So . . . is Yakima Indivisible Political? Partisan? Both? Neither? Y-I is political, but non-partisan. When Yakima Indivisible was launched in the spring of 2025, at least some communication indicated this would be a non-political and non-partisan organization. In June, the Steering Committee determined that the issues important to participants in Y-I events and central to small groups working on projects are nearly all political in nature. While it is unfortunate that providing healthcare, wearing a mask, following due process, preserving accurate history, saving the planet, and countless other topics have become political – that is just where we are today.
To clarify how and why Yakima Indivisible plans to be political but non-partisan, two simple definitions were shared at the General Meeting on Saturday, September 6th.
- Partisan: “refers to a strong, often blind allegiance to a particular political party, cause, or ideology. It typically implies a lack of impartiality.”
- Political: “the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing government policy; the art or science concerned with holding control of government”
Yakima Indivisible is absolutely committed to the above definition of “political.” In fact, every issue represented in rallies and other Y-I projects is intended to influence government policy and – to do that will require a change in government. Yakima Indivisible will not be partisan – meaning there will be no endorsements of a particular party. In our valley, there may be Independents, Democrats, or non-maga Republicans who are the best choices to act on issues affecting democracy. We will do all we can to mobilize and educate in the belief that truly informed citizens will unite and use their vote to defend our democracy.
