Advocacy and Policy

Thank you Advocates!

A crowd of people gathered on the steps of a government building, holding protest signs and banners. Some signs say 'Fix 1217,' while others advocate for workers' rights and housing issues. The group includes people of various ages, wearing casual cl

A large group of people gathered outside, holding signs and banners supporting education workers and protesting for better conditions and pay, including signs that read 'Our Kids Deserve The Best' and 'SEIU'.

Group of people gathered outdoors, some standing and others sitting, attending a public event or protest, with a blue tent and parked cars in the background.

A man standing in a room with boxes, a table with bananas, and a mural of a mountain with trees. The wall has a message welcoming all, in English and Spanish.

Protest on the steps of a large government building with protestors holding signs advocating for women's rights and opposing felons. Some protesters are sitting on the steps, while others are standing. The building has large Corinthian columns and th

Three people taking a selfie indoors, smiling and making peace signs, in a building with marble walls.

People participating in a pro-transgender rights rally, holding signs with messages such as "Transgender made my brother happier" and "Stop Nazi takeover." Some are kneeling and praying while others stand holding flags and signs, outdoors with trees

A man in a suit stands at a podium, speaking at a rally or protest, with the Washington state flag and the American flag behind him. There are people holding signs and flags in the background, and the event is taking place on the steps of a large gov

A diverse group of people gathering outdoors during a protest or rally, with some holding signs and others taking photos. In the center, a man with sunglasses holds a camera, and a woman nearby is smiling.

A man in a suit and tie speaking at a podium labeled 'Tax the Rich' during a protest or rally, with sign that reads 'Danger Oligar' in front of him; another man stands nearby with signs and others in the background.

A woman giving a speech or presentation at a black podium with papers in hand, speaking into a microphone, while two women in the audience listen attentively.

Interior view of a multi-level train station with an arched, decorative ceiling, escalators connecting the floors, and a food court with tables and chairs on the ground level. People are walking and sitting throughout the station.

View of the U.S. Capitol building partially obscured by trees with a parking lot in the foreground.

A large group of people gathered outdoors holding various signs and protesting, with some signs reading 'SEIU Our Kids Deserve The Best' and 'Our future deserves more than lip service.' Many people are wearing jackets and backpacks, and the backdrop

Indoor view of a legislative or governmental chamber filled with seated officials and spectators, with ornate decor, chandeliers, and multiple levels of seating.

A woman speaking at a podium outdoors, flanked by American and green flags, with a building in the background and several people gathered around and standing on the steps.

Crowd of people participating in a protest march outside a government building on a cloudy day, holding signs and banners.

A large crowd of protesters gathered outdoors, holding signs advocating for workers' rights, education funding, and better treatment of children, in front of a government building with a sign for a library.

A diverse group of people, including children and adults, protesting with signs and banners related to education and public service outside a building.

Three smiling people sitting at a table during an event, with two women and one man in the foreground, and other attendees in the background. The woman on the left is wearing a knit hat, the man in the middle has a beard and glasses, and the woman on

People gathered in a large room sitting at round tables, some wearing purple shirts, with a few standing and talking, and decorations including string lights hanging from the ceiling.

Three people smiling for a selfie at a conference or event with a large decorated whiteboard behind them.

Two women wearing purple shirts at a conference or event, smiling and taking a selfie in a crowded room with many people seated at tables.

Group of four smiling friends taking a selfie by a marina on a cloudy day, with boats docked in the background.

Group of people sitting in a conference room, smiling at the camera, with one woman taking a selfie. There is a colorful artwork on the wall behind them.

People protesting outdoors with signs advocating for transgender rights, including messages to protect trans kids and oppose the gag, with some signs referencing equality and others general protest themes.

Four women smiling and posing for a selfie outdoors, with a construction site and other people in the background.

Inside a grand train station with a high domed glass ceiling, classical statues on a balcony, and a polished marble floor with geometric patterns. There are people sitting and walking around.

A group of people sitting on steps outdoors, some using phones and holding flyers, with trees and a historic-style building in the background.

A woman speaking at a podium with two flags behind her: a green State of Washington flag and an American flag. She is gesturing with her hand and holding a microphone.

