For a Renton English language class, a rally in Olympia was the perfect tool for civic education.

“What a better way than being civically engaged and experiencing democracy,” said Someireh Amirfaiz, executive director of Refugee Woman’s Alliance (ReWA), which organizes the annual event.

About 1,900 legal immigrants bused down to the capitol Tuesday to engage local legislators and to learn about democracy.

“The focus is really filling the gap in terms of services to refugees and immigrants,” Amirfaiz said.

Teaching refugees about American freedom isn’t easy, because many of them come from countries with oppressive and tyrannical governments, she said.

Most of Samantha Nelson’s English as a Second Language students are taking ESL as a requirement for a welfare program.

Nelson, a Renton Technical College instructor, is required to provide some basic civic education through the classes.

“I think it was really hard for them,” she said of teaching government. “I thought that taking them down there (Olympia) would be a good experience to just kind of see how the government works.”

Legislators met with the students briefly to discuss problems they face, she said. “They have a lot more understanding of how it (government) works.”

A long line formed behind the Legislative Building guest book, while those learning English happily signed their names.

Last year Renton Technical College was forced to cut its ESL classes by about half. This year schools are facing deeper budget cuts.

“These are the populations that need special attention,” Amirfaiz said.

The Temple of Justice was unusually noisy, as there weren’t enough guides to give all the visitors official tours.

The rally also shows the legal immigrants that they don’t need to be afraid of the government, Amirfaiz said. “This is really empowering.”

ReWA took about 35 buses of participants to the capitol, providing lunch and signs for the rally.

“I am always in awe,” she said. “It was wonderful.”