

Worker-run and parent-run schools—Cooperative schools where teachers, parents, and students make decisions democratically, completely independent from the state.

Community homeschooling networks—Families and volunteers pool resources to educate children collectively in small, community-driven learning groups.

Education cooperatives—Community-funded schools where tuition is kept low or free through grassroots fundraising, mutual aid, and nonprofit models.

Mutual Aid & Free Community Education Centers

Convert public libraries, community centers, and empty buildings into free educational hubs run by volunteers, retired educators, and community members.

Create a Green Party education fund—A grassroots, people-powered fund to support community schools and homeschooling efforts.

Develop free online education resources—The Green Party and its allies can build open-source curriculums so students have access to high-quality education outside the state system.

Partner with labor unions and worker-owned businesses to fund vocational training and apprenticeships.

We cannot rely on the state to fix this crisis—we must build a decentralized, community-powered education system that puts people before profit.


Campaign to Fund Public Education


The Next Steps: Organize. Mobilize. Win.

Assign regional coordinators to oversee actions and outreach — contact us to get involved.

Launch an immediate social media and press campaign to expose the crisis — campaign presentation.

Schedule the first major town hall or protest event within 30 – 90 days — join us to make it happen!

Begin working with educators and activists to build alternative schooling options — we need your support!


This is our moment to prove that education is a human right, not a privilege. If we don’t fight, who will? If we don’t lead, who will?

The Green Party of Washington must be at the forefront of this battle. We are the ones who believe in people over profit, justice over greed, and knowledge over ignorance.


Call to Action: Stand up. Speak out. Fight back.

For our students. For our communities. For our future.

Media Outreach Workshop for Greens


Green Party Media Workshop covers all aspects of outreach to news media: press releases, press conferences, contacting reporters, and much more. We also talk about social media and video and brainstorm ideas. A link to a media guideline is provided: https://www.gpus.org/other/organize/organize-kit/downloads/candidate-media-tips.pdf

We encourage Greens, especially candidates and campaign organizers, to promote their campaigns and Green Parties through the news media.

“If the media and public don’t know about you, you don’t exist.”

Details:
Media Workshop for Greens
Time: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Presenter: Scott McLarty, Green Party media director


Jill Stein in Seattle – February 27th!

Support our Party and welcome Jill Stein to Seattle!

Join us at Raisbeck Performance Hall, 2015 Boren Ave, Seattle

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Healthcare Forum with Whole Washington

2 pm – 4 pm


Join Whole Washington and the Green Party of Washington on Tuesday, Feb 27th for a panel forum with Green Party Presidential Candidate Dr. Jill Stein, Green Party Congressional Candidate (WA02) & Whole Washington Board member Jason Call (also Stein’s Campaign Manager), and other single-payer healthcare activists.

RSVP: https://www.gp-wa.org/healthcare_forum_with_jill_stein

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Jill Stein Campaign Fundraiser

7 pm – 8:30 pm


Join us for an evening with Green Party Presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein, starting at 7 PM. Refreshments will be served!

6 PM – Donor circle – limited attendance – to attend the donor circle, please donate when you RSVP to attend. After you RSVP for the event, you will be offered the opportunity to donate.

7 PM – Event and fundraiser open to all attendees

RSVP: https://www.gp-wa.org/jill_stein_seattle_2024

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Jason Call for Congress Town Hall

Join us on Sunday, October 15th at 4pm PT / 7pm ET for a Town Hall conversation with Washington State Green Party Congressional candidate Jason Call

The Green Party of Washington is excited to introduce Jason to a national audience!

Jason is a lifelong progressive activist on issues ranging from healthcare to education to peace action to climate action. He is a former high school math teacher of almost two decades and was elected to the board of his local Education Association for a number of years. He has been active in ballot initiative efforts over the last decade, including I-502 which legalized cannabis in Washington (first in the nation), I-1433 which gave Washington the highest minimum wage in the country, and I-735 which saw Washington become the 18th State to support the movement to Amend the Constitution and overturn Citizens United. Jason has served for 5 years on the board of Whole Washington (wholewashington.org), one of the strongest state-based single-payer organizations in the country.

Jason has run for the WA-02 Congressional seat twice before and came in a close 3rd place both times in the ‘Top Two’ primary. A 2nd place finish would put Jason through to the general election against the corporate-funded incumbent, an outcome that is eminently winnable.

Jason’s website is detailed, with in-depth policy positions, gold star opposition research on the incumbent (a fossil fuel and war machine-backed Democrat seeking his 13th term), media spots, press releases, and op-eds from prior races, and also explains why Jason left the Democrats to join the Green Party.

This race is a real opportunity, with the potential to see the first Green member of Congress!

We look forward to this online event, and we encourage you to come and meet this engaging, knowledgeable, and experienced candidate!

Follow Jason:

Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram  | TikTok | Bluesky | YouTube


In solidarity,

Green Party of Washington Coordinating Council

Follow us: X (Twitter)Bluesky, and Facebook

Volunteer to support Jason! -> Join our Green Party organizing group on Loomio!

