It is almost registration time again; time to decide what classes to take, what professors would be better and if you are going to donate your $2 to the Washington Student Lobby.

You hear the voice on RSVP asking, "Do you want to donate two dollars to WSL, a non-profit student organization?"

What exactly is the Washington Student Lobby and why does it want $2?

WSL was created at Western in 1982 to fulfill the need for a stronger, more united student voice in Olympia. Participating in this organization are the University of Washington, Washington State University, Eastern, Central and of course, Western.

WSL represents over 80,000 students state-wide, whether they choose to donate or not. About 20 percent of Western students donate to this cause, but 100 percent of Western students benefit.

WSL has fought hard the past 18 years for student rights and issues, the biggest accomplishment being the establishment of a student position on the Board of Trustees of every school.

This year, WSL is focusing on defeating local control of tuition and having textbooks exempt from sales taxes.

The Washington Student Lobby State Board meets once a month at different locations around the state. Each school has equal representation, no matter what the size of school.

At the last meeting, the State Legislative Agenda was created.

This agenda is what all five universities will lobby for in Olympia. The board has 17 voting members -- three per school, with each graduate school also receiving a vote.

Although WSL is not well known around campus, it is a powerful voice in Olympia. Without this organization, legislators don't even want to spend the time listening to individual schools, because all students essentially want the same things.

WSL represents each university equally and legislators would rather meet with everyone all at once, rather than at five separate meetings.

Your $2 donation can make a difference. WSL runs completely on a volunteer and donation basis. Without your help, this organization cannot lobby efficiently.

Several students have contributed long hours to helping this organization, but without financial support, not much else can be done. Your money goes to many lobbying efforts and upkeep of the Olympia office.

The office is used by our Legislative Liaison, Erin Smith, when he is in Olympia next quarter. Many organizations such as the WSL operate on hundreds of thousands of dollars.

WSL currently is operating on $30,000. The need for support is crucial, so please donate.

If you have any questions or want to get involved in WSL, please contact Erin Smith or myself at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 650-3463. Erin is the Vice President and I am the Vice President for Legislative Affairs for the State Executive Board.

For only $2, you are receiving a stronger, more united, student voice in Olympia!