Standing Strong in Transition: WAESN’s Commitment to Antiracism and Ethnic Studies

As we step into 2025, Washington Ethnic Studies Now (WAESN) has a bittersweet announcement to share with you. Beginning February 1st, 2025, WAESN will transition to a volunteer-only model due to a lack of sustainable funding opportunities. This decision, while difficult, is necessary to ensure the continued existence of our organization and our unwavering commitment to Ethnic Studies and antiracism in Washington’s schools.

What This Transition Means

• WAESN will no longer have paid staff; however, WAESN is not closing or ceasing operations. Our mission remains as steadfast as ever. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of all of our past and present staff and volunteers for helping us get this far. 
• We will continue to offer important resources, K–12 Ethnic Studies curriculum, and networking opportunities, including our quarterly Advocacy in Community gatherings and Dinners with President Bruce.
• Our political advocacy work will, unfortunately, be negatively impacted. Without dedicated paid staff, our capacity to engage in the critical fight for systems transformation will be reduced.
• The ability to offer professional development opportunities may also be negatively affected.

Dr. Castro-Gill, a cornerstone of WAESN’s leadership, will continue contributing on a part-time volunteer basis while pursuing a nationwide job search. If new funding becomes available and they have not yet found a new role, Dr. Castro-Gill will return as WAESN’s Executive Director. Should they secure a new position, they have committed to joining the WAESN board to ensure continuity of leadership and vision.

WAESN’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Oliver Miska, will continue to fight for racial justice and equitable funding for public education in our state. Oliver is currently working on fighting attacks on trans youth with the Lavender Rights Project and advocating for the People’s Big 5 funding legislation.

Both the Executive and Youth Advisory Boards will remain intact. Additionally, WAESN will complete our current partnerships with various university intern programs. Our committees, and the volunteers that run them, will also continue to operate.

Why This Is Happening

WAESN is a 501(c)(4) organization, a designation that allows us to engage in direct political lobbying while maintaining our nonprofit status. We chose this tax structure intentionally because we believe systems transformation cannot occur without political activism. Unfortunately, this decision has come with significant challenges:

• Our unapologetic advocacy for antiracism and refusal to soften our approach to accommodate white supremacy has led to us being perceived as “too political” or “aggressive.” This perception has hindered our ability to secure contracts with organizations entrenched in systemic inequities.
• Most philanthropic foundations are reluctant to support 501(c)(4) organizations, which limits our funding options.
• The underfunding of education in Washington has constrained schools and districts from contracting with WAESN.
• The growing attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) have made even willing partners hesitant to engage with an organization as firmly committed to antiracism as WAESN.

Despite these barriers, we remain profoundly grateful to the Inatai Foundation and College Spark Washington for their steadfast support and belief in our mission. Their partnership has been a beacon of hope in challenging times.

How You Can Help: A Call to Action

WAESN has always been a volunteer organization with a paid staff of one, and as we navigate this transition, we need your support now more than ever to sustain our critical work. In the wake of the current president’s tenure and rise of fascism we need to bring our community together to fight for our lives and the lives of our students. If you have volunteered in the past, we’d love to have you back. If you aren’t yet connected with WAESN, we invite you to consider these options:

1. Become or continue to be a sustaining member. 

Even as a volunteer-only organization, we still need funds to cover essential costs like technology and event programming.

2. Join one of our committees. 

With no paid staff, our success now depends on the dedication of volunteers. Your time and energy can help bridge the gap.

3. Spread the word. 

Help us secure contracts and funding by sharing WAESN’s mission and work with your networks.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our supporters, members, and allies: thank you. Thank you for believing in our mission, standing by us, and fighting alongside us. Your unwavering support has made WAESN’s work possible, and it will continue to propel us forward.

While this transition marks a challenging chapter, it is not the end of WAESN. Together, we will persist in the fight for Ethnic Studies and antiracism in Washington’s schools, carrying our torch with determination and hope. We promise to continue this work until we are forced to stop—and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Together, we will continue to fight for America’s beautiful story. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Sincerely,