#VoteGreen🌱

Statement on Conversation on Reparations

The Green Party of Washington was asked by an endorsed green candidate to provide Zoom access for a conversation on reparations with activists involved in the movement for reparations. The Green Party of Washington was made aware of racist and anti-Semitic comments made in the past by an activist who was invited by another activist to attend this meeting. The Green Party of Washington supports full reparations for all colonized people and encourages conversation on this topic. The opinions expressed by activists in the meeting are not necessarily those of the state party.

We encourage continued discussion on this important topic and ask you to join us on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 for our monthly reading group discussion on Reparations.

Resisting Israel’s Attacks on Palestine

Join us for an inside look at what is happening in the West Bank and Gaza —

Webinar at 5 pm PT, Wednesday, August 4, 2021

The ugly truth of what is happening to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza has been effectively hidden by media silence. Israelis don’t want to look, and the West doesn’t know. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and police protect and reinforce attacks by “settlers” which are increasingly vicious and frequent. Israeli courts, police, and settlers have worked with the  IDF and Civil Administration for de facto annexation of most of the West Bank. What is happening to Palestinians exemplifies colonialism throughout the world.

Hear from:

  • BOB SUBERI, Veterans For Peace, Green Party of St. Louis.
  • ZAKI BARUTI, Universal African Peoples Organization, Green Party of Missouri.
  • AWDAH HATHALEEN, Palestinian Activist, Victim of home demolition.
  • YONATAN SHAPIRAFormer Israeli Air Force pilot.

Moderator MADELYN HOFFMAN is Co-chair of the Green Party Peace Action Committee.


Please register for the program when you receive this.

Registration details: The webinar is NO COST, but you need to REGISTER to attend.

Click HERE to Register for Webinar or copy link into your browser:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUod-GurzkpHtGy08Z9Cl1R5E3Ll_O-ZO7e

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on joining the meeting.


Bob Suberi, the son of immigrants from Jerusalem, is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Israel, a Vietnam War veteran, and a member of the Green Party of St. Louis. He spent three months living in a Palestinian village from March to June 2021. He is currently active in Veterans For Peace, Friends of Bethlehem St. Louis, and the Center for Jewish Non-Violence.

Zaki Baruti is President/General of the Universal African Peoples Organization and was the 2000 Green Party Candidate for Missouri Governor. He has been a TV host, radio host and a decades-long leader in St. Louis area struggles against police violence. He publishes the African Newsworld and is a retired educator and author of educational booklets.

Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist in Umm Al Khair, South Hebron Hills, is a victim of house demolition and organized rebuilding a community center demolished twice. He is an English teacher and the inspiration behind a village library and a campaign to educate preschoolers. He assists Palestinians who are forced to work and sometimes sleep far from where they live.

Yonatan Shapira is a former Israeli captain and Air Force pilot. He was one of the organizers of a 2003 letter signed by 27 Air Force pilots who refused to participate in Israeli military operations against Palestinians. Shapira has also signed onto the internal Israeli movement for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) known as “Boycott from Within.”

Madelyn Hoffman has been a lifelong activist for peace/environmental justice and is a Professor of Political Science and Public Speaking. She is the 2021 NJ Green Party Candidate for Governor and Co-chair of the Green Party Peace Action Committee.

Co-sponsors include: African People’s Socialist Party, Attack the System, American Muslims for Palestine, Black Community Control of the Police, Broome Tioga Green Party, Georgia Green Party, Green Party Albuquerque Metro Area, Green Party of Kansas City (MO), Green Party Peace Action Committee, Green Party of St. Louis, Green Party of Texas, Green Party of Washington State, Green Party of Yavapai County, Green Social ThoughtHampton Roads Green Party (VA), Illinois Green Party, Kansas Green Party, Lynne Stewart Organization, Massachusetts Green-Rainbow Party, Missouri Green Party, Mobilization Against War and Occupation (Vancouver), New Abolitionist Movement, North Carolina Green Party, Organization for Black Struggle, St. Louis Friends of Bethlehem, Universal African Peoples Organization, Veterans For Peace, Wisconsin Green Party, Young Ecosocialists

For more info: https://www.gateway-greens.org/content/resisting-israels-attacks-palestine

Film Screening — 2040: The Regeneration

Join us for a special community screening!

2040: The Regeneration

Actions and Climate Solutions available today that will shape a Sustainable tomorrow!

About this Event

Online film screening —

Sunday, May 2, 2021

3:30 PM Pacific Time — with discussion following

As part of our Green Party of Washington Spring Gathering on May 2, 2021 we will watch the award-winning documentary 2040: The Regeneration.

This is THE YEAR for climate action, and this film provides the positive solutions that we can implement today. It is a great cure for eco-anxiety and the perfect way to inspire you to action!

Non-GPWA members may purchase a ticket for $8 here: https://2040greenpartyseattle.eventbrite.co.uk

The movie will be available for repeat viewing for 24 hours (until 5/3/2021 at 3:30 pm). This film is suitable for family viewing and is educational and encouraging for both school aged children and adults with anxiety about the future.

