A Toolkit for Advocacy

A Toolkit for advocacy

table of contents

Introduction: Advocacy is our Legacy ...... 5 YWCA’s Advocacy Roots...... 5 Advocacy as a YWCA Mandate...... 6 Advocacy as a Voice for All Women and Families...... 6 There is Work to Be Done ...... 6 About This Toolkit...... 7

I . Understanding Advocacy ...... 8 Types of Lobbying ...... 8 II . Delineating Roles and Responsibilities ...... 9 National Advocacy ...... 9 Local Association Advocacy...... 9 YWCA Public Policy Process...... 10 Brief History of Public Policy Process...... 10 Current Federal Focus...... 11 Association Support for Approved Policy Issues ...... 11 III . Building Capacity on the Local Level...... 12 Obtain Your Leadership Commitment...... 12 Create an Advocacy Committee...... 12 Appoint an Advocacy Point of Contact (POC) ...... 13 Define the Responsibilities of Advocacy POC ...... 13 Develop a Local YWCA Advocacy Agenda...... 13 Conduct Research...... 13 Identify Your Opposition...... 14 Know Your Allies and Coalition Partners ...... 15 Engage Your Grassroots Network ...... 15 Collaborate with Other Local Associations...... 15 Comply with the Laws on Nonprofit Lobbying ...... 16 Understand the Election Rules for 501(c)(3) Organizations...... 16 Consider Filing the 501(h) Election ...... 16 Learn Your State and Local Laws...... 16 Adopt a Compliance Policy...... 16

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 3 IV . Communicating Your Advocacy Agenda...... 17 Integrate Social Media...... 18 V . Understanding How Government Works ...... 19 Understand the Process...... 19 Get Key Legislation Noticed...... 20 VI . Taking Action!...... 21

Basic Advocacy...... 21 Know Your Members of Congress ...... 21 Learn What Motivates Your Elected Officials...... 21 Get Contact Information for Key Staff...... 22 Know Your Own Legislative Priorities & Expertise...... 22 Create Materials to Build Your Case...... 22 Share Your Story ...... 22 Intermediate Advocacy ...... 22 Call or Write Your Elected Officials...... 22 Schedule an In-District Meeting During Recess...... 23 Coordinate a Virtual Lobby Day...... 23 Circulate a Petition...... 23 Host a Candidate Forum ...... 24 Advanced Advocacy ...... 24 Provide Testimony in Congress or in State Legislature ...... 24 Work with Elected Officials on Signature Legislation...... 24 Attend and/or Participate in a Town Meeting ...... 24 Co-Host a Community Forum with Local Partners...... 25 Issue a Public Statement/Press Release...... 25 VII. Connecting with Elected Officials...... 26

VIII . Engaging in Voter Education and Mobilization...... 27

IX . Conclusion...... 28

Appendix ...... 29

4 | YWCA USA introduction: advocacy is our legacy

“The [YWCA] movement changes to meet the needs of the time, the girl, and the group . Every year brings new demands, new responsibilities and new perplexities to women; therefore, the Association cannot remain static . It keeps its direction and its great, tried principles but revises its ways of working . Meanwhile it tries to learn more; to think more deeply and truly what its aim and purpose may mean… “It is the ideal of the Association that… people shall because of it begin to think differently about women…” From Membership Leaflet, Volume 1, Number 1: What is the Young Women’s Christian Association? A Christian Movement of Women and Girls, circa 1924

YWCA’s Advocacy Roots first developed programs and trainings, and offered support systems to women who were searching for economic The YWCA has a long and rich history of advocating for security during the Second Industrial Revolution (www. policies that improve the lives of women, girls, low-income ushistoryscene.com/uncategorized/secondindustrialrevolution) individuals and families, and communities of color. For over (1870–1914), which brought about harsh working conditions, 150 years, the YWCA has demonstrated its strength and long hours and low wages. credibility as a movement for social change and justice. The YWCA also has a robust legacy of supporting progressive The YWCA’s advocacy and activism are directly rooted in racial justice and civil rights. Ahead of its time, the YWCA its direct service to local communities. YWCA foremothers opposed racial segregation, lobbied for the elimination of

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 5 the voting poll tax, and supported fair employment practices. engage with federal elected officials and state legislators to Below are a few of the YWCA’s historic milestones. ensure that adequate funding is available for the services that YWCAs provide. These services include anti-violence programs, employment and job training, and early care See Appendix for YWCA Historical Highlights and YWCA and education. YWCAs can help shape and formulate Historical Firsts and Milestones. legislation that focuses on gender equality and racial justice for all by providing on-the-ground expertise and Advocacy as a YWCA Mandate insights on good public policy. The YWCA’s investment in strong and collective advocacy on issues that are important to all women and their families There is Work to Be Done is codified in the national bylaws approved by the YWCA In recent years, many strides have been made in our efforts to membership in November 2012. effectively advocate for legislation that combats racial inequality and economic disparities and protects women’s health and Article III. A.4. b) “Each Local Association shall safety. Here are recent examples of legislative successes: operate in furtherance of the YWCA mission by, without limitation, adhering to standards of YWCA • Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed into law in 2009 to Hallmark programs as defined by the Board, and shall address the wage gap between men and women; also participate in mission-driven advocacy efforts.” • Access to affordable, quality health care for millions of women and their families mandated under the Advocacy as a Voice for All Women Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010; and, and Families • Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (VAWA) The YWCA cultivates relationships with a broad spectrum passed in 2013. of allies and policymakers from all political parties. As However, much more remains to be done to ensure that a nonpartisan organization, the YWCA strives not to get laws will be of help to all women and children from all involved in partisan politics, and focuses on improving the backgrounds and communities in this country. lives of women and their families. The YWCA has the experience and national influence that is The YWCA is known for providing direct services necessary in order to speak with authority on important issues for and programs to vulnerable populations in cities and women and girls in the United States. We have a unique history towns across the United States, including women, girls, that lends credibility, respect and integrity to our advocacy. low-income communities, seniors, the disabled, and communities of color. By focusing and enhancing our Read on to learn more about how your voice—one that is advocacy efforts, many YWCAs can more effectively loud, strong, informed, and persuasive—can impact the legislative and political landscape for every woman.

Figure 1 - YWCA Early Historical Milestones

The firststudents, boarding openedteachers house in for andNew female factory YorkThe City.first workers Philadelphia.daycare in the U.S.The opened first residencewasin established for unwed inThe Cleveland. mothersfirst instructionwomen started in typewriting in TheNew first York foremploymentYork City. City. bureau Theopened first in branchNewAfrican-American opened in TheDayton,YWCA first Ohio.womenYWCA foropenedin NativeChilocco, at theAmerican Haworth Oklahoma.The Institutefirst trainingprofessional conferenceMichigan. leadership for womenThe firstbegan practicalestablished in nursing in Brooklyn,school Thewas New YWCA York.conference held its first in Louisville, interracialThe YWCA Kentucky.voting lobbied poll againstCongress taxes thatlow-income exercisingto discriminated end and their racial rightThe minorities toNational vote.created Board the advanceof Office the YWCA civilof Racial rights Justice efforts. to

1860 1864 1869 1870 1872 1889 1890 1891 1898 1915 1936 1965

6 | YWCA USA about this toolkit

This toolkit includes a variety of resources that will Templates, historical documents and other easy-to-use enable YWCA leaders, staff, volunteers and Board references are included in the Appendix at the end of members to engage in effective and robust national the toolkit. Some documents included in the appendix advocacy. The toolkit represents collaboration between are for historical purposes and may contain historical— YWCA USA National Advocacy team, Communications, not current—language. This toolkit will be updated Directors of Association Services and local YWCAs from periodically to reflect the changing priorities and needs of across the country. local associations. Receiving your feedback about its utility will be useful for future versions. This toolkit is designed for individuals and organizations with all levels of advocacy experience and capacity.

1860 1864 1869 1870 1872 1889 1890 1891 1898 1915 1936 1965

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 7 I. understanding advocacy

“Advocacy” consists of activities meant to influence public • Ensuring that the voices of underrepresented communities debate and policy decisions. Through advocacy, individuals are represented in the policymaking process. and organizations seek to influence laws, policies, and systems at the local, state and federal levels. Types of Lobbying

Effective advocacy enables nonprofits like the YWCA Lobbying is a form of advocacy in which a direct approach to help shape the public debate about important social is made to legislators and other government officials and policy issues, and to ensure that the perspectives of about an issue, urging them to take a specific position. under-served communities are represented in policies that (For example: “Support/Oppose [specific legislation or impact our society. Advocacy is one way that nonprofit amendments to a bill].”) organizations can champion the issues they care about • Direct Lobbying involves communication with an and help bring about systemic, lasting change for the elected official or staff at the federal, state, or local populations they serve. level about specific legislation, whether through phone There are many methods that the YWCA can use to engage calls, face-to-face meetings or emails. in advocacy. These include: • Grassroots Lobbying consists of communication to the public, asking them to contact Congress or their state/ • Educating the public and policymakers about issues of local official about an issue. concern; • Influencing legislation through “grassroots” and Continuous engagement with both elected officials and “grasstops” engagement; the public is necessary for successful advocacy efforts to result in policy victories that promote the elimination of • Helping to develop governmental agency rules and racism and empowerment of women. regulations; • Educating voters and candidates about policy issues; and,

Grassroots advocacy motivates average Americans to communicate their advocacy positions with their elected officials and grasstops advocacy motivates key influencers in communities, local elected officials, and business leaders to contact politicians on key advocacy positions. For example, our “grassroots” could be YWCA clients or coalition partners, and “grasstops” could be YWCA CEOs/EDs, supporters and Board members.

8 | YWCA USA II. delineating roles and responsibilities

The YWCA USA’s role is to coordinate, support and unify o Monitoring legislative priorities and updating local the advocacy efforts of local associations around our associations on federal policy progress and actions; national advocacy priorities, and to advance the advocacy o Providing resources that enable locals to directly priorities of the World YWCA, as they arise. engage with Members of Congress and their staff; o Managing national advocacy efforts, including the National Advocacy annual Capitol Hill Day; The specific responsibilities of the YWCA USA’s National o Directing YWCA signature campaigns, such as Get Advocacy team include: Out the Vote and Week Without Violence.

• Leading the development of policy priorities and the • Building capacity within local associations for rapid YWCA’s federal agenda for each congressional session, and effective advocacy, such as: in coordination with local associations; o Providing trainings and legislative talking points, • Building relationships with Members of Congress, the field plans, and fact sheets; White House and federal agencies; o Opportunities for YWCA leaders to serve as experts • Representing the YWCA on Capitol Hill and at coalition on key legislative activity; meetings, particularly as related to communicating the o Sharing success stories and best practice examples YWCA’s mission and advocacy priorities; to help advance the advocacy agenda. • Coordinating public policy actions, such as:

o Joining coalitions/partnerships that are working on Local Association Advocacy issues that are relevant to the YWCA’s mission and The role of local YWCAs in advocacy is to support and advocacy priorities; promote the YWCA’s national advocacy agenda, and to

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 9 identify other legislative opportunities at all levels (federal, of public policy that are important in the realization of the local, state) that will advance the YWCA’s mission. mission and goals of the YWCA.”

The specific responsibilities of local association advocacy In 2003, The National Coordinating Board (NCB) teams may include: approved the seven policy priorities below. Then in 2004, the NCB also approved keeping the historical positions that • Building their association’s advocacy infrastructure, were adopted prior to 2003. including the formation of an Advocacy Committee and participation in advocacy trainings; • Elimination of racism • Participating in the YWCA USA Advocacy Network by: • Affirmative action o Identifying an Advocacy Point of Contact (POC), • Hate crimes who will stay informed and engaged on national • Violence against women advocacy work, and keep the National Advocacy • Increasing women’s income team updated on key issues specific to their • Welfare reform association; • Early childhood education o Participating in bi-weekly National Advocacy Legislative Update briefing calls; o Engaging in YWCA advocacy initiatives, See the Appendix for the full memo about the seven policy such as regular action alerts (sign up for priorities adopted by the Board at the end of 2003. alerts at YWAct - www.ywca.org/site/lookup. asp?c=cuIRJ7NTKrLaG&b=7527663); In 2009–2010, the YWCA USA streamlined its national advocacy agenda and how it was presented to internal and o Building relationships with Members of Congress, external audiences by categorizing all policy priorities their district office staff, and state/local officials. under three main issue compartments: • Participating in federal advocacy efforts, especially during congressional recesses, when legislators are usually 1 Women’s Health and Safety: Violence against physically in their districts and meeting with constituents. women, women’s health and reproductive justice 2 Women’s Economic Empowerment: Welfare reform/ YWCA Public Policy Process Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), early childhood education and childcare, increasing The YWCA’s advocacy priorities are identified by the women’s income (equal pay, minimum wage, federal local associations, with the guidance and direction of the appropriations/budget and tax, job training and post- National Advocacy team, through a biennial process that secondary education) coincides with the congressional calendar. The YWCA USA CEO, in concert with the Director of Advocacy and 3 Racial Justice and Civil Rights: Immigration reform, Policy, ensures that the YWCA USA, in coordination with immigrant rights, voting rights and the Voting Rights local associations, identifies and prioritizes top legislative Act, hate crimes, affirmative action, and racial profiling priorities and the public policy agenda of most importance During this time, the YWCA USA also conducted a to local associations. survey of local associations about their key legislative and th The CEO of the YWCA USA has the authority to funding priorities, including their priorities for the 112 endorse new priorities as they arise, given the fast-paced Congress, which spanned January 2011 to December 2012. and dynamic nature of the legislative process, and the The top three priorities chosen included reauthorization possibility of national crises or disasters. As a multi-issue of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), federal organization, the YWCA may work on issues that fall appropriations/budget and tax policy, and issue education outside of the already-established priorities when needed. regarding immigration. In 2011, an Advocacy Workgroup was formed in order to Brief History of identify a process to select our national legislative priorities Public Policy Process every two years, in alignment with the congressional calendar. Our current priorities are a reflection of that work. Historically, policy positions have been adopted every four years at YWCA conventions, in order to “establish the authority by which the National Board acts on matters

10 | YWCA USA Current Federal Focus press release outlining the top three national advocacy priorities was issued to major media outlets. In December 2012, the YWCA surveyed local associations across the country to rank their top three national legislative priorities during the 113th Congress, which Find the letter to Congress outlining the top three priorities, spans from January 2013 to December 2014. and the press release, in the Appendix. Association Support To read a Summary of the National Survey on Top 3 for Approved Policy Issues Legislative Priorities see Appendix To further our goal to be a national voice for women top three priorities Based on survey results, the for YWCA and families, it is the hope of the YWCA USA that local th National Advocacy work during the 113 Congressional are: YWCA associations will adopt the comprehensive national • Federal Funding and Appropriations (Child Care and advocacy agenda as their own. There is power in numbers, Development Block Grant, Community Development and, as a social justice organization, the YWCA advocacy Block Grant, and VAWA) agenda will be stronger if all local associations are committed to it. • Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) The National Advocacy team recognizes that some local o Signed into Law on March 7, 2013 (www.gpo.gov/ associations may adopt additional advocacy priorities fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s47enr/pdf/BILLS-113s47enr.pdf) depending on the unique issues that are most important to • Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) their clients and their community. In general, it is important to show solidarity around YWCA USA policy priorities. For In January 2013, the YWCA USA sent a letter to this reason, it is highly discouraged for local associations to Congress and to the White House that outlined the publically oppose the YWCA USA’s positions. YWCA’s top three priorities. Local associations also shared the letter with their local congressional delegations. A

Direct Lobbying involves communication with an elected official or staff at the federal, state, or local level about specific legislation, whether through phone calls, face-to-face meetings or emails. ! A Toolkit for Advocacy | 11 III. building capacity on the local level

