Policy Information and Advocacy
WWA provides information about workforce development policy and programs as requested by its members, government agencies, local, state and federal elected officials and their staff. WWA works closely with other statewide and regional organizations, such as the National Workforce Association, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Oregon Workforce Partnership, the California Workforce Association, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington State Labor Council on policy issues of mutual concern.
Three Steps to a Brighter Future
WWA invites your organization's support for our policy recommendations for 2008.
WWA's Three Steps to a Brighter Future
Prioritize Workforce Development!
How can you help workforce development gain the kind of priority it deserves in public policy? Many people have not stopped to think about the connection between how we prepare our workforce and how our state and our country continue to fare in the world economy, but most can easily support our goals if they have the right information.
These downloadable materials, resources, and tips are designed to help workforce professionals provide information to stakeholders and the general public.
A concise package containing speaking points, useful facts & quotes, and tips on making presentations:
Public Outreach Kit
A PowerPoint slide show that accompanies the materials above:
Workforce Development Presentation JULY 2007
WIA Funding Trends
WWA has assembled these graphs showing total Workforce Investment Act (previously Job Training Partnership Act, or JTPA) funding for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth, with corresponding data tables. A useful tool to facilitate discussions about workforce development as a national priority.
Data from Program Year 1985 to Program Year 2006:
WIA Appropriations History 2006 - All States
Data from Program Year 1993 to Program Year 2006:
WIA Appropriations History 2006 - Washington
Followup to the WWA Fall Conference 2006
WWA's first annual conference was a great success. Attendees gained insights into state and federal
legislative strategies, and Senator Patty Murray praised the local Workforce Development Councils
for their effectiveness.
More Info: WWA Fall Conference 2006
Building the World's Best Workforce
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board undertook a major study of the workforce development system in Washington, and presented recommendations for reform to Governor Gregoire in a document entitled Washington Works. As a complementary effort, WWA built consensus among the local Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), culminating in this position paper, which presents the WDCs' priorities for system reform.
Building the World's Best Workforce
A potential information tool for WDC staff to share with WDC members and Youth Council members:
DRAFT Dropout Prevention Briefing
DRAFT Dropout Prevention Briefing -- Complete
Includes source documents -- 417 pages (4.5 MB download)