As a non-partisan political action committee, we give a leg up to progressive individuals considering running for public office. We endorse candidates whose platforms are aligned with ours and we contribute to the campaigns of viable, PWA-endorsed candidates.

We also work to identify and encourage progressive people—particularly progressive women—to run for office at all levels of government. We link them with the resources, training, and funding sources they need to become strong candidates and run viable campaigns.

Beyond candidates, we also track issues from local millages to state and national referenda and we provide both financial and volunteer resources to those that promote progressive political change.

In order to do this work effectively, we put great effort into fund development. We register voters, we bring notable speakers to the community, and we sponsor forums on topics of interest—informing people about issues and encouraging them to take meaningful action.

Since its inception in 2003, PWA has grown to more than 800 women and men from West Michigan—from metro Grand Rapids to the Lake Michigan shoreline. We’ve provided endorsements to more than 30 candidates, registered more than 500 voters, and raised over $340,000 in individual contributions.

PWA's purple is chosen in tribute to the courageous women in America’s suffrage movement, and as a reminder that the work of creating a just and progressive society continues.