Advocacy work requires a strong commitment and a plan of that new leadership is aware of this priority are action, regardless of a local association’s level of advocacy recommended steps. expertise. It is important for the leadership of a local An association’s strategic plan and annual work plan association to understand how advocacy will both amplify should reflect advocacy as an integral part of its work. the work being done in the community and contribute to a Ultimately, advocacy should become integrated into the strong, national voice for the YWCA in the United States. fabric of the association, both internally and externally. Obtain Your Create an Advocacy Committee Leadership Commitment The development and implementation of an advocacy A formal, organizational commitment to advocacy is an agenda and work plan can be completed effectively by a important starting point: dedicated Advocacy Committee. It is recommended that your Advocacy Committee be comprised of a combination • For associations who are just beginning their advocacy of Board members, staff and volunteers who are deeply work, a Board Resolution that formally recognizes the committed to the mission. Having some members who are role of advocacy is recommended. knowledgeable and experienced in policy development and execution is also valuable. See the Appendix for an example of a Board Resolution on Advocacy. In some cases, funds may not be readily available for dedicated, full-time advocacy staff, so obtaining staff • For associations who are already engaged in advocacy support for an Advocacy Committee is ideal. The Advocacy work, renewing this commitment annually and ensuring

12 | YWCA USA POC (see “Local Association Advocacy” for reference) at the local association, and has been designated by should also be a member of the Advocacy Committee. the CEO/ED to fulfill other duties that are associated with the POC role. Some CEO’s/ED’s serve as the Typically, the Advocacy Committee is a “working group,” association’s Advocacy POC. and tends to be an additional responsibility for a staff member. Volunteer leadership and commitment is vital for Define the Responsibilities of the Committee’s success. Advocacy POC

The specific responsibilities of the Advocacy POC include: See an example of an Advocacy Committee description in the Appendix. • Communicating YWCA national advocacy initiatives to their local association’s Board, CEO/ED, staff and It is also worth noting that the Advocacy Committee is an membership; opportune vehicle for engaging young women in leadership • opportunities. College interns who are working for your Reporting local advocacy activities and initiatives to the local association or potential interns who are majoring YWCA USA National Advocacy team; in the fields of social work, public policy, sociology, • Leading the efforts of local associations to fulfill the government relations or racial justice are great candidates standards of basic advocacy work; for this committee. • Staying abreast of the YWCA’s national public policy priorities and attending bi-weekly legislative calls Advocacy Committee responsibilities can include: when available; • Developing and implementing an advocacy agenda; • Serving as the point person to convene or develop the • Building advocacy capacity for the local association, local association’s Advocacy Committee and agenda; and, including Board and staff training; • Serving as the point person for the local association’s • Participating in YWCA National Advocacy initiatives participation in other coalitions. (for example, sharing action alerts); Develop a Local • Communicating policy developments and advocacy actions to the Board and National Advocacy team; and, YWCA Advocacy Agenda • Determining coalition partners. Local associations are strongly encouraged to focus their work around the YWCA’s top three national policy Building the Advocacy Committee’s base of knowledge priorities, and to choose additional legislative priorities is an important first step for new members. Primarily, the based on capacity and the most critical advocacy issues for Committee must understand the fundamentals regarding their community. A dedicated Advocacy Committee can nonprofit guidelines and limitations for lobbying, the and should play a key role in developing an association’s basics of how government functions, and election activity advocacy agenda. guidelines for nonprofits.

With these bases covered, other professional development Conduct Research opportunities will also be helpful for the Advocacy The National Advocacy team is available to provide Committee. For example, the YWCA USA webinars on the up-to-date resources and information on legislation essentials of advocacy, social media and online organizing of importance. Contact the National Advocacy team trainings, and in-person meetings with Members of ([email protected]) if you need assistance finding up- Congress can increase the skill level and confidence of to-date research on legislation, statistics and data/research Committee members. from think tanks that are credible and nonpartisan.

Appoint an Advocacy Commonly-used research engines include: Point of Contact (POC) • Federal government resources: A central member of the Advocacy Committee will o www.fedstats.gov be the association’s Advocacy (POC). Each local o The United States Census (factfinder2.census.gov) association has an Advocacy POC who acts as a liaison o www.usa.gov between YWCA USA and the association regarding advocacy work, provides leadership for advocacy efforts

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 13 • Federal agencies that have both federal and state • Universities and researchers who work on social justice information: issues are listed in the Scholars Strategy Network o Department of Health and Human Services (www.scholarsstrategynetwork.org). (www.hhs.gov) Identify Your Opposition o Department of Housing and Urban Development (portal.hud.gov) When taking a public position on an advocacy issue, either o Department of Justice (www.justice.gov) as an individual organization or a coalition, it is important o Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) to know the opposition’s position on the issue. This will • Your State Senator’s Office will have information and help you be better prepared when communicating with names of federal agencies that may help you locate policymakers, stakeholders and the media. It will also help relevant information. to better mobilize your grassroots support and, ideally, win a potential victory on a key issue. • State government agencies, legislative reference bureaus, and legislative budget offices will have As your Advocacy Committee researches an issue, it information on how federal programs operate in a is recommended that they identify opposition groups. certain state, as well as information on state policies The Committee should be familiar with organizations and programs. Contact your Governor’s or state that differ or are opposed to the YWCA’s position on an legislator’s office for information, and for the names of advocacy issue, and what their arguments are, so that the state agencies that may help locate information. Committee is prepared to refute them. The Committee • A city council member will have information and should also research and be aware of the plans of opposing names of city and county agencies that may help locate organizations or coalitions. For example, are they planning city/county data. These agencies are particularly helpful a “Lobby Day” or any other advocacy event? Is the regarding housing issues. opposition looking to publish editorial pieces in the local

The following criteria can be helpful for the CEO, Advocacy Committee, or relevant decision-maker in determining which policy positions or initiatives should be part of their agenda:

• Does the policy directly affect the clients, staff, • Are other women’s or civil rights organizations vocal directors or Board of the local association? on this issue on the national, state, or local level? • How does the issue affect women and girls, families, people o If so, do we add a unique perspective to the issue? of color, YWCA clients and associations, young women o If other organizations are not engaged, why aren’t under 30, or other populations important to the YWCA? they vocal or active? Does this lack of engagement • Does the policy position clearly and substantially relate signal an opportunity to take a position? to the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and • Will not supporting this policy position leave the empowering women? YWCA at a disadvantage compared to other, similar • Does the policy position substantially relate to any organizations? programs the local YWCA operates, including housing, • Does the YWCA’s position on the policy add value economic empowerment, youth development, child or an alternative perspective that other organizations care, addressing violence against women, or others? do not? For example, based on the composition of the • Will advocating for or against the issue give the YWCA organizations involved in the chosen campaign, would and its mission credibility, respect and visibility at the lawmakers benefit from hearing from the YWCA in national, regional, state or local level? some way? • Will the role of the YWCA in this campaign build affinity for the organization among other organizations, the media, current or potential funders, or other external stakeholders? 14 | YWCA USA ! paper? The Committee should be prepared to respond with team keeps an updated list of national partners who messaging, press outreach or statements in response. have state and local affiliates. Know Your Allies A one pager about and extended list of national coalitions and Coalition Partners and national partners can be found in the Appendix. Associations often collaborate with like-minded organizations and community partners, in order to pool Engage Your Grassroots Network their resources and coordinate on advocacy issues of A grassroots network consists of the clients, stakeholders, common concern. Coalition-building helps raise the families and community members who are affected by visibility and credibility of the YWCA in the media, with legislation at all levels of government. Engaging with policymakers and with other relevant stakeholders on key these populations can mean a more effective message and policy issues. broader support for the issues that are important to the YWCA. Reaching out to the grassroots network around a A local association can consider recruiting community partners, local YWCA association’s advocacy issue can also have like other service providers, organizations, institutions or the additional positive effect of educating the community businesses, as potential advocacy allies. For example: about what services YWCAs offer. • Social service providers: These groups support issues Coalition allies and other key advocacy stakeholders related to the populations that they serve in local already look to the YWCA leadership on critical advocacy communities. For example, issues related to poverty issues. Before committing to an advocacy program that and housing and homelessness are often top priorities directly engages with a grassroots network, consider if for service providers. Other issues of interest may be your network is ready to do the following: those that impact youth, victims of violence, elderly and disabled individuals, and/or veterans and military families. • Respond to calls to action, for example, calling elected • Businesses: As a rule, businesses tend to be supportive officials about specific legislation or sharing alerts with of issues that advance pre-K and early childhood their friends? education, higher education, and job training among • Work together with your Board and staff on legislative youth and adults, because these issues directly impact priorities? their ability to hire educated and capable employees. • Work with other coalition partners to advance a broad Immigration reform also tends to be an issue that position? businesses support, because it directly impacts their ability to attract, hire and retain qualified workers. • Develop the tools and resources to engage a broad cross Many businesses also support financial literacy for spectrum of partners? children, youth and adults. Collaborate with Other Local • Unions: In general, unions tend to support issues that relate to social services, such as funding for those Associations services and state and federal budget appropriations, Sister YWCAs (for example, YWCAs that are located in and tax policy that supports funding for social services. the same state) can and should become partners. The nature They also support entitlement programs, including of advocacy necessitates state-based collaboration in order Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP/food for an association to be an effective and respected advocate stamps. Unions are also strong proponents of ensuring on the federal and state level. economic security, like equal pay, minimum wage and job protections for women. Working together, YWCAs can: • State-based advocacy organizations: These • Monitor, track, and share information; organizations can provide information on state and/ or federal legislation and the impact of it on women, • Identify and fund a state advocacy staff person; children and families in a certain state. National • Create an advocacy agenda that all YWCAs in the state organizations often provide general information on can support and work on at the local and state level; issues, analysis of federal legislation and, in some • Help to pool resources in order to respond to requests cases, state-level data. The YWCA National Advocacy for information; • Share best practices;

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 15 • Build strong partnerships; The 501(h) Election gives clearer definitions regarding • Facilitate a State Lobby Day; spending limits and reporting requirements. Adopting this • Involve members, clients, volunteers, and other guideline also simplifies the IRS reporting. It is important to potential advocates; and, note that this IRS election does not affect your 501(c)(3) status. • Build a stronger, more visible movement! Your auditor and/or nonprofit attorney can help inform your decision. Check with other YWCAs about their Comply with the Laws experiences with the 501(h) Election. To file, download the on Nonprofit Lobbying IRS Form 5768 from www.IRS.gov.

Nonprofit organizations have enormous potential to improve the United States’ laws and shape public policy by Learn more about the 501(h) Election in the Appendix. tapping into their networks. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations are legally allowed to influence legislation and/or participate in lobbying activities, although there Learn Your State and Local Laws are certain limitations. Lobbying is an appropriate way for YWCAs to shape legislation that affects the issues that In addition to federal lobby laws, local associations should they care about in their community. check state and city/county governments for additional legal requirements, including registration requirements for If a local YWCA association engages in lobbying, the individuals who lobby on state or city/county policies. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided guidelines and regulations to help them follow the letter of the law. It • The National Conference of State Legislatures also is important to remember that 501(c)(3) organizations must has a list of state statutes on lobbying, (www.ncsl.org/ follow the IRS’ limits (www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non- legislatures-elections/ethicshome/50-state-legislative- Profits/Lobbying) for lobbying, or they risk losing their ethics-and-lobbying-laws.aspx). tax-exempt status. • If you need help researching your state or local lobbying requirements, contact [email protected].

To read more about IRS rules about lobbying, see the Adopt a Compliance Policy Appendix. Be sure that your local association’s Board has set the stage Understand the Election Rules for for lobbying efforts with a policy that institutionalizes the 501(c)(3) Organizations association’s commitment to lobbying, states the overall policy goals and the kinds of policy activities in which Similar to federal and state limitations on nonprofit lobbying your organization will and will not engage, and determines activities, there are also rules that detail what nonprofit how decisions about advocacy activities will be governed. organizations can and cannot do during election time. Getting the Board engaged in and properly informed about lobbying will accelerate an association’s ability to engage in these activities. To read more about what a 501(c)(3) can and cannot do during elections, see the Appendix. Alert your association’s auditor and attorney prior to increasing lobby activity to ensure proper compliance with Consider Filing the 501(h) Election all federal, state and local lobbying laws and requirements.

The IRS rules for nonprofit lobbying and how much lobbying a nonprofit can do are both vague and largely unchallenged. There is a strong case to be made for YWCAs to take the guesswork out of the rule by filing the 501(h) Election and opting for their lobbying activities to be measured in a different way.

16 | YWCA USA IV. communicating your advocacy agenda

Effective policy and advocacy work requires clear and • Thank press and elected officials regularly and publicly consistent communication with elected officials, grassroots for their support of your YWCA, and its issues, by supporters, and the national, state and local media. sending thank you letters and through public channels Consistent communication with the public and the press like social media; will also set the tone for your local association as a thought • Integrate advocacy positions into existing public-facing leader and a credible representative of the needs of your messaging, like newsletters, websites, and social media, community. An effective advocate must know who her/his to show the association’s commitment to advocacy and, top internal and external audiences are, and must be able to when possible, linking the association’s direct service identify other key stakeholders. work to its advocacy priorities; Here are some effective approaches for advocacy • Update local, state and federal legislators regularly communications: about the communities served by the association, any recent trends, and any unmet needs that should be • Develop press statements that are disseminated to the brought to the attention of government officials; public and the media, and that reflect the priorities and • Invite legislators to tour the association’s facilities, needs of the local community; and to keep the lines of communication open during • Generate a story bank of compelling narratives that congressional recess periods (when Members of illustrate how the decisions made by legislators impact the Congress are in-district and meeting with constituents); lives of the women and families in the local community; • Participate in local town hall meetings to raise the • Develop relationships with editors, reporters, producers visibility of the YWCA; and, and bloggers who cover your issues; • Offer praise to legislators who support initiatives that benefit the women and families served by the YWCA

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 17 and voice concerns about harmful legislation. If you Integrate Social Media aren’t sure what the most pressing legislative priorities are and/or what questions should be asked, contact the Even if your association does not currently use social National Advocacy team at [email protected]. media for outreach, there is an opportunity to use it for your advocacy work. Integrating social media into your Engage the Media strategic plan is highly encouraged, as social media is a new and powerful tool. It is often the quickest and most • Work with your local association Communications staff effective way to reach legislators and partner organizations to identify your top media targets in local and state press; directly with your advocacy messages and positions. • Cultivate relationships with key media contacts by It is also an effective way to build grassroots support sending them regular updates about upcoming events (sometimes referred to as “netroots,” meaning online that fit their beat, that outline the YWCA’s position on supporters) for your issues and your local YWCA. federal or state legislation that the journalist covers, or that tell the story of YWCA clients who have found Common social networks include Facebook, Twitter, success through YWCA programs that are relevant to Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+. Each of these platforms the journalist’s areas of interest; has advantages and disadvantages for advocacy messages. • Develop a roster of articulate spokespeople who can It is advised that a local association research these make the case for your issue or legislative initiative, platforms carefully in tandem with their Communications and prepare them to answer critique and arguments staff, and use only the number of social media networks from the opposition; they have the capacity to effectively build. • Support your pitches to the media with statistics, both Another way to get your message to the public is to work local and national, that demonstrate your points; with local or community bloggers, who sometimes have • Reinforce that you are an expert by writing regular, more influence than the local press. Search for bloggers thoughtful and timely op-eds and Letters to the Editor who focus on your town or city, or even a specific that leverage the issues that concern your association; neighborhood, and treat them in the same way you would • Include reporters and local media on your distribution treat a journalist. Send them stories and calls for action, let lists for annual reports, research reports and invitations them know about your work and the YWCA’s priorities, to special events (but ONLY if the subject matter fits invite them to events, and ask if they could share your with their interests/beat); information with their audiences. If a blogger takes a • Create a blog on your website that is regularly updated special interest in your issue or campaign, it can create an with stories and insight about the work your local even bigger impact. association does, and that highlights policy concerns and takes a clear position on key legislation; and, To see more tips on how to deliver your advocacy message • Use social media to promote your blog to current allies through social media, view the Appendix. and new audiences, and follow other bloggers who both share and oppose your views.

See Guide to Write A Letter to Editor: Ten Effective Tips, Sample LTE, and Sample Op-Ed in the Appendix.

