By Beth Pellicciotti, Nominating Committee, LWV of Washington

Perhaps you’ve been contacted by a member of the LWVWA Nominating Committee, encouraging you to apply to the League of Women Voters of Washington Board of Directors. 

Or that you know the Jan. 5, 2026, deadline to apply is fast approaching and you’re still debating whether you have the time or the skills to serve.

Listen to the voices of board members, hear why they joined, and learn what they’ve gained from their contributions. Then complete the board application form at this link: LWVWA Nominating Committee Web Page.

Nancy Halvorson: "Someone believed in me enough to ask me to apply, so I did.  I was already working with Member Engagement and Leadership Development (MELD), and being on the state board has allowed me to work with others to further develop this program to support our greatest asset—our members.”

Angela Gyurko: “I decided to apply after attending Council in 2024 and seeing what was possible in the League. I am learning more than I ever thought possible by serving in this position.  ”

Dee Anne Finken: “I discovered serving on the board opened the door to work closely with bright and creative people—and to build friendships that have added greatly to my life.”    

Sasha Bentley: “I joined the LWVWA board because I see the commitment to justice, transparency, and shared leadership.”

Martin Gibbins: “Regretfully, we live in a time when our democracy teeters away from traditional American aspirations and toward autocracy. I cannot sit by. Working for the League and offering my time to the tasks of the board is probably the most impactful action I can take.” 

Karen Crowley (current board president): “I knew the time requirements would be significant (as president), but I also knew I had the time to give—and the desire to make a difference.”

Mary Coltrane (immediate past president): "I joined the LWVWA board after the 2017 election, which I took as a call to arms. It seemed like a good idea then, and I have not been proved wrong!”