WMCHA's Advocacy Day Information Session

The Washington State Legislative Session will start this year on January 12, 2026.  WMHCA is gearing up for the beginning of session. We are planning several events for members to participate. These events prepare members to meet face-to-face with their senate and house state representatives to advocate for vital professional and mental health issues. WMHCA's Advocacy Day will be scheduled soon.  We will base the day depending on where bills are in the legislative process.

The first event is the Advocacy Day Information session, scheduled for December 4, at 11:00 AM. This session is for members who have never attended WMHCA's Advocacy, or want a refresher. During the information session, there will be review of the legislative process and discussion on effective advocacy strategies for the counseling profession. Participants will also learn how to set up meetings with their legislators, what to expect during these meetings, and why personal meetings are important for professional advocacy. WMHCA is working on inviting a legislator to attend and discuss the value they see in meeting with their constituents.

In January WMHCA will offer a Advocacy Day Prep Session.  The date is still TBD.  This session will cover specific talking points for Advocacy Dayand an overview of bills WMHCA is supporting and/or opposing. 

Finally Advocacy Day will be scheduled in late January or early February 2026.  The Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee (PPAC) will head to Olympia to engage in the legislative process.  This will be an opportunity to meet with legislators and watch committee hearings.  WMHCA members can share  their collective voice about important bills and participate in the legislative process. You are not required to attend the first two events to attend Advocacy Day. You are also not required to be a member of the PPAC to attend.

We hope you will join us.