18 | YWCA USA V. understanding how government works

Understand the Process susceptible to citizen influence; any advocate can testify, provide information, work with the media, and support/ Anyone, including staff from local YWCA associations, oppose amendments to the bill. can offer ideas for a bill and even draft legislation, but only a sitting member of a legislative body can introduce a If a majority of a Subcommittee votes to report the bill bill. Legislatures employ technical drafters who will take out, it goes before the full Committee, and the process ideas for new policies and laws and translate them into begins again: hearings, debate, discussion, mark-up, and legislative language. vote in Committee. If a majority of the Committee votes in favor, the bill then goes to the floor of the U.S. House of When you are taking on an issue, it is important to work Representatives or the Senate. with an elected official who sits on a Committee that has jurisdiction over that issue. For example, if you are In the House of Representatives, and in most state working to draft legislation on an early care and education legislatures, bills often go to the Rules Committee and proposal, seek out a Member of Congress or elected official this Committee determines terms of the debate and the who sits on the Health, Education, or Labor Committee. amendments that will be considered. Detailed bill reports Once you have identified the Member of Congress, work usually accompany the bills and reflect what the legislators with the appropriate staff to craft legislation. intended. Executive agencies and courts later rely on them in drafting regulations or resolving any conflicts that arise. Once a draft bill is introduced, it is assigned to a Committee (based on its subject matter), and the Committee Chair then There is an opportunity for local associations to influence the assigns it to a Subcommittee. Normally, hearings are held process at every stage of the process, from Committee action first in the Subcommittee, followed by debate, discussion, to floor votes. For example, once the Committee holds and a process known as “mark up,” when members hearings or mark-ups on a particular bill, it is important for review the bill and, literally, “mark the bill up.” The bill’s a local association to help draft questions for Members of language and content is changed through amendments and Congress to ask witnesses in the hearing, or to help craft/ the Committee process. Committee action is particularly take a position on amendments during the Committee

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 19 mark up phase. The moment a bill has reached the floor • Multiple Co-Sponsors: A bill that has several sponsors of the Chamber for a vote is a critical time to engage your from the outset increases the likelihood that it will grassroots and grasstops to call or write their Members of move in Congress. Bills with only one sponsor, by Congress to support a specific position on the bill. contrast, are often viewed as not-serious legislative proposals, even if they contain good policy. Multiple Once the bill has moved through Committee(s) and floor sponsors increase the bill’s credibility, and also the action has occurred in both Chambers, then the differences number of advocates who are working for its success. between the House and Senate bill versions need to be • Bi-Partisan Co-Sponsorship: It is not uncommon to resolved. A Conference Committee is appointed, with see bills that have strong Democratic or Republican members drawn from the relevant Committees of both support. However, a bill that has chief sponsors from Chambers. Conferees are responsible for reconciling both parties and is able to garner bi-partisan support is any differences between the two versions, and the considered more credible and has a higher likelihood of results of their deliberations go back in identical form seeing Committee and floor action. to each Chamber to be voted on once more. It is only after the Conference Committee version of the bill has • Influential Sponsors: To avoid a bill from sitting in won a majority in both Chambers that the bill goes to Committee once it is introduced, it is helpful if the the President or Governor. If the bill is not vetoed and is Chair or highest-ranking minority members of the signed, it becomes law. Subcommittees and Committees are sponsors of the bill. If they or other highly-respected senior members become • Read more on how a bill becomes a law in the sponsors and can use their influence on behalf of the bill, it Senate: www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/ can ensure that the bill will not “die” in Committee. legprocessflowchart.pdf. • Hearings: Even if a bill has a significant number of • Read more on how a bill becomes a law in the House sponsors or has high-ranking supporters, it is especially of Representatives: www.house.gov/content/learn/ important for hearings to be held. Hearings include expert legislative_process. third-party opinion, allow elected officials to ask questions about the pending legislation, give advocates a rallying Get Key Legislation Noticed point, and (if enough attention is drawn to the hearing) increase the likelihood it will be covered in the media. While 10,000 or more bills are introduced in Congress in • Amendments: Some advocates think their proposal a two-year cycle, very few bills will ever become law. In will be enacted exactly as they conceived it. That rarely Congress, as well as in the majority of state legislatures, happens. In fact, bills that are not amended tend to approximately 10–15% of the bills introduced ever become “die.” A key part of advocating for a particular piece of law. A majority of bills that are introduced are referred to legislation is not negotiating too quickly and working Committee and “die” there. with coalition partners and supportive members of Some key factors that are likely to improve a bill’s chances Congress to ensure your bill doesn’t become too watered of success include: down. Be prepared for potential modifications or compromises. • Early Introduction: If your state allows legislation to be pre-filed before the session formally begins, doing so will mean more time for Committees to consider the legislation, hold hearings on it, build support for it, and raise and answer questions about it. On the federal level, early introduction is less important; the priority in that case is timing, and how the legislation aligns with the priorities of Committee leadership, Chamber leadership, and the President.

20 | YWCA USA VI. taking action!

When developing an advocacy work plan, Advocacy • Visit www.house.gov and look up your Representatives Committees should consider a variety of methods for by state/district, last name or searching by zip code. accomplishing their legislative priorities. Successful • Access the YWCA Legislative Directory (capwiz.com/ advocacy is not necessarily a step-by-step or linear ywca/dbq/officials/). process; often, organizations that engage in advocacy find they must take a variety of approaches based on the Learn What Motivates comfort level and expertise of their staff, their available Your Elected Officials resources, and the types of advocacy initiatives on which they are working. Before meeting with an elected official or establishing a relationship with them, it is important to do some homework. You will be better positioned to advance key Basic Advocacy priorities or know what motivates your elected official if you do your research ahead of time.

Know Your Members of Congress Start by going directly to the elected official’s website and reading their biography or “About” page, reviewing what The United States Congress is made up of 100 Senators, committees they sit on (an important step, as they might 435 Representatives and 6 Delegates. There are several be able to more effectively help with your policy priorities ways to locate the congressional Members who represent if their personal priorities are the same), finding out the your district: Caucuses they are members of, reading their recent press • Look up your Member’s contact information through statements, and studying their “niche” issues. the Library of Congress’ THOMAS Resource website Another important step is to stay up-to-date about the (thomas.loc.gov). elected official’s most recent press and media coverage. • Visit www.senate.gov and look up your Senators by Use Google News (news.google.com) and enter various typing in your zip code or viewing them by state. key words about the official and your chosen issue to find

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 21 out the latest and use Google Alerts (www.google.com/ • Stories or quotes from YWCA clients (who can illustrate alerts) to have breaking news or updates sent directly to a personal connection to the issue) because policymakers your email. like to hear how their constituents are personally impacted by policy decisions or legislation, and often use Get Contact Information these stories in their statements or speeches. for Key Staff Contact the National Advocacy team for more suggestions or assistance and for resources like talking points, sample Every congressional Member has offices both in their letters, sample press releases and sample “take actions.” respective state and/or districts and in Washington, D.C. While it is important to get to know the staff in the D.C. offices, it is equally important to get to know the staff A customizable fact sheet about the YWCA USA and its in home district offices as well. Having regular contact history, mission, and programs, can be found in the Appendix. with the Chief of Staff or State District Director is highly recommended. To read more about how to stay connected Share Your Story with elected officials, see the Advanced Advocacy section. The YWCA has a unique perspective and voice because Know Your Own Legislative our local associations are direct service providers and can Priorities & Expertise highlight successful client stories and/or programs that are making a difference. Service providers play an important The Advocacy Committee should be familiar with the role in the community and are often the first to notice YWCA’s top policy priorities and be prepared to clearly trends or community problems before other agencies and articulate those priorities (along with the local association’s elected officials detect them. additional priorities, when necessary) with Senators and Representatives. Never assume that they already know Stories and examples of the experiences of YWCA clients your priorities, as Senators and Representatives meet with and staff can make a strong case for the YWCA’s agenda thousands of constituents and advocacy groups every and can help Members of Congress better understand the year. Finding the right opportunities to share the YWCA’s issues facing their communities. Take the time to talk to position and emphasize the YWCA’s priorities will help your association’s clients, staff, volunteers and supporters, raise our visibility. and build your story bank with powerful testimonials about your community’s issues, needs and priorities. Calling for Read on to learn how you can leverage opportunities to stories publicly (through social media, for example) will share your stories! also let the public know that the needs of the community are a constant priority for your YWCA. Create Materials to Build Your Case These stories can also serve as powerful public-facing One of the best ways to educate and advocate is to create communications to your grassroots supporters, especially materials that link your local YWCA association’s direct if your supporters can empathize with the problem or issue. service work to its advocacy priorities. When sharing these stories publicly, be sure to include a call to action for supporters to complete after reading the Consider creating a one-page fact sheet about your story. For example, ask supporters to call their elected association that includes information on your mission, your officials after reading a story about how a public program size, the programs and services you offer, and the clients helped a YWCA client. you serve. Keep the fact sheet simple—make it easy to see the most important information quickly and make it visually appealing. Intermediate Advocacy Consider including: Call or Write Your Elected Officials • National, state and/or local facts, as appropriate, about the issue at hand (the scope of the issue/problem); Communication from constituents is very important to • The direct impact of current and/or proposed legislation Members of Congress. There are multiple ways to reach on women and girls in your community, and those out to congressional offices, includingphone calls, email, whom you serve (potential positive benefits or fax messages, handwritten letters, social media, and detriments of the proposal); and, more. However, it is important to remember that elected

22 | YWCA USA officials receive a very high volume of letters and calls share what kind of programs you deliver to the community. every day. Take steps to make sure that your messages and You can also invite Board members, coalition partners and those of your fellow advocates will be noticed. others, depending on the goals of your meeting.

If your legislative issue is timely, it is more effective to place direct calls to your Member’s office – particularly on Before meeting with your Members of Congress, read about the day of an important vote. Six Effective Tips for Lobbying and Important Things to Know for Meeting with an Elected Official in the Appendix. The National Advocacy team regularly shares alerts that provide background on the legislative issue, as well as talking Coordinate a Virtual Lobby Day points to prepare you for making calls or writing letters. One way to get the attention of your Senators and Representative is to coordinate a “virtual lobby day” with To stay connected to the YWCA USA National Advocacy YWCA advocates. Have your advocates send e-mails, team, see the Appendix. make phone calls and post social media messages to targeted congressional Members on the same day and (if possible) at the same time. Make it easy for them to take In addition, find a list of Ten Helpful Tips for Calling your action in this way by providing all of the tools (email, Legislator, and How to Write your Elected Official in the Appendix. phone and social media accounts, suggested messages, Visit Your Elected Officials other need-to-know information) in a one-pager that can be easily distributed. To meet with a Member of Congress, the best method In this way, YWCA advocates can educate elected is to contact their office and get the Scheduler’s email officials and their staff about important legislative issues and phone number to prepare a meeting request. Most and create a network of supporters—without having to congressional offices require thatscheduling requests be leave their hometowns. submitted in writing via email, an online form, or by fax.

It is important to include all relevant information in your Circulate a Petition request, such as: Petitions are effective tools for advocates to use in order • Name to rally support on an issue. A petition usually centers • Organization name on a specific topic and has a concrete “ask.” Collecting signatures not only helps raise the visibility of the issue, • Address but also serves as a tool for education in the community. • Schedule availability • What you wish to discuss Online petitions are a popular way to collect and deliver signatures, although they may not have the same effect Given the high volume of requests, you should always that an in-person collection could have on community follow-up your written request with a phone call. members. However, online petitions can be sent to a wider range of people more quickly, and can be useful when Find a scheduling request template in the Appendix combined with external messaging on the same issue. Signing an online petition can be a quick “action” for someone to take after seeing your messaging or posts about Schedule an In-District Meeting an issue. During Recess Tools to create and deliver online petitions:

Members of Congress and key staff visit their districts • Change.org: Popular platform with a strong activist during congressional recesses. These dates are planned community (www.change.org) well in advance and are public information. During these • iPetitions: Free and easy-to-use tool (www.ipetitions.com) times, legislators raise funds or meet with advocacy • Care2 – The Petition Site: Platform for nonprofit organizations—like the YWCA. activists (www.thepetitionsite.com/create.html) This is a prime time for you to invite elected officials to Once the signature collection is over, advocates often find your YWCA facility, discuss your legislative priorities, and creative ways to deliver the petition to the elected official’s

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 23 office or hold special events to discuss the campaign. You via social media or a blog post summarizing the event can can publicize the delivery of the petition through photos be helpful to draw attention to an issue. and updates via social media, sending those photos and a press release to the media, or inviting advocates and the Work with Elected Officials on public to join you at the delivery. Online petitions can be Signature Legislation sent to elected officials via email and social media. The YWCA has on-the-ground expertise, and, therefore, Host a Candidate Forum our advocates can offer policy ideas that can be translated into legislation. Working with elected officials on drafting Another way to get the attention of your elected officials signature legislation can help the YWCA achieve our is to host a candidate forum. These forums also help advocacy priorities. This legislation could build off from prepare voters to make informed choices about their votes. existing legislation, or be entirely new, and can even be Remember, as a 501(c)(3) and as part of a non-partisan drafted in honor of a specific person. organization, you have an obligation to invite candidates from every party and to invite moderators who are non- To do this, start by targeting a specific Member of partisan, like professional journalists. Congress based on their committee of jurisdiction or support of an issue. Contact their office and work with Make sure your moderator is prepared, knows each the Member’s Committee or personal staff to introduce candidate’s position on the issues, and has a good grasp of your ideas about the issue. Then translating ideas into the intricacies of the relevant subject matter. signature legislation based on strategic conversations will follow. Even if your idea does not become a bill, reaching out in this manner is a valuable way to connect with your See more on how to organize a Candidate Forum in the congressional offices. Appendix. Attend and/or Participate Advanced Advocacy in a Town Meeting During congressional recesses, especially in August each Provide Testimony in Congress or year and during election season, Town Meetings are in State Legislature important forums for Members of Congress to hear directly from their constituents. Many YWCAs have a deep-rooted history connecting them to their local communities, and they often advocate on a Coordinating a YWCA delegation to travel to a town range of legislative issues. As a “go-to” organization that meeting can translate into a great opportunity to ask serves women and people of color, a local association may legislative and policy questions of elected officials. This be asked to testify in Congress or in a State Legislature on type of public forum also presents the YWCA to the a specific bill. This often requires presenting testimony that general public as a thought leader and an organization that highlights the organization’s position on an issue, explains cares about the community. Wearing your persimmon and how the issue relates to YWCA’s programs, services and asking questions on behalf of the YWCA is a good way to clients, and explains what would happen in the absence of get noticed by local media and potential coalition partners. or as a result of the legislation. The YWCA National Advocacy team can help you craft If a YWCA advocate is invited to provide testimony, it is questions for town meetings and other events like these. valuable to have a simultaneous advocacy communications plan in place, and a mechanism through which to share See Suggested Town Meeting Questions in the Appendix. the testimony or the event with relevant internal and external stakeholders. Many congressional hearings are live-streamed online, or you can ask if a video or transcript of the hearing can be provided later for sharing. As the advocate provides their stories or testimony, live updates

24 | YWCA USA Co-Host a Community Forum with Issue a Public Local Partners Statement/Press Release

Many YWCAs are busy delivering critical services to their Organizations issue public statements or press releases communities. However, a dedicated Advocacy Committee to announce news, such as a new strategic partnership, to can help with events that connect elected officials to the publicize an event or award, or, in the case of advocacy, to direct service work of the YWCA and to key legislative make a statement on a “hot” issue. There are times when priorities. Organizing community forums with local issuing a statement or press release is definitely warranted, partners is an important way to reach a broad, public such as when a new or controversial bill is introduced audience and educate them about the key legislative issues one that your YWCA feels strongly about supporting or that affect the work of your local association and the opposing. However, there are times when it would be community at-large. You can invite local coalition partners, better to respond to news like this in a different way, such businesses, college and university students, YWCA as a “take action” campaign or through a coalition partner. leadership, and elected officials to come together and Think carefully and work with your Communications team discuss the legislative issues that matter the most to them. to determine when would be the best time for a statement or press release. By convening the dialogue, the YWCA association takes on the role of thought leader and conversation starter, and encourage others to look to them for future opportunities to See a sample of a press release in the Appendix. make connections.