Two women smiling and posing for a photo in an indoor marble hallway, with people in formal attire in the background.

Three people standing in front of a government building with a dome, wearing purple shirts with campaign slogans, smiling at the camera.

Protest on the steps of a government building with people holding signs advocating for women's rights, opposing political figures, and defending democracy. A young woman is taking a selfie in the foreground.

Group of smiling people on a bus, some wearing purple shirts, inside a modern bus with LED ceiling lights.

A woman wearing a purple shirt that reads 'SAVE LIVES VOTE YES or YES' standing in a room with chairs and cardboard boxes, with a mountain mural and a quote on the wall behind her.

Two smiling people taking a selfie in front of a decorative metal door with a lion's head door knocker. They are wearing purple event shirts and lanyards, with one person in a black beanie and sunglasses, and the other with long brown hair and a sept

Woman standing in a room with purple chairs, cardboard boxes, and a mural of mountains and trees on the wall. She is wearing a purple t-shirt with text and jeans, and has dark hair and glasses.

About Us

At Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), we’re working to improve health for everyone in Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. One of the ways we do this is through policy advocacy—working to change systems and laws that affect people’s health.

We know that real health equity means going beyond the doctor’s office. It means tackling the bigger issues that impact well-being, like housing, income, and access to care.

Our Approach

Our policy work is guided by these key goals:

Using data to guide decisions and focus on the areas that need the most support
Listening to community voices and making sure they help shape policy
Supporting local advocates like community health workers and peer leaders
Partnering with other groups to expand our impact

We don’t just talk about change—we work to make it happen. At SWACH, our goal is to build systems where everyone has a fair chance to be healthy, no matter who they are or where they live.

Ways to Get Involved

Join C3 (Community Care Collaborative): A grassroots coalition committed to challenging oppressive systems and building pathways to empowerment. By connecting communities with the tools, resources, and support they need, we strive to create lasting change and foster collective strength. Together, we work to amplify voices, inspire action, and cultivate a more equitable SW Washington. SIGN UP HERE.

We also invite you to join our Listserv to stay up to date on the latest advocacy news and efforts.

SWACH Policy Priorities for 2026

Access to basic needs

Access to essentials like nutritious food, clean water, transportation, communication, and healthcare is vital for health and community prosperity. Meeting these needs reduces stress and fosters stability, while lack of access heightens illness and mental health risks, worsening health inequities. SWACH advocates for ensuring access to these basics to build healthier communities and provide stability and opportunities for all.

Medicaid

Medicaid is crucial, providing essential healthcare like prescriptions and mental health care. Without it, vulnerable groups such as children and older adults would face poorer health and higher costs. SWACH supports Medicaid for its role in protecting healthcare access and community stability.

Housing

Safe, stable, and affordable housing is crucial for dignity and well-being. It reduces stress and supports employment, education, health, and community ties. SWACH advocates for housing as a fundamental right, ensuring everyone deserves a safe home, regardless of income or circumstance.

Priority Populations

Marginalized groups like LGBTQIA2+, BIPOC, immigrants, and youth face threats to safety, rights, and health due to systemic discrimination and intentional oppression. Lacking resources and protections makes them vulnerable to violence and poverty. SWACH advocates for these communities, stressing the need to protect their rights for a safe and inclusive society.

Native and tribal affairs

Native and Tribal communities have long advocated for their sovereignty and existence. We support their rights to self-determination, reparations, and access to necessary resources. SWACH champions Native and Tribal Affairs, emphasizing the importance of honoring sovereignty, upholding treaty rights, and investing in community-driven solutions for justice, healing, and a healthier shared future

2026 Advocacy Events

Event	Support Org	Date
Legislative Session begins	WA state	January 12, 2026
Housing & Homeless Advocacy Day	WA Low Income Housing Alliance (WLIHA)	January 26, 2026
Recovery Advocacy Day	Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA)	February 5, 2026
Public Health Advocacy Day	WA State Public Health Association (WSPHA)	February 18, 2026
Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Day	WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)	TBD
Pathways out of Poverty	Poverty Action Network (PAN)	TBD
Legislative Session ends	WA state	March 12, 2026