ERW's mission is to ensure and promote dignity, safety, and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Washingtonians.

[citation needed] Many of ERW's founders and leaders made their entrance into the world of politics during the Hands Off Washington campaign between 1993 and 1997.

ERW was also a central player in the fight to have the Washington State Supreme Court give marriage rights to same-sex couples.

[2] In 2007, ERW supported the successful passage of Washington State's domestic partner law, which granted several of the rights of marriage to same-sex couples.

Several specialized consultants, interns, and volunteers maintain part-time office hours each week in support of the agency's mission and goals.