See the Appendix to learn more about How to Host a Community Forum.

Grassroots Lobbying consists of communication to the public, asking them to contact Congress or their state/local official about an issue. ! A Toolkit for Advocacy | 25 VII. connecting with elected officials

As a leading voice on advocacy issues in your community, for their service). To learn more about the ethics rules staying in contact with congressional and state legislative governing this, review House ethics rules at offices is advised. ethics.house.gov/outside-employment-income/ restrictions-outside-employment#emp_serving_board, Some of the key ways you can stay connected are by: and Senate ethics rules at www.ethics.senate.gov/ public/index.cfm/conflictsofinterest); • Monitoring the legislative positions and key votes of congressional Members and reaching out to them at • Working on signature legislation with congressional appropriate times (expressing thanks for votes that staff; reflect your YWCA’s policy priorities, or expressing • Sharing articles from your local newspaper and disappointment when they vote against those priorities); connecting it to your advocacy work; • Making policy recommendations on specific legislation • Inviting Members of Congress and their staff to visit that is in Committee; the YWCA facility during congressional recesses; or, • Sharing your newsletter and key announcements, like • Attending key events that Members of Congress will awards or program outcomes, with congressional staff; attend and cultivating your relationship in person. • Inviting Members of Congress or their staff to serve on your Board (It is an allowable activity for Members of Congress and staff to serve on a local association Boards, as long as they do not receive compensation

26 | YWCA USA VIII. engaging in voter education and mobilization

The YWCA has a rich history of mobilizing voters, In 2012, dozens of YWCAs across the country especially women, young voters and disenfranchised participated in the first everNational Day of Voter communities. Registration (nationalvoterregistrationday.org). The YWCA also launched a website: www.ywcavote.org, In the most recent election, YWCAs held voter which included an issue guide (www.ywcavote.org/ registration drives at their facilities to register new voters. site/c.kqLLIUOEKrF/b.4464581/k.BDDB/Home.htm) YWCAs that serve survivors of violence registered and relevant resources about the right to vote. women during intake at domestic violence shelters and urged them to update their addresses so that they could vote in the elections. YWCAs also successfully To learn more about the YWCA’s historical involvement registered community members at voter registration in voter rights issues, and to read about election Do’s drives, hosted voter education events, held voter ID and Don’ts, see Appendix. events, and distributed materials about voter registration and voter education.

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 27 IX. conclusion

As local associations continue to deepen their providing much-needed direct services to women commitment to advocacy, this Toolkit for and their families. As a national organization, Advocacy is designed to help further the YWCA’s the YWCA has a rich legacy of advocacy, strong mission of eliminating racism and empowering community partnerships, relationships with women and to help you see even greater results in Members of Congress from all political parties and your advocacy outreach. respect from community members. Together, our advocacy efforts and success will make this legacy For over 150 years, the YWCA has been a even stronger. constant force in communities across the country,

28 | YWCA USA appendix

Early Historical Highlights...... 30 Historical Firsts and Milestones...... 32 Memo Outlining 7 priorities in 2003 ...... 36 YWCA USA Legislative Priorities Survey...... 65 Letter Outlining Top 3 Legislative Priorities...... 72 Press Release: Top National Legislative Priorities for the 113th Congress ...... 74 Sample Board Resolution for Advocacy...... 76 Sample Advocacy Committee Description...... 77 National Coalitions and National Partners One pager...... 78 National Coalitions and National Partners Extended List...... 79 Rules of Lobbying...... 90 What 501(c)(3)s Can Do During Elections...... 92 501 (h) or expenditure test...... 94 Sample List of Townhall Questions...... 95 Guide to Writing a Letter to Editor ...... 96 Sample Letter to Editor...... 97 Sample Op-Ed ...... 99 Advocacy through Social Media Tips...... 101 YWCA Customizable Fact Sheet...... 105 Stay Connected to YWCA USA Advocacy...... 108 Ten Tips for Calling Your Legislator ...... 109 Writing to an Elected Official...... 110 Sample Scheduling Request Letter ...... 112 Six Practical Tips of Lobbying...... 113 Meeting with An Elected Official...... 115 Organizing A Candidate Forum ...... 117 Hosting a Community Forum...... 119 Sample Press Release...... 120 YWCA USA History of Voting Advocacy...... 121 Election Do’s and Don’t’s...... 124

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 29

Early Historical Highlights Workers’ Rights Economic Empowerment In 1917, during World War I, the YWCA served more than 1.5 million women at industrial sites as In 1870, the YWCA of New York City opened the first typewriting classes for women, and, two women replaced men going oversees. YWCAs became acutely aware of conditions in factories, years later, the first sewing machine classes and the first employment bureau to support like low wages, long hours, and no protective rights for workers. At the 1920 Convention, women’s needs for economic independence. In 1893, the first training school for practical resolutions were introduced calling for the 8-hour day, prohibition of night work, collective nursing opened in Brooklyn. bargaining, and the right to organize. Recognizing the need for retirement funds for women, the YWCA founded the first women’s retirement fund for its staff in 1920. The YWCA has long lobbied for equal pay, pay equity, and women’s access to unconventional jobs. Women’s Health

Immigrants’ Rights The YWCA convened a six-week International Conference of Women Physicians in 1919. They came from 32 countries to discuss women’s physical and emotional health, and sex education. In The Industrial Revolution accelerated the move of Immigrants from Europe to America, and 1934, the YWCA called for legislation to provide the dissemination of birth control information. In many single women and girls traveled in steerage along with men on steamships, in 1894. When 1967, the Convention adopted resolutions for freedom of choice. In 1985, the Convention voted YWCA women in New York heard of the experiences of immigrant women, they marched to for resources and assistance to support public measures to prevent unwanted teen pregnancy Cunard Line headquarters and demanded that chaperones be added to the liners’ crews to and childbirth among women of all ages and economic levels. protect women. !

By 1910, 57 YWCA branches had been established to help immigrant women, and, a year later, the YWCA established International Institutes, featuring bilingual education for immigrant families.

World Relations

The YWCA of the USA joined Great Britain, Sweden and Norway in 1894, to found the World YWCA, and sent YWCA workers to India and China to help build new YWCAs. In the 1960s, the YWCA USA supported the work of indigenous leaders to open YWCAs throughout Africa as they emerged from colonialism. In 1965, student YWCAs voted to oppose apartheid in South Africa. In 1968, many YWCAs worked on divestment in South Africa and wrote letters to the leadership.

Racial Justice

Building on its experience opening the first African-American YWCA branch in 1889, the first YWCA for Native-American young women in 1890, and the first interracial conference held in the South in 1915, the Convention voted in 1932 to “foster public opinion against the menace of lynching and mob violence in every form.” In 1933, the National Board sent a member to Decatur, AL to assess the administration of justice in the Scottsboro case. In 1936, the YWCA convened the first co-ed, intercollegiate, interracial student conference held in the South. And, in 1946 the YWCA adopted its Interracial Charter – eight years before the US Supreme Court decision against segregation.

YWCA members and student members joined in the struggle for civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1965, the national YWCA opened its Office for Racial Justice and hired Dorothy Height as Director. In 1970, the YWCA adopted the One Imperative: to eliminate racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

30 | YWCA

By 1910, 57 YWCA branches had been established to help immigrant women, and, a year later, the YWCA established International Institutes, featuring bilingual education for immigrant families.

World Relations

Racial Justice

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 31

YWCA Historic ‘Firsts’ and Other Milestones Hollywood Studio Club, YW residence for aspiring actresses, opens in Los Angeles, CA

1858 First Women’s organization forms: “Ladies’ Christian Association”: New York City 1916 First English-as-a-second-language classes: New York City

1859 YWCA name first used: Boston 1917 First women’s organization permitted in a U.S. Army camp

1860 First boarding house for female students, teachers and factory workers: New York City First group to send professionals (433) overseas to provide administrative support for US armed forces (Europe) 1864 First U.S. day-nursery: Philadelphia 1918 Woman’s Press, a YWCA publishing house, established to “cultivate an attitude of honest, open, scientific 1866 First travelers’ aid initiative: Boston interest in the subject of sex”; YWCA’s Social Morality program becomes the official Lecture Bureau of the Division of Social Hygiene, U.S. Department of War 1869 The Retreat, first unwed mothers’ residence: Cleveland U.S. Ordinance Department invites YWCA to help 1.5 million women working in war plants; 20 service 1870 First typewriting instruction for women: New York City centers set up near munitions factories

1872 First sewing machine classes: New York City Seventeen YWCA-run hostess houses operate as recreation and service centers for segregated African- American troops First employment bureau: New York City YWCA consolidates girl’s work into single movement, Girl Reserves 1873 First student YWCA: Normal University, Normal, IL 1919 YWCA convenes and finances first meeting of women doctors: International Conference of Women 1874 First (and only) low-cost summer “resort” for employed women: Philadelphia; dedicated by President Ulysses Physicians. For six weeks, these physicians from 32 countries consider women’s physical condition, S. Grant emotional health, and immature attitude toward sex.

1889 First African-American YWCA branch: Dayton, OH 1920 YWCA Convention votes to work for an “eight-hour law, prohibition of night work, and the right of labor to organize” 1890 First YWCA for American Indian young women: Chilocco, OK 1921 Grace Dodge Hotel completed: a Washington, D.C. residence initially designed to house women war workers 1891 First public cafeteria: YWCA, Kansas City 1922 First National Assembly of Industrial Women: Hot Springs, AR 1893 First training school for practical nursing: Brooklyn, NY 1924 First women’s pension fund: YWCA Retirement Fund 1894 YWCA of the U.S.A. joins Great Britain, Sweden and Norway to found the World YWCA; YWCA extends to India and China, and first American Secretary (director) to work abroad arrives in India First African-American woman elected to YWCA National Board

1898 Seven African-American Student Association affiliates formed 1930 First National Conference on Unemployment: New York City

1903 First home study courses, in Southern cotton mills 1932 Local YWCAs urged by YW Convention action “to foster right public opinion which shall be effective against the menace of lynching and mob violence in every form” 1906 YWCA of the U.S.A. National Board incorporates in New York 1933 YWCA National Board sends Board member to Decatur, AL to assess administration of justice in the 1908 First industrial federation of clubs to train girls in self government Scottsboro case

1909 First Secretary (director) works with African-American colleges; in under a year, such student YWCAs double 1934 YWCA calls for legislation to provide for disseminating birth control information under authorized medical in number direction

1910 Fifty-seven branches created to help immigrant women YWCAs are urged by Convention to encourage/support federal policies of interracial cooperation rather than segregation, and efforts to protect African-Americans’ exercise of basic civil rights 1911 Bilingual instruction featured in new YWCA International for immigrant families 1936 First co-ed, intercollegiate, interracial student conference held in the South: Shaw University, Raleigh, NC 1913 YWCA National Board creates Commission on Sex Education National Student Conference calls on YWCA to reaffirm support of anti-lynching bill in Congress First national conference grounds for women: 30-acre YWCA Asilomar Conference Grounds opens in Pacific Grove, CA, designed by architect Julia Morgan 1938 Students at YWCA Convention call for investigation of segregation and discrimination in YW and community life 1915 First interracial conference in the US South: Louisville, KY 1942 YWCA extends services to Japanese-American women and girls incarcerated in World War II Relocation Centers

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

32 | YWCA

YWCA Historic ‘Firsts’ and Other Milestones Hollywood Studio Club, YW residence for aspiring actresses, opens in Los Angeles, CA

1858 First Women’s organization forms: “Ladies’ Christian Association”: New York City 1916 First English-as-a-second-language classes: New York City

1859 YWCA name first used: Boston 1917 First women’s organization permitted in a U.S. Army camp

1898 Seven African-American Student Association affiliates formed 1930 First National Conference on Unemployment: New York City

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 33

1983 YWCA of the USA Leadership Development Center, conference, meeting, national training facility and media 1946 Convention adopts Interracial Charter: commits YWCA to work for end to racial injustice and full integration of center, completed in Phoenix, AZ African-American women in the “mainstream of Association life” YWCA of the USA celebrates 125th Anniversary 1949 Sharing common problems, business and industrial women form National Employed Women’s Coordinating Assembly 1985 Convention votes resources and assistance to support public measures to prevent unwanted adolescent pregnancy, and childbirth among women of all ages and economic levels 1955 Convention commits local YWs and National Board to review progress toward inclusiveness of all women and decide on “concrete forward steps” to be taken by 1958 Convention 1988 YWCA is first women’s organization invited to join U.S. Olympic Committee, Multi-Sport Division

YWCA National Student Assembly votes to try to persuade their college administrations to outlaw fraternities 1989 YWCA leads “pro-choice” demonstration, March for Women’s Equality/Women’s Lives and sororities that discriminate along racial lines 1990 Key civil rights leaders, public officials, and university and college representatives develop blueprint for racial 1960 Atlanta YWCA Cafeteria opens to African-Americans, becoming the city’s first desegregated public dining justice training, at YWCA of the USA Racial Justice Convocation facility 1991 YWCA of the USA begins to expand ENCORE. The program now includes early detection and screening, via National Board reaffirms support of non-violent civil rights movement and of Student YWCA members a pilot program conducted with technical assistance from the National Cancer Institute involved in sit-ins 1992 YWCA organizes first National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism, responding to Rodney King beating/ 1963 YWCA participates in March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Los Angeles riots

1965 YWCA sets up Office of Racial Justice YWCA is first women’s organization chosen by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to launch a breast cancer partnership Student YWCA votes to oppose apartheid in South Africa and urges National Board to investigate YWCA investments 1993 Second Annual National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism is observed with a Capitol Hill press conference and activities by YWCAs nationwide 1967 Convention adopts constitutional amendment disaffiliating any YW not “fully integrated in policy and practice” 1994 YWCA expands ENCORE, adding Avon Products as a new partner National YWCA elects first African-American President: Helen W. Claytor 1998 At a pre-Convention forum hosted by the National Association of YWCA Executives (NAYE) an overwhelming Convention adopts first of three abortion resolutions leading to freedom of choice number of representatives call for a radical restructuring of the YWCA of the USA; the YWCA Change Initiative is launched 1968 Associations support grape boycott, Operation Breadbasket, university disinvestment in South Africa, boycotting “war machine” companies 1999 Over 500 representatives from community and student YWCAs attend an “Open Space” meeting in Dallas to begin to design the new YWCA 1970 Convention adopts “One Imperative: to thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary” 2000 Convention votes to adopt the “Framework for Change” and to continue to move toward national restructuring

1974 YWCA sponsors Conference para Mujeres de Puertorriquenas 2001 Convention meeting in Albuquerque adopts “Steps to Absolute Change”, mandating new national by-laws, and moving from national to regional governance and elect representatives to the NCB Study begun to interpret dimensions of international racism 2004 Igniting the collective power of the YWCA to eliminate racism, the YWCA USA’s Summit on Eliminating 1975 YWCA starts ENCORE program; exercise and support for women who have undergone breast cancer Racism, was held in Birmingham, Ala. surgery 2005 YWCA of Trenton, N.J. and YWCA Princeton, N.J. establish the “Stand Against Racism” campaign, which 1976 Convention mandates empowerment of women, Third World people and youth spreads to 39 states with over a quarter million participants.

