Profile in Leadership: Betsy Robins ‘makes things happen’

​By Paul Pickett

Clallam County Democrat Betsy Robins in a photo provided by her

Betsy Robins is one of those people who leads from behind the scenes. She seems to be everywhere and she’s an encyclopedia of Clallam Democrat knowledge. She helps make things happen. 

My first introduction to Clallam Democrats was when I joined a sign-waving at the corner of Front and Lincoln Streets. I just had to do something after seeing a Trump tent down by Walmart. Betsy greeted me warmly, which made me feel welcome and part of the team. She’s been kind and attentive every time I’ve worked with her. She’s a model for any of us trying to make a difference. 

Betsy invited me to her lovely house downtown on Peabody Street, where she’s lived for over 30 years. While we enjoyed the view of the harbor, she told me a little about herself.

1. Tell me a little about your past – where did you grow up, where have you lived?
“I moved here from Seattle with my family when I was 21 years old,” says Betsy. She explains that she did a year at Washington State University (WSU), but when she was back in town, she met her husband and got married. She tells me she’s lived in Port Angeles since 1966. “We had kids right away, and I wasn’t very political at first,” she continues. “I started going to School Board meetings. A local paper saw me there and asked me to write a ‘school news’ column. Then I ran for School Board when I was 36, and served one term.” She continued to help the schools, working on winning the vote for levies (our local funding mechanism), and serving as levy chair once. She also worked as an educational aide helping special needs kids. She describes her career: “I worked for 30 years as a dental assistant. I loved the work. I worked behind the scenes and kept things moving.”

2. What led you to the Democratic Party? 
Betsy replies, “It started with the Hilary election, and the rift over Bernie. I got caught in the middle – it was a lot about personalities. Alliances are good – we need to work together to bring people in.” She explains how she found her role in the County Party. “I hang around, and when there’s something that needs to be done, I do it. When there’s a job, like planning events – I’m a helper.” Betsy explains her motivations for backing the Democrats. “No choice to me. Never an alternative to aiding all our citizens so they have an opportunity not just to survive, but to flourish. Education, basic things like housing, work – Democrats face those issues inclusively and cooperatively.” 

3. What has been the highest point for you as a Democrat?
Betsy ponders this question for a minute. “Obama’s election. It proved that a qualified person from any background can get elected. He was young and inspiring.”

4. What leadership positions have you held in the past? How did that experience prepare you for your position with Clallam Dems?
“I’ve been a Trustee for three two-year terms,” Betsy explains. “I was Membership Chair. Working with the School Board, levy committees, political committees. I organized campaigns with yard signs and newspaper ads. I had a leadership position with a women’s education organization, and I’ve been on nonprofit Boards, like the Fine Arts Center. I like to work together with people.”

5. What advice would you give to a volunteer thinking of taking on more responsibility in the Democrats?
Betsy waves her hand in a welcoming gesture. “Just come on in and participate. Just jump in. Give a listen and see where your interest and skills lie. There’s always a spot. Pick a committee. Get a feel for where you best fit in.” Betsy expresses concern that greeting a volunteer with ‘Here, do this’ may not work. “The hardest thing is getting to ‘I want to participate.’ Just try something out. Come down on Thursday and write post cards. Get familiar with the Party, and feel like you can join in.”

6. How do we pass the legacy of the Democratic Party to future generations?
Betsy considers this. “We need communication, and inclusive activities. Perhaps we could work with a Professor at Peninsula College. Port Angeles is a good ‘word-of-mouth’ town.”

Betsy ends our interview with her usual humble approach. “I had no education, I was just curious, interested, and got involved.”