You Asked, We Listened

Over the years, many of you have shared a desire for more ways to support WAMFT—including the ability to make tax-deductible charitable contributions. We’ve been listening.

I’m excited to share that WAMFT is now a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

This transition marks an important step forward for our community. It allows us to expand our impact while continuing our core mission to network, educate, and advocate for Marriage and Family Therapists across Washington State.

Why This Change Matters

This shift isn’t just structural—it’s about aligning who we are with how we grow.

Moving to a 501(c)(3):

• Strengthens our alignment with our public-serving mission

• Opens the door to grants, donations, and new resources

• Supports the long-term sustainability of WAMFT

What This Means for You

As members, you’ll continue to experience what makes WAMFT meaningful—while gaining new ways to engage and support the work:

• Continued advocacy for MFTs in Washington

• Opportunities to make tax-deductible charitable contributions

• Ongoing access to community, education, scholarships, and events

What Remains the Same

At our core, nothing about who we are is changing.

We remain deeply committed to:

• The MFT profession

• Our mission and values

• The importance of member voice and connection

What This Means for WAMFT’s Future

This transition creates space for growth and responsibility.

We now have:

• Greater access to funding and partnership opportunities

• A structure that reflects our public-benefit purpose

• Increased expectations for transparency and accountability

As a 501(c)(3), we will also operate within IRS guidelines that limit political activity, while continuing to advocate meaningfully for our field.

With Gratitude

This milestone did not happen overnight, and it certainly was not the work of one person.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our past treasurer, Rochelle Pope, for her leadership, persistence, and the many hours of work it took to help bring this transition to life.

More broadly, we recognize that we are always standing on the shoulders of those who have served before us. WAMFT has been shaped by the commitment, vision, and care of so many leaders over the years—and we are deeply grateful to each of you who helped build the foundation we now carry forward.

An Invitation

As we enter this next chapter—and mark 50 years of WAMFT—we pause to reflect on what this milestone truly represents.

For five decades, WAMFT has been more than an organization. It has been a professional home and community—a place where therapists gather to learn, connect, and support one another. Through your engagement, WAMFT has offered meaningful education, strengthened networks across the state, and protected and advanced the practice of marriage and family therapy in Washington. 

This anniversary is not just a celebration of time—it is a recognition of impact:

• The generations of therapists who have been trained, mentored, and supported

• The advocacy that has shaped how we practice and serve clients across Washington

• The commitment to ethical, relationally attuned care that defines our field

We are here today because of a community that has consistently shown up—for each other, for students and emerging professionals, and for the families and systems we serve. 

As we look ahead, becoming a 501(c)(3) allows us to carry that legacy forward with greater intention and sustainability. Keep an eye out for continued celebration of this milestone throughout this year.

We are launching our 2026 Annual Campaign with a goal of raising $5,000 in support of this work.

Charitable contributions begin at $50.

Join us as a Friend of WAMFT as we celebrate 50 years—and help shape the next 50.

👉 https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=2WPM2NA64399L

Thank you for being part of this community and this work.

Kindly,

Dr. Billie Tyler (WAMFT President)