1978 First grant given to a voluntary agency by U.S. Department of Commerce enables 250 YWCAs in 44 states to 2008 The YWCA celebrated its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, 150 years of service, with the launch of the “Own It” form network publicizing jobs for women in local public works projects campaign. The campaign focused on igniting a new generation of 22 million young women aged 18 to 34, inspiring them to get involved with important issues facing women and the country today. Convention approves key programs for the ‘80s; multicultural concerns, affirmative action, and societal conditions affecting women and Third World persons 2012 Restructuring and Bylaws change

1980 YW continues working for Voting Rights Act, and preservation of federal, state and local affirmative action 2013 Today over 2 million people participate in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 sites across the United States. programs

1981 For three years, National Board led a service advocacy project for “endangered” teen women, involving six other youth-serving agencies and 21-plus YWCAs

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

34 | YWCA

1981 For three years, National Board led a service advocacy project for “endangered” teen women, involving six other youth-serving agencies and 21-plus YWCAs

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 35 Attachment B Attachment B

POLICY POSITIONS: MEMO FROM THE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE YWCA of the U.S.A. SUBJECT CATEGORIES WITH ASSOCIATED POLICY POSITIONS TO: YWCA Regions and Local Associations This document reorganizes the standing public policy positions under the subject categories listed FROM: Advocacy Workgroup below. Seven of the subject categories are the current 7 National Policy Priorities approved at the end of 2003. Additional “other” categories were developed to accommodate the remaining SUBJECT: Status of National Policy Positions positions.

The Advocacy Committee was charged by the NCB in 2003 with reviewing the standing national 7 Policy Priorities Other policy position statements and reporting the results of the review to the NCB at the February 2004 Elimination of Racism Children and Youth Issues meeting. Affirmative Action Civil Liberties Hate Crimes Criminal Justice These 100+ positions have been known as The National YWCA Public Policy Program, which Violence Against Women Constitutional Other was adopted and amended at previous national YWCA conventions. They were designed to Increasing Women’s Income Education “establish the authority by which the National Board acts on matters of public policy that are Welfare Reform Environment important in the realization of the mission and goals of the YWCA.” Early Childhood Education Food and Nutrition

Global Issues The Committee worked with National YWCA Advocacy staff to design and complete the review of positions. Based on the Advocacy Committee’s recommendations, the NCB agreed, at the Health February 2004 meeting, to make no changes to the positions at this time. Following is the status Housing of the issues. Reproductive Rights • The standing policy positions (from the 100+) that relate to the 7 current policy priorities will be used to supplement advocacy work on these issues. They provide historical background for Many of the positions apply to more than one subject category. They are, therefore, italicized and the YWCA’s involvement in the issues. listed under each category to which they apply.

• Policy positions (from the 100+) that do not clearly relate to the 7 current policy priorities still Affirmative Action stand as positions but will not drive national advocacy work. They may be called upon, as • needed, to respond to national-level policy developments that impact the elimination of racism Achieve full compliance with affirmative action programs to assure equal access to and the empowerment of women. This will be determined by the Advocacy Committee and employment, upgrading and advancement of women and persons of color by business, National Staff or as directed by the NCB. industry, employer associations, trade unions, voluntary organizations and local, state and federal governments. Attached is a document that reorganizes the positions to be more useful to regions and associations. • Programs to assure quality education — non-racist, non-sexist, non-ageist, multilingual, multicultural — and participation of citizens in the decisions affecting their local schools.

• Measures to expand affirmative action programs to assure opportunity without barriers based on sex, race, creed, or nationality, for all persons to share equitably in employment, education, housing, health facilities, and all services financed to any degree by

governmental tax funds.

• Measures to assure opportunities for those who have been discriminated against because of their age, marital status, parenthood or sexual orientation to share equitably in employment, education, housing, health facilities and all services financed to any degree by governmental tax funds.

• Measures to assure opportunities and to expand affirmative action programs for mentally and physically disabled persons to share equitably according to their ability in employment, education, housing, health facilities and all services financed to any degree by governmental tax funds.

Was approved by the National Coordinating Board (NCB) in February of 2004 • Affirmative action as a means to address the current effects of past discrimination. 1 2

36 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

governmental tax funds.

• Affirmative action as a means to address the current effects of past discrimination. 1 2

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 37 Attachment B Attachment B

• Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, disability and sexual orientation. • Assure full and open membership in trade unions and participation in apprenticeship programs of all workers. • Elimination of institutional racism and sexism. • Give economic support to businesses owned by persons of color, including those whose Child Care and Early Education workers are denied membership in unions of their trade. • Federal aid for public education. • Support the economic empowerment and development of persons of color in self-determined • Immediate establishment of quality, affordable, accessible child care services with strong social change, embracing ownership, management and community control. licensing standards and a network of dependent care resource and referral agencies. • Assure women equal pay for equal work and maintain conditions necessary to protect health • Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, and safety. disability and sexual orientation. • Provide adequate guidance and counseling services, training and retraining opportunities at • Elimination of institutional racism and sexism. every level for women and girls confronted with new demands and new opportunities in the work world. Hate Crimes • Measures to assure swift and equal justice for all persons through court and penal reforms • Secure higher living standards for migrant workers and extension to them of social, including improved provisions for selection of juries, trial procedures, bail, parole and educational, health and legal benefits available to other workers. other law-enforcement practices. • Secure a minimum wage adequate for health and decency and the extension of fair labor • Programs to improve the range and quality of police-community relationships and standards to all low-income workers. responsibilities.

• Provide aid, information and the necessary training to permit workers to move to • Programs to build communities in which all people are assured equal protection and safety occupational areas where they are needed. with justice under law. • Expand work opportunities and economic development, especially in regions where the • Measures to assure the protection of persons from violence and effective legal safeguards present level of economic functioning is not realizing the full potential of the area or meeting against intimidation by reprisal. the needs of the population.

• Measures providing for the licensing of all gun purchasers, users and owners and the • Assure just tax laws which distribute the tax burden equitably according to the ability to pay. registration of all firearms, including ammunition and all other of their component parts, and for the banning of the production, assembly, sale and possession of all hand guns not • Recognize women's volunteer services through tax benefits, vocational credits and in-kind used for such purposes as law enforcement, military and licensed guard use, sport shooting contributions. and hunting.

• Full-employment, training and public welfare programs that offer quality training; support • Measures to provide improved legal services to the poor in both civil and criminal services, including enforcement and collection of child support; adequate income supports; proceedings in order to protect their legal rights, including access to public benefits and and opportunities for meaningful employment. protection.

• Assure women equal pay for work of comparable value. • Elimination of harassment, battering, emotional abuse, violence and other forms of victimization of women, people of color and children. • Programs that provide access to non-traditional jobs.

• Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, • disability and sexual orientation. Extension and improvement of programs of social insurance which protect all workers and their families, through adequate cash benefits against loss of income due to age, retirement, • Elimination of institutional racism and sexism. temporary and permanent disability, premature death of the family breadwinner, divorce, unemployment and, where appropriate, provision of payment for health care. Increasing Women’s Income • Uphold the mutual rights and responsibilities of management and labor.

3 4

38 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

3 4

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 39 Attachment B Attachment B

• The YWCA of the U.S.A. shall advocate for programs, resources and research addressing the • Programs to assure greater involvement of women in the development of public policy and in unique retirement planning issues of women. elective and appointive positions of leadership at all levels of government.

• A federal system of income maintenance adequate for health and decency, tied to the • Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, Consumer Price Index and based on national standards of eligibility without regard to disability and sexual orientation. residence and other arbitrary requirements. • Elimination of institutional racism and sexism. • A sufficient range of supporting social services to protect the well-being of children, strengthen the family and assist those persons requiring special aid. Racial Justice • Give economic support to businesses owned by persons of color, including those whose • Free and low-cost food and nutrition programs for persons in need. workers are denied membership in unions of their trade.

• A program of rehabilitation and other aids for the disabled to strengthen their • Support the economic empowerment and development of persons of color in self-determined capacity for work and the full enjoyment of life. social change, embracing ownership, management and community control.

• Measures to strengthen institutions of higher education, provide resources to assure the • Secure higher living standards for migrant workers and extension to them of social, availability of higher education to qualified young women, provide specialized services and educational, health and legal benefits available to other workers. opportunities for women wishing to resume their education and assure support for the humanities comparable to that given for scientific education. • Comprehensive, culturally sensitive education that promotes literacy and preparation for full participation in society. • An effective public employment service with specialized counseling for young people and a means to assist workers and their families to move to a new job location where appropriate. • Improvement and expansion of research programs into the prevention and treatment of diseases that primarily affect women, children and people of color, public health services, • Programs that provide access to non-traditional jobs, job training, retraining and vocational including those related to maternal and child health, services for children with handicaps, education at every level. school health programs, community health services, community mental health services, public funding for abortions and pre-and post-abortion counseling in opposition to • Programs to assure the availability of adequate and decent housing for all persons of low or mandatory parental consent and notification laws. moderate income, including single, elderly and persons with handicaps. • Measures to provide improved legal services to the poor in both civil and criminal • Public aid for the training of professionals and auxiliary personnel in all these areas. proceedings in order to protect their legal rights, including access to public benefits and protection. • Measures to provide improved legal services to the poor in both civil and criminal proceedings in order to protect their legal rights, including access to public benefits and • Measures that will preserve the proper investigative powers of Congress while preventing protection. abuse of these powers, and that will require such procedures of Congressional investigation committees as will fully protect the rights of all individuals. • Elimination of housing discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, family status, disability, religion or sexual orientation. • Measures to strengthen the implementation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• Access to low- and moderate-income housing subsidies to provide persons of color maximum • Extension of the franchise to residents of the District of Columbia, including full voting freedom of choice of neighborhood; increased production and preservation of safe, representation in the United States Congress and self-government. affordable housing. • Measures to remove arbitrary residential and other restrictions to assure voting rights to • Adequate, safe shelter, support services and transitional housing for those in need of qualified citizens. temporary or emergency shelter. • Measures to assure the principle of fair representation in state legislative bodies and of an • Measures to further the bilingual education and job training opportunities of Spanish- equal distribution of voting power to all citizens. speaking Americans to assure their full participation in the economic and cultural life of our nation. • Programs to assure the full enforcement and implementation of federal civil rights laws.

5 6

40 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

5 6

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 41 Attachment B Attachment B

• Measures to assure the full compliance and vigorous enforcement of laws requiring desegregation of the public schools. • Measures to provide improved legal services to the poor in both civil and criminal proceedings in order to protect their legal rights, including access to public benefits and • Elimination of housing discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, protection. family status, disability, religion or sexual orientation. • Measures to assure fair and just treatment of rape victims and reform of unfair laws • Access to low- and moderate-income housing subsidies to provide persons of color maximum affecting them. freedom of choice of neighborhood; increased production and preservation of safe, affordable housing. • Elimination of harassment, battering, emotional abuse, violence and other forms of victimization of women, people of color and children. • Rigorous enforcement of laws requiring that facilities serving the general public be open to all without discrimination. • Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, • Programs to aid American Indian communities in recognizing their right to live and act disability and sexual orientation. within the framework of their culture and to improve further their economic, health, education, social and political status. • Elimination of institutional racism and sexism.

• Measures to further the bilingual education and job training opportunities of Spanish- Welfare Reform speaking Americans to assure their full participation in the economic and cultural life of our • Provide adequate guidance and counseling services, training and retraining opportunities nation. at every level for women and girls confronted with new demands and new opportunities in the work world. • Measures to remove all barriers to full and free participation by citizens in the political process: in voting, selection of candidates, hold elective and appointive office and influencing • Secure higher living standards for migrant workers and extension to them of social, public policy. educational, health and legal benefits available to other workers.

• Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, • Secure a minimum wage adequate for health and decency and the extension of fair labor disability and sexual orientation. standards to all low-income workers.

• Elimination of institutional racism and sexism. • Expand work opportunities and economic development, especially in regions where the present level of economic functioning is not realizing the full potential of the area or Violence Against Women meeting the needs of the population. • Measures to assure swift and equal justice for all persons through court and penal reforms including improved provisions for selection of juries, trial procedures, bail, parole and • Full-employment, training and public welfare programs that offer quality training; support other law-enforcement practices. services, including enforcement and collection of child support; adequate income supports; and opportunities for meaningful employment. • Programs to improve the range and quality of police-community relationships and responsibilities. • Programs that provide access to non-traditional jobs.

• Programs to build communities in which all people are assured equal protection and safety • Extension and improvement of programs of social insurance which protect all workers and with justice under law. their families, through adequate cash benefits against loss of income due to age, retirement, temporary and permanent disability, premature death of the family breadwinner, divorce, • Measures to assure the protection of persons from violence and effective legal safeguards unemployment and, where appropriate, provision of payment for health care. against intimidation by reprisal. • A federal system of income maintenance adequate for health and decency, tied to the • Measures providing for the licensing of all gun purchasers, users and owners and the Consumer Price Index and based on national standards of eligibility without regard to registration of all firearms, including ammunition and all other of their component parts, residence and other arbitrary requirements. and for the banning of the production, assembly, sale and possession of all hand guns not used for such purposes as law enforcement, military and licensed guard use, sport shooting • A sufficient range of supporting social services to protect the well-being of children, and hunting. strengthen the family and assist those persons requiring special aid.

7 8

42 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

7 8

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 43 Attachment B Attachment B

• Free and low-cost food and nutrition programs for persons in need. • Federal aid for public education. • A program of rehabilitation and other aids for the disabled to strengthen their capacity for work and the full enjoyment of life. • Support for students, parents, teachers and others working with youth in finding new ways to develop, administer and fund relevant education accessible to all. • Measures to strengthen institutions of higher education, provide resources to assure the availability of higher education to qualified young women, provide specialized services and • An effective public employment service with specialized counseling for young people and a opportunities for women wishing to resume their education and assure support for the means to assist workers and their families to move to a new job location where appropriate. humanities comparable to that given for scientific education. • Assistance to schools in accepting the responsibility for providing sound education in • An effective public employment service with specialized counseling for young people and a human sexuality as an integral part of the school curriculum. means to assist workers and their families to move to a new job location where appropriate. • Realistic school substance-abuse education programs beginning at the elementary level, • Programs that provide access to non-traditional jobs, job training, retraining and initiated by state and local school authorities. vocational education at every level. • Measures to assure the full compliance and vigorous enforcement of laws requiring • Programs to assure the availability of adequate and decent housing for all persons of low desegregation of the public schools. or moderate income, including single, elderly and persons with handicaps.

• Public aid for the training of professionals and auxiliary personnel in all these areas. Civil Liberties • Measures that will preserve the proper investigative powers of Congress while preventing • Measures to provide improved legal services to the poor in both civil and criminal abuse of these powers, and that will require such procedures of Congressional investigation proceedings in order to protect their legal rights, including access to public benefits and committees as will fully protect the rights of all individuals. protection. • Measures to assure the right to express unpopular ideas in accordance with the guarantees of • Measures to assure the protection of religious liberty. the Constitution of the United States.

• Adequate, safe shelter, support services and transitional housing for those in need of • Measures to assure the protection of religious liberty. temporary or emergency shelter. • Continued opposition to the Selective Service System, and study and recommendations of • Measures to further the bilingual education and job training opportunities of Spanish- peace-keeping alternatives to military conscription. speaking Americans to assure their full participation in the economic and cultural life of our nation. • Measures to protect persons from arbitrary interference with their privacy in families, homes, occupations and associations. • Elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, disability and sexual orientation. • Measures to remove all barriers to full and free participation by citizens in the political process: in voting, selection of candidates, hold elective and appointive office and influencing • Elimination of institutional racism and sexism. public policy.

• Measures to safeguard the people's rights in, and responsible use of the airwaves in the Children and Youth Issues public interest. • Protect children against premature employment through extension and enforcement of child labor legislation, particularly in agriculture, and at the same time secure better employment • The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and its ratification by the states as an instrument in opportunities for young people entering the labor market. overcoming discrimination, racism and injustice, especially on behalf of those women who continue to be the most disadvantaged in our society. • A sufficient range of supporting social services to protect the well-being of children, strengthen the family and assist those persons requiring special aid. Constitutional /Other • Oppose constitutional amendments which limit the separation of powers as set forth in the • Programs for the prevention, diminution, control and treatment of juvenile delinquency. United States Constitution

9 10

44 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

9 10

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 45 Attachment B Attachment B

• Measures to safeguard the people's rights in, and responsible use of the airwaves in the • Programs to assure quality education — non-racist, non-sexist, non-ageist, multilingual, public interest. multicultural — and participation of citizens in the decisions affecting their local schools.

