Sage Leaders

Cultivating deep democracy in Washington State

Sage Leaders is a power-building 501c4 organization cultivating deep democracy in Washington State. We are developing critical leadership development infrastructure for Black, Indigenous and people of color leaders in civic and elected leadership roles.

What makes our organization unique is that we provide many entry points to local leadership roles, whether it's joining a county oversight board, leading an endorsement process, running for office for the first time, or learning how to govern once in office.

All our leadership programs share a peer cohort model that that values vulnerability over posturing, accountability over defensiveness, and shared leadership over individual ambition. These are spaces where community leaders can laugh and learn together, share deeply around challenges, build lasting relationships, and transform political culture in real time.

Our leadership programs:

Taking the first step into civic participation by serving on boards and commissions: Our six-month Community Leadership Institute fellowship program supports, trains, and places emerging leaders of color to sit on boards and commissions in Western Washington. Since 2015, over 130 fellows have graduated and 82% are serving in civic leadership roles. 

Building the bench of future leaders: Last year, we launched Campaign Camp with the Working Families Party to build the bench of leaders of color across Washington State who are ready to run for office in the coming years.

Taking the leap to run for office: Our BIPOC Candidate Cohort convenes candidates running for office across Washington State to provide technical, social, and emotional support throughout election season. Most program participants are first-time candidates. We also lead one-on-one conversations and share resources with civic leaders interested in running for office.  

Shaping the debate through endorsements: Our Political Leadership Council is a grassroots decision-making body that comes together to make endorsements in city, county, and state elections across Washington state. Participants receive direct exposure to campaigns and build relationships with elected leaders – building future pathways for civic and elected office. 

Getting elected is only the first step! Our Local Elected Leadership Institute provides a supportive and skill-building peer cohort space for elected leaders of color across Washington State during their first years in office.

Our mission:

Sage Leaders' mission is to cultivate deep democracy in Washington State by developing Black, Indigenous and People of Color community leaders for civic and elected leadership.

Sage Leaders is a 501c4 non-profit organization. Our EIN is 85-1190550. Contributions to Sage Leaders are not tax deductible as charitable contributions or as business expenses under IRC Section 162(e).