Our Organizational Ecosystem
Advancing Rights of Nature in Washington requires both political advocacy and public education. To support this work, our efforts are organized through a complementary set of nonprofit entities that work together to build the movement. This structure allows us to engage in legislative advocacy, support local ballot initiatives, educate the public, and empower communities to take action to protect the ecosystems they depend on.
Standing for Washington
Political Advocacy
Standing for Washington is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit focused on advancing Rights of Nature through the political process. The organization advocates for legislation, represents the voice of its members, and coordinates local ballot measures and citizen initiatives that recognize the legal rights of ecosystems across Washington State.
Standing for Nature
Educational and Legal
Standing for Nature is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to public education, community empowerment, and building the broader movement for Rights of Nature. The organization provides educational resources, supports community organizing, and helps communities use direct democracy tools to protect their local environments.
RONI
Coalition
The Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) is a coalition of Washington organizations supporting Rights of Nature in our state— join the coalition and support the movement to recognize the legal rights of ecosystems.
Project
RONI is a project of Standing for Nature our 501c3 educational non-profit
Coalition
RONI brings together other 501c3 and tribal organizations to support the advancement of Rights of Nature
Coordination
RONI coalition members stay informed about emerging RON efforts, including activities led by Standing for Washington
Our Origins
Standing for Washington was formed as a Washington Political Action Committee supporting Everett Initiative 24-03, a ballot measure recognize the rights of the Snohomish River Watershed. The initiative passed in November 2024 with overwhelming support from Everett voters.
What began as a campaign organization focused on passing a single local initiative quickly grew into something larger. The overwhelming support from the Everett community revealed a broader public desire to advance Rights of Nature.
In response to that momentum, Standing for Washington evolved beyond a PAC and transitioned into the current 501(c)(4) political nonprofit, creating a lasting framework for ongoing political engagement, community organizing, and advancing Rights of Nature throughout Washington.
Mission Statement
Standing for Washington is dedicated to supporting legislation and citizen initiatives that support nature in Washington state. Our mission is to promote the idea that nature has inherent rights that should be protected and preserved, and that nature should be given legal standing to support those rights.