My experience in volunteer leadership is really just an experience in participation.
That statement may sound simple, but it captures a truth that many Realtors eventually come to understand: Leadership is not about holding a title or having the perfect resume. It’s about showing up consistently, intentionally and with a willingness to learn.
Seattle King County REALTORS® is an advocacy organization. As Realtors, we operate at the intersection of business, housing and public policy. Decisions made by lawmakers directly affect how we serve our clients, protect property rights and strengthen our communities. Those decisions are often shaped by the voices that are present. Our advocacy work is only made successful by your engagement and involvement.
There are many ways to get involved with the association — serving on committees, attending events, investing in the Realtor Political Action Committee. All of these play a critical role in advancing our mission. But if there is one opportunity that consistently delivers the greatest return on involvement, it’s Washington REALTORS® Hill Day.
This year, Hill Day was on Jan. 29, and it firmly placed members directly at the center of the legislative process. It offered Realtors the chance to meet face-to-face with lawmakers, share real-world perspectives and advocate for priority issues that support our industry, property rights and communities.
For many, Hill Day is the moment when advocacy “clicks.” It demystifies government affairs. It replaces assumptions with understanding. It shows members that their voice matters, not someday, but now. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned advocate, Hill Day provides meaningful, hands-on engagement that moves the needle for our industry and clients. A first-timer told me it clicked for her last year while attending Hill Day: “There’s so much power in being able to clearly state what’s important to Realtors to the people who act on it.”
Equally important, Hill Day reinforces the power of our collective action. When we show up together, informed, prepared and united, legislators notice. Realtors are strongest when we speak in one unified voice.
Hill Day is where participation turns into impact.
As president, I will need your support, your involvement and your engagement. Our association is strongest when members do more than belong. It all happens when YOU participate.
Our government affairs program, and Hill Day in particular, has a unique way of sparking passion and interest. Increased involvement leads to better outcomes for our industry. Because of the Realtors’ unified action, housing bills passed in 2023 are now benefiting our clients, giving them more diversity in housing stock to choose from, more freedom to develop infill on their lots and more affordable housing types across our communities.
This year, I encourage you to find your thing within the association and lean all the way in. Show up before you feel ready. Participate before you feel confident. Engage before you feel like an expert. Involvement doesn’t begin with knowing everything. It begins with showing up when it matters.
We hope to see you get involved this year!
Cheyenne Gillooly is 2026 president of Seattle King County REALTORS®.
Realtors gather for Hill Day 2025 with Washington REALTORS® (via SKCR)