Community Council

“Board of directors are elected by the board. The board shall consist of no less than 18 and no more than 26 individuals (including the officers). Directors serve three-year terms, on a rotating basis, with no more than one-third of the directors' terms expiring at any one time. The nominating committee, named by the president, consists of 7 committee members to include 3 board members, and 4 non-board members. The committee identifies, cultivates and recruits potential board members in a manner consistent with the core values and grass-roots, inclusive nature of the community council. The committee nominates board members for election by the board of directors. The chair will be determined by the committee. The officers are selected annually by the board of directors.”

“Board members and officers provided copy of 990 with an opportunity to ask questions.”

“Annually the conflicts of interest statements are reviewed by the executive director for appropriate action.”

“The board obtains information on local salaries for non-profit organizations in the community prior to hiring and determining the annual compensation and benefits for the executive director.”

“Form 990s, and form 1023, are available on the website: https://wwcommunitycouncil.org”

“Mission to foster a trusted gathering place where people engage in dialogue, inquiry, and advocacy to build a vibrant region for everyone. Our region includes columbia and walla walla counties and the milton-freewater area.”

“Study & implementation internet for all implementation task force the internet for all implementation task force (itf) was hard at work in 2025, taking on several projects to advance digital inclusion in our region. Community outreach and education in 2025, the itf prioritized the creation of educational materials to help bridge the digital divide. The task force created an informational flier in english and spanish to explain why reliable internet access is vital for education, health care, and economic stability. Additionally, they developed materials in english and spanish listing community programs that offer services such as free wi-fi, public computers, device lending programs, and affordable devices. Media presence and digital resource fair the itfs efforts were publicized through two features in the walla walla union bulletin. The first article highlighted the regions need for affordable, reliable internet and the itfs work, while the second previewed the 2025 digital resource fair. The digital resource fair was a collaborative effort involving 18 community partners, including schools, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and colleges. The digital resource fair created a lively atmosphere, featuring free food from a local vendor and a dj who provided music while serving as the events master of ceremonies. To engage attendees, local organizations, including the lincoln high school esports team, college place high school future business leaders of america, the walla walla ymca, nn developments, and goodwill of the columbia, hosted interactive games. Beyond the fun and games, goodwill also conducted an especially popular class focused on internet safety and security. On the technical side, walla walla university students managed help desks to provide direct support and guide visitors toward valuable online resources. Simultaneously, 21 other entities hosted resource tables to share information about tech-related services and assistance available to community members in our region. To increase accessibility, american sign language and spanish interpretation were provided throughout the event. Excitement peaked when six laptop computers were awarded as door prizes, five of which went to students. While overall attendance was smaller than hoped, the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Participants encouraged the itf to host the event again in 2026, offering constructive suggestions to expand outreach efforts. Itf members we would like to recognize and thank our itf members for their hard work and dedication to bridging the digital divide. These 37 volunteers represent a wide array of sectors, including the city of college place, college place public schools, common roots housing trust, goodwill, hope street, port of walla walla, walla walla community college, walla walla county rural library district, walla walla homeless alliance, walla walla public schools, walla walla senior center, worksource walla walla, and various business owners from within and outside the tech industry. Together, we are driving meaningful solutions to close the digital divide and expand broadband internet access for all. We are building a future where everyone in our region can thrive in a connected world.”

“Outreach annual luncheon our 2025 annual luncheon brought together more than 400 community members from across the region, creating a powerful moment of connection and shared commitment. Community members gathered not only to learn about community councils work, but to affirm their shared care for the health and future of our community. The room reflected the diversity of our region, with participants bringing distinct perspectives and lived experiences. Community council is committed to inclusivity and collaboration in everything we do. One luncheon sponsor reflected the councils study/action process is all about listening, learning, and making meaningful change from the ground up a true expression of care and collaboration. Around the table, strangers become neighbors, and ideas turn into action. Similarly, a former board member shared: i joined the community council board because i liked that they got things done fruitful studies, useful reports, tangible outcomes, and sustained impact. What ive learned over my time with this organization is that they also do one more thing: they empower our community to come together to continue growing and improving, to build on past achievements, and to evolve to meet future needs. Events like our annual luncheon demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and collaboration by building relationships, engaging in dialogue, and taking shared responsibility for addressing challenges and advancing lasting change. You can read more about our past work in our 15 year retrospective, which can be found on our website. Our commitment carries forward throughout the year.”