Criminal Justice Environment • Expanded federal programs to control illegal importation and trafficking in narcotic drugs • Programs to overcome community blight and work effectively through community and and legislation defining penalties for drug sale, possession and use commensurate with the regional planning for adequate housing, transportation systems, waste disposal, noise offense. abatement, slum clearance and urban development, and the development of land use policies to create a balance among industrial, residential and recreational use and • Programs to build communities in which all people are assured equal protection and safety preservation of open spaces, wilderness and wild life. with justice under law. • Programs to restore the purity of our air and our water resources and to provide adequate • Measures to assure the protection of persons from violence and effective legal safeguards safeguards against all forms of environmental pollution. against intimidation by reprisal. • Programs to reduce personal destruction of the environment through reform of • Measures providing for the licensing of all gun purchasers, users and owners and the consumption habits of individuals and groups, mobilizing every possible resource for registration of all firearms, including ammunition and all other of their component parts, education. and for the banning of the production, assembly, sale and possession of all hand guns not used for such purposes as law enforcement, military and licensed guard use, sport shooting • Programs of traffic safety and national standardization of traffic regulations. and hunting. • Programs to develop and conserve the beauty of our man-made and natural resources, • Comprehensive reform of the federal criminal code to protect the constitutional rights of all including public acquisition of accessible recreational areas, preservation of wilderness citizens. areas and wildlife and the protection from disfigurement of public places, including highways. • We also firmly support the abolition of capital punishment. • Programs, both in the U.S. and on a world scale, to achieve an ecological balance. Education • Programs to protect the resources of the seabed and outer space for the benefit of all life. • Comprehensive, culturally sensitive education that promotes literacy and preparation for (See also 1, A. 2.) Programs to advance the cultural life of the nation through full participation in society. encouragement of the arts, music, architecture, the humanities and the preservation of our more significant historic sites. • Federal aid for public education. • Programs to advance the cultural life of the nation through encouragement of the arts, • Equal access for women to comprehensive, culturally sensitive education that promotes music, architecture, the humanities and the preservation of our more significant historic literacy and preparation for full participation in society. sites.

• Support for students, parents, teachers and others working with youth in finding new ways • The development of national and local programs and policies to assure a variety of new to develop, administer and fund relevant education accessible to all. nondepletable source of energy that are safe, pollution-free, assure maximum protection of the environment and are available at the lowest possible cost.

• Measures to strengthen institutions of higher education, provide resources to assure the • Training in demography, research on human fertility and the interplay of biological, availability of higher education to qualified young women, provide specialized services and psychological and socioeconomic factors influencing population change. opportunities for women wishing to resume their education and assure support for the humanities comparable to that given for scientific education. • Programs of education to assure the widest possible sharing of knowledge to develop citizen awareness of the long-term consequences of an expanding population. • Assistance to schools in accepting the responsibility for providing sound education in human sexuality as an integral part of the school curriculum. Food and Nutrition Issues • Protect the consumer through food and drug regulations, ensure consumer representation in • Measures to assure the full compliance and vigorous enforcement of laws requiring government councils and government regulatory agencies and further consumer education. desegregation of the public schools.

11 12

46 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

11 12

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 47 Attachment B Attachment B

Global Issues • Secure revision and liberalization of immigration and naturalization legislation to correct • Comprehensive peace building among nations and conversion from a military to a socially inequities. and ecologically responsible world economy. • Strengthen programs with all nations to promote international exchange of persons and • Agreements by all nations to the abolition of weapons of mass destruction — nuclear, exchange of information through all possible channels. chemical and biological — from the earth, the sea and outer space; and to the control and limitation under proper safeguards of armaments and nuclear testing. • A change in federal priorities from military spending to programs that eradicate poverty and meet human needs, coupled with measures to assist workers and communities dependent on • Use and protection of the resources of the seabed and outer space for the benefit of military spending to convert to a peace-time economy. humanity and for peaceful purposes only. • Continued opposition to the Selective Service System, and study and recommendations of • The de-emphasis on bilateral military alliances and spheres of influence in favor of peace-keeping alternatives to military conscription. strengthening the international peacekeeping role of the UN. Health • The maintenance of an international peace force. • Improvement and expansion of research programs into the prevention and treatment of diseases that primarily affect women, children and people of color, public health services, • Financial support for the UN, which recognizes the obligation of all members to contribute including those related to maternal and child health, services for children with handicaps, their fair share in the financing of its operations and to abide by the decisions of the school health programs, community health services, community mental health services, authorized and appropriate UN bodies on all matters regarding the expenditure of funds. public funding for abortions and pre-and post-abortion counseling in opposition to mandatory parental consent and notification laws. • Elimination of world poverty through the contribution by industrialized nations of at least one percent of their gross national product to world social and economic development, • Programs of grants and low-interest loans to expand, improve and organize those facilities preferably through the UN and other multilateral channels. and services needed for implementation of such health programs as Medicare and medical assistance. • An expanded flow of international trade with developing countries through policies which support economic and social development goals. • A national plan of health care services which assures comprehensive and equal access and benefits to all citizens, basic reforms in our health delivery systems and significant • An increase in U.S. development aid while reducing military aid and discontinuing the sale, consumer involvement in all levels of administration, planning and evaluation. transport and disposal of arms to developing nations. • A national plan that also respects the right of all women, adults and teens, to make • Advocate for a foreign policy applying principles of justice, equity, and human dignity to reproductive choices free of all government intrusion and consistent with their own United States political and economic relations to have an impact on: religious traditions and ethical values.

• Global systems to eradicate institutional racism, classism, sexism, ethnocentrism and other • Programs to address the health needs of women with HIV/AIDS and women at risk of dehumanizing forces contracting HIV/AIDS through programs for education, prevention and treatment.

• The social, economic and political structures which disproportionately entrap women and • Immediate training programs, with the help of available government and other specialized children in poverty; and resources, to enable aggressive action in education, prevention and treatment of substance abuse. • Newly emerging and self-governing peoples and others aspiring to achieve their liberation. • Realistic school substance-abuse education programs beginning at the elementary level, • Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal initiated by state and local school authorities. Declaration of Human Rights.

• Achieve ratification of the Conventions on Genocide, the Political Rights of Women, the • Extensive quality research on dangerous non-narcotic and narcotic drugs, including not only Abolition of Forced Labor and the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other illegal substances, but also, among others, barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol and nicotine. • Promote universal membership in the UN.

13 14

48 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment B

13 14

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 49 Attachment B Attachment A

• Comprehensive treatment and facilities for narcotic and non-narcotic drug users directed to their social, medical and psychological needs, together with the review and reform of existing facilities. Advocacy Policy Priorities • Research on sociological patterns producing a drug-oriented society. Issue Area The Elimination of Racism Housing Position The YWCA supports policies that contribute to the elimination of racism. This includes but is not limited to policies that eliminate racial profiling, • Programs to assure the availability of adequate and decent housing for all increase immigrant rights, retain and strengthen affirmative action, reduce persons of low or moderate income, including single, elderly and persons hate crimes and result in increased education on racism and its elimination. with handicaps.

Because every issue in the advocacy agenda connects to both prongs of our • Elimination of housing discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, mission, the YWCA understands that success for all agenda priorities relies family status, disability, religion or sexual orientation. on an approach that incorporates both the empowerment of women and

elimination of racism. The YWCA supports additional, focused work on the • Access to low- and moderate-income housing subsidies to provide persons of color elimination of racism as a priority of its own. maximum freedom of choice of neighborhood; increased production and preservation of safe, affordable housing. Proposed Strategies: Strategies/Actions The YWCA will be a catalyst for change in this arena, aggressively pushing • Adequate, safe shelter, support services and transitional housing for those in need of and Outcomes for policies that eliminate discrimination on the basis of race and improves temporary or emergency shelter. the lives of people of color. The YWCA can introduce and advocate for the passage of legislation that • Rigorous enforcement of laws requiring that facilities serving the general public be open to • Results in increased rights for immigrants all without discrimination. • Reduces racial profiling in theory and practice

• Encourages education on the topics of oppression and justice Reproductive Rights • Supports affirmative action and a reduction in hate crimes. • Improvement and expansion of research programs into the prevention and treatment of • diseases that primarily affect women, children and people of color, public health services, Supports human rights internationally. including those related to maternal and child health, services for children with handicaps, • Enforces human rights locally. school health programs, community health services, community mental health services, public funding for abortions and pre-and post-abortion counseling in opposition to Outcomes: mandatory parental consent and notification laws. • Laws passed that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race • Increased understanding of continued racism and the need for • A national plan that also respects the right of all women, adults and teens, to make policies to eliminate it reproductive choices free of all government intrusion and consistent with their own (See also Hate Crimes and Affirmative Action) religious traditions and ethical values. Relationship to The YWCA has, historically, been a leader in the field of racial justice, often Mission breaking new ground and pro-actively changing societal norms in its quest • Assistance to schools in accepting the responsibility for providing sound education in for the elimination of racism. The YWCA of the USA policy agenda for human sexuality as an integral part of the school curriculum. fiscal year 2004 seeks to restore and maintain the YWCA’s position as a leader in this field in accordance with the One Imperative of our mission--to • Encouragement of research with adequate funding to find new methods for limiting family thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism wherever it size. exists and by any means necessary.

• Programs to make family planning information and aids available to all economic levels. Need for The elimination of racism is not a priority of the current administration and Advocacy policy-makers despite the fact that racial discrimination in employment, housing, voting, health care, education and other areas is an unfortunate • Programs to assure that individuals and governments are enabled to obtain family planning reality in our country today. Undermining our ability to provide remedies for and the availability of safe and affordable reproductive services to all women worldwide. discrimination – whether by attacking affirmative action or appointing

federal judges who are opposed to basic principles of civil rights • Repeal of all laws restricting or prohibiting abortions performed by a duly licensed enforcement – is a huge step backwards for our country. Racial and ethnic physician. disparities in loan denial rates are consistently found in data collected as part

15 1

50 | YWCA Attachment B Attachment A

15 Was approved by the National Coordinating Board (NCB) in November of 2003 1

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 51 Attachment A Attachment A

of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) across income categories, Advocacy loan types, and markets. A study of the federal death penalty by the U.S. Policy Priorities Department of Justice released in September, 2000 found 80 percent of federal defendants who faced capital charges were members of racial Issue Area Affirmative Action minorities, as were 74 percent of convicted defendants for whom prosecutors Position The YWCA supports the maintenance and strengthening of affirmative recommended the death penalty. There are many more examples that action laws to protect people from discrimination on the basis of race and illustrate the fact that racism continues to operate in the U.S. (See also gender. Affirmative Action and Hate Crimes). Will Give YWCA The YWCA’s commitment to the One Imperative sets it apart from other Proposed Strategies: visible presence women’s organizations. Many members and constituents speak of beginning Strategies/Actions The YWCA will aggressively lobby to restore and maintain effective in Women’s their work with the YWCA because of its commitment to anti-racism. and Outcomes affirmative action legislation. YWCAs will speak out and organize with Rights, Racial Emphasizing the YWCA’s unique position as a leader in both the women’s other women’s and civil rights coalitions to preserve and strengthen these Justice rights and racial justice movement can only increase our visibility and draw policies at local, state, and federal levels. Specific actions may include: more people to us. • File friend of the court briefs on behalf of universities and Pertinent to all Anti-discrimination was the focus of six regions in an initial feedback institutions whose affirmative action policies are under attack Regions process, with two more regions at least mentioning anti-discrimination/racial • Work with universities to institute affirmative action programs for justice. Five regions suggested the YWCA prioritize affirmative action admissions and employment specifically. Four regions dealt with hate crimes specifically. Two regions • Lobby the private sector to incorporate effective affirmative action suggested the YWCA work on racial profiling; two regions also suggested programs into business models the YWCA work on human rights both nationally and internationally. One • Counter federal judicial nominees who do not support affirmative region focused on immigrant rights. Three regions mentioned the use of action education around diversity. • Ensure that local associations and regions collectively take action Will Make a In the 2000 census, people of color made up 31 percent of the U.S. regarding affirmative action via affirmative action campaigns etc. Difference in the population and 42 percent of all births. The YWCA cannot make a lives of Women difference in the lives of these women without addressing. Actively working Outcomes: to eliminate racism will have an impact on the lives of women of color, who • No further erosion of affirmative action policies and laws in the face daily challenges due to this form of oppression. Working to eliminate public or private sector racism will also strengthen the relationships between European heritage • women and women of color. Increase and strengthen affirmative action legislation and goals • Will Have a A U.S. society that does not tolerate racism is better equipped for fair, Increase awareness of the need for and impact of affirmative action Positive World honest, diverse world leadership. In this globally connected age, the U.S. policies Impact has a responsibility to the world to ensure its systems operate in such a way that they protect and provide justice for all communities and people. Relationship to The YWCA has worked towards diversity since its founding, bringing Mission together women of all ages, racial, cultural, economic, social, and religious backgrounds to work toward a common goal of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity. Affirmative action is a crucial tool in this historic struggle. By taking a strong position with affirmative action, the YWCA will re-affirm its role as a leader in the movements to empower women and eliminate racism.

Need for Affirmative action policies have been under attack at all levels for many Advocacy years. A significant loss occurred in 1996, on a California ballot measure known as Proposition 209, which banned affirmative action in that state. Affirmative action faced its biggest legal challenge in decades in U.S. Supreme Court cases dealing with admissions policies at the University of Michigan and its law school. Affirmative action, couched as “racial preferences” by those who would end it, will continue to be a political issue and to remain at significant risk in the foreseeable future.

2 3

52 | YWCA Attachment A Attachment A of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) across income categories, Advocacy loan types, and markets. A study of the federal death penalty by the U.S. Policy Priorities Department of Justice released in September, 2000 found 80 percent of federal defendants who faced capital charges were members of racial Issue Area Affirmative Action minorities, as were 74 percent of convicted defendants for whom prosecutors Position The YWCA supports the maintenance and strengthening of affirmative recommended the death penalty. There are many more examples that action laws to protect people from discrimination on the basis of race and illustrate the fact that racism continues to operate in the U.S. (See also gender. Affirmative Action and Hate Crimes). Will Give YWCA The YWCA’s commitment to the One Imperative sets it apart from other Proposed Strategies: visible presence women’s organizations. Many members and constituents speak of beginning Strategies/Actions The YWCA will aggressively lobby to restore and maintain effective in Women’s their work with the YWCA because of its commitment to anti-racism. and Outcomes affirmative action legislation. YWCAs will speak out and organize with Rights, Racial Emphasizing the YWCA’s unique position as a leader in both the women’s other women’s and civil rights coalitions to preserve and strengthen these Justice rights and racial justice movement can only increase our visibility and draw policies at local, state, and federal levels. Specific actions may include: more people to us. • File friend of the court briefs on behalf of universities and Pertinent to all Anti-discrimination was the focus of six regions in an initial feedback institutions whose affirmative action policies are under attack Regions process, with two more regions at least mentioning anti-discrimination/racial • Work with universities to institute affirmative action programs for justice. Five regions suggested the YWCA prioritize affirmative action admissions and employment specifically. Four regions dealt with hate crimes specifically. Two regions • Lobby the private sector to incorporate effective affirmative action suggested the YWCA work on racial profiling; two regions also suggested programs into business models the YWCA work on human rights both nationally and internationally. One • Counter federal judicial nominees who do not support affirmative region focused on immigrant rights. Three regions mentioned the use of action education around diversity. • Ensure that local associations and regions collectively take action Will Make a In the 2000 census, people of color made up 31 percent of the U.S. regarding affirmative action via affirmative action campaigns etc. Difference in the population and 42 percent of all births. The YWCA cannot make a lives of Women difference in the lives of these women without addressing. Actively working Outcomes: to eliminate racism will have an impact on the lives of women of color, who • No further erosion of affirmative action policies and laws in the face daily challenges due to this form of oppression. Working to eliminate public or private sector racism will also strengthen the relationships between European heritage • women and women of color. Increase and strengthen affirmative action legislation and goals • Will Have a A U.S. society that does not tolerate racism is better equipped for fair, Increase awareness of the need for and impact of affirmative action Positive World honest, diverse world leadership. In this globally connected age, the U.S. policies Impact has a responsibility to the world to ensure its systems operate in such a way that they protect and provide justice for all communities and people. Relationship to The YWCA has worked towards diversity since its founding, bringing Mission together women of all ages, racial, cultural, economic, social, and religious backgrounds to work toward a common goal of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity. Affirmative action is a crucial tool in this historic struggle. By taking a strong position with affirmative action, the YWCA will re-affirm its role as a leader in the movements to empower women and eliminate racism.

