Launching community leaders in Washington state.
First Mile is a donor circle that supports progressive candidates of color in down ballot races across Washington state who are bold, transformational, and accountable to the communities they represent.
Going further, together
Supporting candidates in the first mile of their campaigns.
Leaders of color face headwinds in pursuing elected office almost everywhere they run, confronted with a legacy of systemic racism and historical white dominance in politics. For too long, visionary and progressive Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders were deemed “not viable” as candidates because they struggled to raise the funds to support their powerful community-connected campaigns. The collective impact of First Mile is changing the narrative of who can run and win in Washington state.
Following the lead of trusted community partners.
First Mile candidates are selected by our community partners: OneAmerica Votes, Sage Leaders, and Washington Community Alliance Action Fund. Our partner organizations have accountable endorsement processes that engage their grassroots leaders in decision-making, and deep roots in the communities across Washington from which these candidates run. We are a circle that believes in sharing power and resources to achieve a truly representational democracy.
Joining the First Mile Circle
We welcome everyone who believes in our mission and shares our values to become a Circle member. Members make a financial commitment that is personally meaningful for them, and we send recommendations based on that budget to leverage the most impact for each election cycle. Members donate directly to candidates, based on our recommendations. First Mile Circle members are invited to events to meet candidates, hear from our partners, and learn more about how to engage in local races.