The film takes a solutions-based approach to how we can, using the technology we already have, mitigate the enormous global issues we currently face. The main themes/solutions in the film are: empowerment of women and girls; marine regeneration; regenerative agriculture; renewable energy; and circular economy. It’s a story of hope, and a powerful tool to encourage people to take action. You can watch the trailer here: https://togetherfilms.org/2040-screenings

After you register, you will receive a link to watch the film via email 1 hour before the start time of the event. Green Party of Washington members attending the Spring Gathering will receive a free coupon code to watch the film; members can look on Loomio at the meeting agenda as well. The film goes over many of the talking points from the ‘Drawdown List‘ and illustrates the real potential for a regenerative change.

Regeneration and Regenerative practices are needed now to go beyond passive Conservation toward an active Healing relationship with our Planet.

​​Click here to watch a trailer and reserve your spot today.

Note: this screening has an attendance limit. Register now to confirm your spot!

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Become a GPWA member or renew your membership: https://www.gp-wa.org/membership_gpwa

Keep up with us on Twitter and Facebook
Donations always appreciated and put to good use!

🌻 #WeAreGreen

Envisioning a Greener New Deal

Black & Green Wednesday Program on

Envisioning a Greener New Deal

5:00 pm PT, Wednesday, May 5, 2021

We must halt environmental destruction while providing a better quality of life for everyone on Earth. Since our hope has been that alternative energy can replace fossil fuels, it can be overwhelming to learn of its limitations. How real are concerns with nuclear, solar, wind, and hydro-power? How can overcoming capitalism help attain the social justice and shorter work week that humanity needs? This webinar will explore core issues involved in creating a better world while using vastly less energy and producing what we need for a brighter future.

Hear from …

  • Joan McKiernan, Broome Tioga Green Party.
  • Katie Singer, Reports on Our Digital Footprint.
  • Stan Cox, The Land Institute.
  • Omali Yeshitela, Chairman, African People’s Socialist Party.
  • Don FitzGreen Party of St. Louis.

The moderator will be Delilah Barrios, Green Party Latinx Caucus.

Please register for the program when you receive this.

The webinar is NO COST, but you need to REGISTER to attend.

To register, click HERE or paste link into your browser:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkduyrrD0sH9zpNMVQ6GraMf-j7jxSA2eW

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Cosponsors of the zoom meeting include the African National Women’s Organization, African People’s Socialist Party, Attack the System, Broome Tioga Green Party, Black Community Control of the Police, Climate Council of Greater Kansas City, CODEPINK, Gateway Green Alliance, Green Party Albuquerque Metro Area, Green Party of Kansas City, Green Party Latinx Caucus, Green Party of New York, Green Party of San Diego, Green Party of Virginia, Green Party of Washington, Green Party Peace Action Committee, Green Social ThoughtHumanity’s Last Stand, Indiana Green Party, Lynne Stewart Organization, NAACP, New Abolitionist Movement, North Carolina Green Party, Pacific Green Party of Oregon, Reports on Our Digital Footprint, Shia Islamic Education Center, Solidarity, Uhuru Solidarity Movement, Universal African Peoples Organization, US-Cuba Normalization Coalition, and Young EcoSocialists.

www.gateway-greens.org  For more info, call 314-727-8554

Film Screening — 2040: The Regeneration

Join us for a special community screening!

2040: The Regeneration

Actions and Climate Solutions available today that will shape a Sustainable tomorrow!

About this Event

Online film screening —

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PST

This is THE YEAR for climate action, and this film provides the positive solutions that we can implement today. It is a great cure for eco-anxiety and the perfect way to inspire you to action!

#JoinTheRegeneration and book your tickets today!

​​Award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film) embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to improve our planet and shifted them rapidly into the mainstream. Structured as a visual letter to his 4-year-old daughter, Damon blends traditional documentary with dramatized sequences and high-end visual effects to create a vision board of how these solutions could regenerate the world for future generations.

Click here to watch a trailer and to reserve your spot.

Note: this screening has an attendance limit. Register now to confirm your spot!

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Become a GPWA member or update your membership: https://www.gp-wa.org/membership_gpwa

Keep up with us on Twitter and Facebook
Donations always appreciated and put to good use!

🌻 #WeAreGreen

Green Party Presidential Forum – Videos

Thank you to all who attended our online Spring Gathering!

If you missed the afternoon session with our Green Party presidential and vice-presidential candidates, you may watch the videos here on our new YouTube channel! And remember to ‘Subscribe’ to our channel for video updates!


All votes in the Green Party of Washington Presidential Primary will be cast by Green Party members on a ranked-choice ballot sent out via email (or postal mail) after the Gathering.

Ballots and candidate statements will be emailed (or postal mailed to members without email addresses) within one week after the Spring Gathering, and returned ballots must be sent back (emailed or postmarked) no later than 21 days after the close of the Gathering — i.e., by Saturday June 13th, 2020. Members may choose to return their ballot via email or postal mail.

More information on the 2020 Green Party Presidential candidates.

 🌻 #WeAreGreen #VoteGreen2020 #RankedChoiceVoting