2 3

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 53 Attachment A Attachment A

Will Give YWCA Against ongoing assaults, affirmative action continues to receive a fair Advocacy visible presence amount of national attention. Joining the lawsuit on behalf of the University Policy Priorities in Women’s of Michigan were about 300 organizations, including 60 corporations, many Rights, Racial labor unions, other universities, student groups, three former chairmen of the Issue Area Hate Crimes Justice Joint Chiefs of Staff, and two former defense secretaries. Our mission lends Position The YWCA supports the passage of Hate Crimes legislation that protects credibility to our support of affirmative action and our stance on the issue people from harassment, violence and other crimes on the basis of race, sex, will bring additional attention to the one imperative. The issue is also well gender, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, or sexual orientation. aligned with our new brand image. Pertinent to all Anti-discrimination was the focus of six regions in an initial feedback Proposed Strategies: Regions process, with two more regions at least mentioning anti-discrimination/racial Strategies/Actions Comprehensive hate crimes legislation must be passed at the federal and justice. Five regions suggested the YWCA prioritize affirmative action and Outcomes state level as well as in local jurisdictions that do not already have such laws. specifically. During a second feedback process, all nine regions agreed, in Additionally, YWCAs should lobby for the addition of gender, sexual writing and through their representatives that they could contribute to orientation and disability to criteria for hate crimes. Specific actions may affirmative action policy. Affirmative action helps to accomplish the One include: Imperative, which is pertinent to all regions. • Lobby Congress to cosponsor and support the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (formerly the Hate Crimes Will Make a In 1995 the Glass Ceiling Commission released a report revealing that 97 Prevention Act) Difference in the percent of top managers in the largest U.S. companies are still white men, • Push for state and local hate crimes legislation lives of Women and that women and people of color are still disproportionately represented • Lobby for the inclusion of sex, gender, and sexual orientation to among the working poor (Federal Glass Ceiling Report, Department of criteria for hate crimes Labor, 1995) While women owned nearly 40 percent of this country's • Form relationships with local law enforcement officials responsible businesses, they received only 2.5 percent of the federal government's for hate crime investigations contract dollars in 1999. Black men earn, on average, 74 percent of what • Create policies in partnership with different sectors and institutions, white men earn; white women earn 70.8 percent. For black women, the including public schools, religious institutions, etc. figure is 63.7 percent; for Latino men and women, 64.8 percent and 53.9 • Increase education and awareness to break patterns of hate crime percent, respectively (U.S. News and World Report, Feb. 13, 2002). violence.

These disparities demonstrate the work that remains in order to create a fair Outcomes: and equitable society. Affirmative action policies help to accomplish this • goal. State and local legislation on hate crimes is passed. • Gender, sexual orientation, and disability are included in hate crimes Will Have a In order to be a responsible world citizen, the U.S. needs diverse, equitable legislation. Positive World leadership. Affirmative action is essential to accomplishing these goals. Impact Relationship to Hate crime policies are essential to the empowerment of women and the Mission elimination of racism because hate crimes limit the participation of people of color and women in broader society via systematic intimidation of entire communities. Hate crimes diminish the health and safety of victims and undermine the human decency of our society. By working to stop hate crimes, we promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

Need for Most states have hate crimes laws that address crimes motivated by Advocacy prejudice against race, religion, and other personal factors. But only 27 states and the District of Columbia have laws that address hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation, 19 states address hate crimes based on sex1, and only six states and the District of Columbia have laws that address hate crimes motivated by prejudice against gender identity. The addition of sex to criteria for hate crimes will skyrocket the number of reported incidents, especially if sexual assault is seen as a qualifying factor.

1 Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org/99hatecrime/penalty.asp 4 5

54 | YWCA Attachment A Attachment A

1 Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org/99hatecrime/penalty.asp 4 5

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 55 Attachment A Attachment A

The current federal law is also inadequate. In addition to requiring that the Advocacy harassment or violence be based on one of the stated categories, it requires Policy Priorities that the hate crime occur while the target is trying to exercise a federally protected right, like voting or going to school. Sex, sexual orientation and Issue Area Violence Against Women disability are not covered. Finally, the law does not provide any resources to Position The YWCA supports anti-violence policies that protect victims, hold investigate or combat hate crimes but provides only for reporting of hate perpetrators accountable, and work to eradicate sexual assault and domestic crimes by local and state law enforcement agencies. violence, trafficking of women, and dating violence. Specifically, we support the continuance and increased funding for the Victims of Crime Act Will Give YWCA As an organization whose mission is the empowerment of women and (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The YWCA also visible presence elimination of racism, the YWCA is in a unique place to impact hate crimes supports legislation that ensures employment stability and economic security in Women’s policy from a broader lens than organizations with a purely race-based, for victims of violence against women. Rights, Racial orientation-based, or sex-based approach. The YWCA can add great value Justice to an issue that will remain current in the movements for racial justice and Proposed Strategies: women’s rights. Strategies/Actions • Track legislative voting records on issues of violence against women and Outcomes • Form coalitions with other anti-violence and women’s organizations Pertinent to all Equal Access was the focus of six regions in an initial feedback process, • Introduce amendments to current legislation that will better benefit Regions with two more regions at least mentioning anti-discrimination/equal access. victims of violence against women Four regions dealt with hate crimes specifically. During a second feedback • Monitor and improve the justice system to improve prosecution process, all nine regions agreed, in writing and through their representatives records involving violence against women that they could contribute to hate crimes policy. • Carefully monitor justice and police systems to eliminate race as a

factor in the prosecution of cases involving violence against women Will Make a Research has shown that hate crimes are neither random nor inevitable. • Work with the Department of Justice on the issue of the trafficking Difference in According to the FBI, 9,730 hate crime incidents were reported in 2001. 44.9 of women Women’s Lives percent of the incidents were motivated by racial bias; 21.6 percent were • Promote multi-lingual, multi-cultural education for the prevention driven by prejudice against an ethnicity or national origin, 18.8 percent violence against women resulted from a bias against a particular religion, 14.3 percent involved a bias against sexual-orientation, and 0.4 percent were motivated by a disability Outcomes: bias. Ten hate crime victims were murdered in 2001. 5 of these homicides • were attributed to a bias against an ethnicity or national origin, 4 involved Cap on VOCA funding lifted by Congress racial bias, and 1 was driven by bias against a sexual orientation.2 Increased • Restore and increase victim assistance funding under VOCA awareness and education around these issues can seriously impact the restored and increased frequency of their occurrence, thereby improving the lives of women and • Funding for all VAWA programs restored and increased people of color dramatically. Relationship to A continuum of violence means that women are limited in their freedom of Will Have a Hate crimes distinguish themselves from other forms of violence because Mission movement and face inhibited access to resources and power. Because Positive World they are driven by prejudice against a perceived “difference.” A U.S. society assault and abuse are dis-empowering acts based on the need to control or Impact that does not tolerate violent expressions of prejudice is better equipped for exact power over another human being, our very mission is at stake in this fair, honest, non-violent world leadership. In this globally connected age, issue. the U.S. has a responsibility to the world to ensure its systems operate in such a way that they protect and provide justice for all communities and Because of systemic racism, women of color face even more barriers to their people. access to resources and power. Therefore the trauma of an assault, trafficking, or abuse is compounded by racism in the medical, legal and social institutions with which a survivor may interact. Violence against women marks an intersection of racism and sexism whereby violence is the weapon used to subordinate a target group. Eliminating violence is a key element of the fight to eliminate racism.

Need for Given the current political atmosphere, it is likely that appropriation levels Advocacy for VOCA and VAWA will continue to decline. Funding cuts at the federal 2 Hate Crime Statistics, 2001, Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI's) Uniform Crime Reporting and local levels place women and girls at risk for continued abuse. (UCR) Program 6 7

56 | YWCA Attachment A Attachment A

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 57 Attachment A Attachment A

Advocacy Will Give YWCA With the current budget crises and reductions in spending to support Policy Priorities visible presence essential victim services programs, the collective voice of the YWCA as an in Women’s advocate for anti-violence policies will serve the dual purpose of drawing Issue Area Increasing Women’s Income Rights, Racial attention to a critical issue and garnering visibility for the YWCA. Position The YWCA supports the implementation of initiatives to increase the Justice Furthermore, because these issues dramatically mark the intersection of income of women via living wage campaigns, support for equal pay/pay racism and sexism, the YWCA is well poised to change cultural norms that equity, overtime campaigns, appropriate and informed social security allow sexual violence to be used as a tool of power and control. reform, and maintenance of earned income tax credits.

Pertinent to all Violence Against Women was the primary focus of six regions in an initial Proposed Strategies: Regions feedback process, with seven of eight responding regions at least mentioning Strategies/Actions • Lobby aggressively for legislation that results in improved the issue. Five regions suggested the YWCA prioritize VOCA and VAWA and Outcomes income for all women and especially for women of color specifically. During a second feedback process, all nine regions agreed, in • Organize with other coalitions to preserve and strengthen related writing and through their representatives that they could contribute to issues initiatives at local, state, and federal levels involving Violence Against Women. • Conduct awareness campaigns focused on these issues • Track the impact of U.S. compensation practices on women Will Make a • Persons age twelve and over experience an annual average of 140,990 outside the U.S. Difference in the attempted rapes and 109,680 completed rapes. 94% of all victims of lives of Women rape are female (National Crime Victimization Survey, 1992-2000). Outcomes: • It is estimated that two thirds of all rapes remain unreported (Ringel • Minimum wage increased 1997, 3). • Social security laws are more favorable to women • The Department of Justice documents 700,000 incidents of domestic • Pay inequities decreased for all women and especially women of violence each year. FBI data further show that in the last 25 years color almost 57,000 individuals have been killed in domestic violence • Awareness of income disparities increased situations. • In 1998, one third of all murdered females were killed by an intimate Relationship to Tackling issues of poverty and economic justice has a direct and highly partner (Rennison and Welchans May 2000). Mission meaningful impact on the growth, leadership, and power of women. We can ensure that a livable wage, at the least, will be paid to all persons, While the above statistics illustrate the prevalence of violence against regardless of gender or ethnicity/race. women and children, it is impossible to measure the loss of human potential due to these traumas. Resulting financial burdens on health care systems and Because of systemic racism in our institutions, government, and limited law enforcement resources demand that violence against women be businesses, the wage gap/pay disparity impacts people of color addressed as a social, economic, and political issue. especially. The gap marks the intersection of race, class, and sex in such a dramatic way that we cannot accomplish the work of our One Will Have a A U.S. culture that refuses to tolerate violence against women can Imperative without addressing issues of poverty. Positive World communicate standards of respect for women and girls to the rest of the Impact world. In this globally connected age, the U.S. has a responsibility to the Need for Advocacy Current legislation does not address the fact that minimum wage fails to world to ensure its systems operate in such a way that they protect and keep pace with inflation and the income gap between the rich and the provide justice for all communities and people. By modeling a peaceful and poor continues to grow. Additionally, massive cuts in welfare law just mode of leadership and creating a culture that is safe for everyone, the combined with a downward pressure on wages have forced former U.S. can positively impact its own residents and the world. welfare recipients into the labor market with no promise of a job. Still, laws on pay equity have yet to be passed.

Will Give YWCA Increasing women’s income remains a critical issue in the movements visible presence in for women’s rights and racial justice. The YWCA will garner visibility Women’s Rights, by ensuring its place at the forefront of this work. Racial Justice Pertinent to all Women’s economic empowerment was the primary focus of five regions Regions in an initial feedback process, with seven of eight responding regions at least mentioning the position. Five regions suggested the YWCA 8 9

58 | YWCA Attachment A Attachment A

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 59 Attachment A Attachment A

prioritize equal pay and the wage gap specifically. During a second feedback process, all nine regions agreed, in writing and through their Advocacy representatives that they could contribute to the economic empowerment Policy Priorities of women through increasing women’s income.

Will Make a • A woman working full-time at minimum wage earns approximately Issue Area Reauthorization and Reform of TANF/Welfare Difference in the lives $10,700 a year--$4,300 below the 2002 poverty line for a family of Position The YWCA supports the economic empowerment of women through the of People of Color three and $7,400 below for a family of four.3 reauthorization and reform of TANF/welfare to make TANF more accessible and Women • Women who worked outside the home in 2001 were almost 40% and egalitarian as part of a larger anti-poverty strategy. The YWCA more likely to be poor than men who worked outside the home, with supports an anti-poverty approach to welfare reform and opposes marriage a poverty rate of 6.6% compared to 4.8% for men. 1 out of every 15 promotion/incentives and any other policies or regulations that reduce a working women was poor, compared to 1 out of every 21 working woman’s rights or autonomy. men. • Women comprise the majority of low-wage workers in this country, Proposed Strategies: with women making up 59% of workers earning no more than $7.91 Strategies/Actions • Introduce regulations that recognize the existence of the “working an hour in 1998.4 and Outcomes poor” The economic status of women of color is even more disparate. • Block marriage promotion/incentives Consider the following. • Educate on the impact and support elimination of barriers to TANF: • Less than 3 percent of all working women earn more than $75,000 a i.e. domestic violence, discrimination in the system, access to child year and 60 percent earn less than $25,000 a year. care, substance abuse, the federal drug ban, mental health, lack of Less than 2 percent of African American women earn more than transportation $75,000 a year and 62 percent earn less than $25,000. • Lobby to improve compliance requirements of TANF/welfare About 1 percent of working Latinas earn more than $75,000and 75 recipients percent earn less than $25,000. • Lobby to extend TANF time limits, increased access to • In 2000, women were paid 73 cents for every dollar men received. TANF/welfare for legal immigrants, increased education for TANF That's $27 less to spend on groceries, housing, child care and other participants expenses for every $100 worth of work. African American women only earn 67 percent of what men earn. Outcomes: Latinas earn 55 percent of what men earn. • Increased funding by the federal and state government Asian Pacific American women earn only 84 percent of men's pay. • Improved regulations so they do not in any way reduce women’s • African American female workers earned a median of just over rights or autonomy $16,000 in 2000. Latina workers earned just over $12,000. • Widened eligibility requirements for TANF/welfare recipients In 1999, 4.3 percent of whites who were in the labor force for 27 • Marriage promotion/incentives not enacted weeks or more were classified as working poor, compared with 10.2 • TANF time limits extended percent of African Americans and 10.7 percent of Hispanics. • Access to education for TANF participants broadened • In 1999, women were one-third more likely than men to be among • Provisions and funding for increased child care services—safe and the working poor, and African Americans and Latinos were two to affordable three times more likely than white workers.

Relationship to TANF/welfare reform is essential to the economic empowerment of women. Will Have a Positive Given our increasingly global world, advocacy work on women’s Mission Advocating for changes in TANF/welfare will create opportunities for World Impact income cannot be limited to US women, nor occur at the expense of our women’s growth, leadership, and power. Additionally, because two thirds sisters outside the US. We must ensure that any work with employers to of people on welfare are people of color, TANF/welfare reform directly improve their practices extends to their business in countries beyond the impacts our one imperative to eliminate racism. US.

Need for TANF law has never been fair to women and measures have been introduced

Advocacy that will make it worse. In 1996, welfare reform was passed to provide economic relief to poor women through food stamps etc. This law abolished 3 www.stateaction.org many social service programs that benefited women and children. These 4 NOW Legal Defense Fund, Good Paying Jobs in Non-Traditional Fields. NOW Legal Defense were replaced with the "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families" (TANF), and Education Fund, Welfare Reform: After Five Years, Is It Working? 10 11

60 | YWCA Attachment A Attachment A prioritize equal pay and the wage gap specifically. During a second feedback process, all nine regions agreed, in writing and through their Advocacy representatives that they could contribute to the economic empowerment Policy Priorities of women through increasing women’s income.

Need for TANF law has never been fair to women and measures have been introduced

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 61 Attachment A Attachment A

which imposed strict work participation requirements for recipients of Advocacy welfare, implemented time limits on cash assistance and further required cuts Policy Priorities in federal assistance to legal immigrants. Although many reports proclaim that there has been a dramatic reduction in welfare caseloads since 1996; Issue Area Affordable Accessible Child Care/ Early Childhood Education what is still questionable is if the 1996 law has improved measurably the Position The YWCA supports quality, affordable and accessible early childhood lives of the nation's poor. education that will empower adults and children towards economic and emotional self-sufficiency. Will Give YWCA With over 100 years of expertise and a comprehensive perspective visible presence representing women and children throughout the country, the YWCA can Proposed Strategies: in Women’s gain visibility by aggressively advocating for continuation of current welfare Strategies/Actions • Lobby states to set eligibility levels at the maximum allowed by Rights, Racial policy and provision, and/or the reform of welfare policy and provision in and Outcomes federal law Justice the United States. As expert service providers in this area, the YWCA is in a • Lobby in the private and public sectors to make early childhood unique position to be a leader in this movement. education a profitable field of employment • Lobby to support the federal program that allows providers who Pertinent to all Women’s economic empowerment was the primary focus of five regions in have earned a degree in early childhood education and have worked Regions an initial feedback process, with a total seven of eight responding regions at for two years in a low income area to have a portion of their student least mentioning the position. Six regions suggested the YWCA prioritize loans forgiven TANF/welfare reform specifically. During a second feedback process, all • Lobby for improved funding for child care resource and referral nine regions agreed, in writing and through their representatives that they agencies could contribute to the economic empowerment of women through the reauthorization and reform of TANF/welfare. Outcomes:

found only 64% of parents who had left welfare were employed, with a 5 Relationship to As is the case today, providing early childhood education to women and median hourly wage of $7.15. 41% of former TANF recipients lived in Mission families late in the 19th century emanated from the YWCA’s mission to poverty. Over 70% of former welfare families experienced at least one of empower women to enter the workforce. From its inception, early childhood the following economic hardships: daily concern about sufficient food, programming in the YWCA was innovative and responsive to the needs of missed rent or mortgage payment, reliance on emergency room as main mothers and other guardians.8 Currently, two-thirds of YWCA local source of medical care, or inadequate childcare arrangement. Over 30% of associations are involved in providing early childhood education. Quality, these families missed meals, faced eviction, disconnected utilities, or a lack 6 affordable care has a direct impact on the empowerment of mothers and of needed medical care. developmental growth of the child.

Due to increasing unemployment, the number of people on welfare may now Because of systemic racism in the workplace and in our culture, mothers of be growing, with racial and ethnic minorities making up more than two- 7 color face additional barriers to receiving high quality early childhood thirds of the caseload. education and high paying jobs. An emphasis on increased funding for these

services will help to equalize their affordability, accessibility and quality for Will Have a The U.S. can demonstrate how federal and state governments can work all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity. Positive World together on anti-poverty strategies that improve the lives of all people. If the

Impact U.S. can develop respectful strategies for empowering poor women in our Need for Despite the clear need for quality care, 600,000 children will lose early own country, our approach to other countries with people living in poverty Advocacy childhood education and after- school services under the President’s 2004 will improve. Additionally, the U.S. can learn a great deal from the rest of budget.9 The Senate has voted to implement nearly a 3% cut in all programs, the world about these issues. including child care, Head Start and after-school care. Head Start will be cut

by an estimated $63 million below last year’s levels and will serve 22,000

fewer children. Childcare will be cut by $60 million and will serve 38,000 fewer children than last year. The Senate bill will fund the 21st Century

5 NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, Welfare Reform: After Five Years, Is It Working? 6 Ibid. 8 YWCA Cares for Children: A Guidebook for YWCA Child Care Centers, p. 6 7 NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, Welfare Reform: After Five Years, Is It Working? 9 Children’s Defense Fund 12 13

62 | YWCA Attachment A Attachment A which imposed strict work participation requirements for recipients of Advocacy welfare, implemented time limits on cash assistance and further required cuts Policy Priorities in federal assistance to legal immigrants. Although many reports proclaim that there has been a dramatic reduction in welfare caseloads since 1996; Issue Area Affordable Accessible Child Care/ Early Childhood Education what is still questionable is if the 1996 law has improved measurably the Position The YWCA supports quality, affordable and accessible early childhood lives of the nation's poor. education that will empower adults and children towards economic and emotional self-sufficiency. Will Give YWCA With over 100 years of expertise and a comprehensive perspective visible presence representing women and children throughout the country, the YWCA can Proposed Strategies: in Women’s gain visibility by aggressively advocating for continuation of current welfare Strategies/Actions • Lobby states to set eligibility levels at the maximum allowed by Rights, Racial policy and provision, and/or the reform of welfare policy and provision in and Outcomes federal law Justice the United States. As expert service providers in this area, the YWCA is in a • Lobby in the private and public sectors to make early childhood unique position to be a leader in this movement. education a profitable field of employment • Lobby to support the federal program that allows providers who Pertinent to all Women’s economic empowerment was the primary focus of five regions in have earned a degree in early childhood education and have worked Regions an initial feedback process, with a total seven of eight responding regions at for two years in a low income area to have a portion of their student least mentioning the position. Six regions suggested the YWCA prioritize loans forgiven TANF/welfare reform specifically. During a second feedback process, all • Lobby for improved funding for child care resource and referral nine regions agreed, in writing and through their representatives that they agencies could contribute to the economic empowerment of women through the reauthorization and reform of TANF/welfare. Outcomes:

• At least the current level of services and funding maintained Will Make a Between the enactment of the welfare law in 1996 and March 2001, welfare • Access to early childhood programs (child care, head start, Difference in the caseloads fell over 50%, from 12.2 million recipients in 4.4 million families etc.)expanded lives of Women to 5.5 million recipients in 2.1 million families. However, a 1999 study found only 64% of parents who had left welfare were employed, with a 5 Relationship to As is the case today, providing early childhood education to women and median hourly wage of $7.15. 41% of former TANF recipients lived in Mission families late in the 19th century emanated from the YWCA’s mission to poverty. Over 70% of former welfare families experienced at least one of empower women to enter the workforce. From its inception, early childhood the following economic hardships: daily concern about sufficient food, programming in the YWCA was innovative and responsive to the needs of missed rent or mortgage payment, reliance on emergency room as main mothers and other guardians.8 Currently, two-thirds of YWCA local source of medical care, or inadequate childcare arrangement. Over 30% of associations are involved in providing early childhood education. Quality, these families missed meals, faced eviction, disconnected utilities, or a lack 6 affordable care has a direct impact on the empowerment of mothers and of needed medical care. developmental growth of the child.

by an estimated $63 million below last year’s levels and will serve 22,000

fewer children. Childcare will be cut by $60 million and will serve 38,000 fewer children than last year. The Senate bill will fund the 21st Century

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 63 Attachment A !"#$%&'$%()*+,-./+0)%12+32+/+),%'420)5%

'420)5%6.78*2349:% Community Learning Centers after-school program at $25 million below the levels for the 2002 fiscal year. !"#$%&#'()'#&*&+$,-"./#0-1&"#0-"#.&2$.#,"#$%ൾ#6-"78&..#,"#8&+-89#":1;&8./#7,<,"7#=&12*&.#$%&#.$8-"7&.$#

Will Give YWCA At the federal level, women’s organizations are working primarily on 8&>8&.&"$2$,-"#&<&8#-"#62>,$-*#?,**@#,"#$%&#"&0#6-"78&../#A(#0-1&"#0,**#.&8<&#,"#$%ൾ#?-:.&#-=#B&>8&.&"$2$,<&./#2"9# visible presence forgiving loans for early childhood education providers and attaining the '(#,"#$%ൾ#5&"2$&4##C%,.#.%,=$#,"#*&29&8.%,>#-==&8.#2#+8,$,+2*#->>-8$:",$D#$-#&"727&#*&7,.*2$-8.#-"#E&D#,..:&.#$%2$#,1>2+$# in Women’s support and resources necessary for women to earn degrees in the field. $%&#+-11:",$,&.#.&8<&9#;D#FG6H.#2+8-..#$%&#"2$,-"4# Rights, Racial Other groups, for example Latino advocacy groups, are working on Justice increasing access to head start for migrant workers. The YWCA is in a H.#D-:#E"-0/#$%&#FG6H#35H#8&+&"$*D#.:8<&D&9#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#,"#-89&8#$-#82"E#$%&,8#$->#"2$,-"2*#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$,&.# unique position to work in this field because of its devotion not only to the =-8#$%&#,"+-1,"7#))I$%#6-"78&../#0%,+%#0,**#+-"<&"&#,"#J2":28D#'()I#:"$,*#K&+&1;&8#'()L4##M-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#0&8&# empowerment of women but also the elimination of racism. As a leader in 2.E&9#$-#82"E#$%&,8#$->#$%8&&#*&7,.*2$,<&#+-"+&8".#,"#$%8&&#;8-29#,..:&2.@#)N#G-1&"O.#?&2*$%#P#52=&$DQ#'N#R+-"-1,+# this movement, the YWCA can unite different efforts to be more effective advocates, achieve change, and increase YWCA visibility. R1>-0&81&"$Q#2"9#IN#B2+,2*#J:.$,+&4##C%,.#.:8<&D#02.#+-"9:+$&9#2.#2#8&.:*$#-=#-"&#-=#$%&#E&D#8&+-11&"92$,-".#-=#$%&# Pertinent to all Early Childhood Education was the primary focus of four regions in an '())#H9<-+2+D#G-8E78-:>@#$-#+8&2$#>8-+&..#$-#,9&"$,=D#"2$,-"2*#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$,&.#&<&8D#$0-#D&28.#S$-#2*,7"#0,$%# Regions initial feedback process, with six of eight responding regions at least $%-"78&..,-"2*#+2*&"928N4#G&#;&*,&<&#$%2$#=-+:.,"7#-:8#>8,-8,$,&.#0,**#8&.:*$#,"#.$8-"7&8#29<-+2+D#2"9#1-8&#&==,+,&"$# mentioning the issue. During a second feedback process, all nine regions 782..8--$.T782..$->.#&"727&1&"$/#2"9#,"+8&2.&#$%&#FG6HO.#<,.,;,*,$D#0,$%#6-"78&../#,"#$%&9,2#2"9#0,$%#-$%&8# agreed, in writing and through their representatives that they could contribute to the issues involving early childhood education. 8&*&<2"$#.$2E&%-*9&8.4##!$#0,**#2*.-#7,<&#*2012E&8.#2#+*&28#.&".&#-=#$%&#FG6HO.#>:8>-.&/#<,.,-"#2"9#>-*,$,+2*# 2++-:"$2;,*,$D4## Will Make a The need for early childhood education has outpaced the supply. In FY 2000 Difference in the only 1 out of 7 federally eligible children received child care subsidies. G&2*,U&#$%2$#*-+2*#FG6H.#0-8E#-"#2#1:*$,$:9&#-=#,..:&.#;2.&9#-"#$%&#"&&9.#-=#$%&,8#+-11:",$,&.4##V8-7821.#82"7&# lives of Women There are an increasing number of states with waiting lists as well as states =8-1#>-<&8$D#8&9:+$,-"#$-#.&8<,"7#<,+$,1.#-=#9-1&.$,+#2"9#.&W:2*#<,-*&"+&#$-#>8-<,9,"7#X:2*,$D#2"9#2==-892;*&#+%,*9+28&# who are not accepting applications for early childhood education. ->$,-".4##G%,*&#&2+%#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-"O.#.&8<,+&.#28&#+8,$,+2*#$-#$%&#<,$2*,$D#-=#,$.#+-11:",$D/#$%&8&#,.#>-0&8#$-#;H,"&9# Nationally, only 12 percent of children eligible for child care assistance ;D#+-**&+$,<&*D#1-;,*,U,"7#FG6H.#2+8-..#$%&#+-:"$8D#28-:"9#2#+-11-"#,..:&#>*2$=-814##5$82$&7,+2**D#,9&"$,=D,"7#E&D# under federal law receive any help. *&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$,&.#=-8#$%&#:>+-1,"7#D&28#0,**#2**-0#$%&#FG6H#$-#-872",U"9#29<-+2$-8&#&==&+$,<&*D#28-:"9#+8,$,+2*# The need for child care is especially important for women, many of whom ,..:&.#$%2$#,1>2+$#0-1&"#2"9#+%,*98&"#"2$,-"0,9&4### are working mothers: 65% of women with children under 6 and 78 % of women with children ages 6-13 are in the labor force. Fifty-nine percent of Y2.&9#-"#$%&#=&&9;2+E#0&+&,<&9#=8-1#.:8<&D#>28$,+,>2"$./#$%&#FG6HO.#$->#$%8&&#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$,&.#=-8#$%&# women with infants are in the workforce. These women’s earnings are :>+-1,"7#6-"78&..#0,**#;&@# essential to the success of their families: %55 of working women bring home half or more of their families’ incomes. %71.5 of single mothers have jobs. ;< $==23=2+./+39,%.9:%>):)2.-%>49:+9*%?##@6AB%#@6AB%.9:%C$"$D% E< F).4/G32+H./+39%3I%/G)%C+3-)97)%$*.+9,/%"3J)9%$7/%?C$"$D% Will Have a If the U.S. commits to raising its children well and enabling mothers to K< #3J=2)G)9,+0)%LJJ+*2./+39%F)I32J%?#LFD% Positive World achieve economic self-sufficiency, it can be a leader for children’s rights Impact around the world and thereby positively impact the lives of women and G%,*&#>28$,+,>2"$.#&W>8&..&9#,"$&8&.$#,"#2#82"7&#-=#,..:&./#$%&#FG6H#35H#0,**#1-<&#=-80289#0,$%#$%&.&#$%8&&#>8,128D# children in a meaningful way. ,..:&2.#$-#>8-1-$#.$8-"7#2"9#&==&+$,<&#>*2$=-814##C%&#FG6H#0-8E.#-"#2#;8-29Z;2.&9#>*2$=-81#-=#,..:&.#$%2$#-=$&"# -<&8*2>/#2"9#$%&.�,**#;&#=-*9&9#,"$-#-:8#*287&8Z>8,-8,$D#28&2.#,"#12"D#+2.&.4##[-8#&W21>*&/#,"#$&81.#-=#82+,2*#\:.$,+&/# .:8<&D#>28$,+,>2"$.#82"E&9#?:12"#2"9#5&W:2*#C82==,+E,"7#2.#$%&#%,7%&.$#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$D/#=-**-0&9#;D#6-1>8&%&".,<&# !11,782$,-"#B&=-81#S6!BN4##6-".,9&8,"7#$%2$#$%!B#>*2$=-81#,.@#)N#,"+*:.,<&#-=#>8-<,.,-".#$%2$#2998&..#,..:&.#.:+%#2.# $82==,+E,"7#2"9#.&W:2*#2..2:*$#-=#,11,782"$#0-1&"#,"#9&$&"$,-"#+&"$&8.Q#2"9/#'N#0,**#;&#-"#$%&#>-*,+D#27&"92#-=#;-$%#

6-"78&..#2"9#$%&#G%,$&#?-:.&/#$%&#FG6H#;&*,&<&.#$%2$#=-+:.,"7#;8-29*D#-"#6!B#,.#1-8&#&==&+$,<"9#0,**#&"+-1>2..#$%&#

":2"+&9#0-8E#$%2$#FG6H.#9-#,"#+-11:",$,&.#2+8-..#$%&#+-:"$8D4##

G,$%#$%&#.&*&+$,-"#-=#$%&.&#>8,-8,$,&./#-:8#"&W$#.$&>#0,**#;&#$-#+82=$#2#*&$$&8#-:$*,","7#$%&.&#>8,-8,$,&.#$-#;&#.&"$#$-#$%ൾ# ?-:.&#-=#B&>8&.&"$2$,<&./#3454#5&"2$"9#G%,$&#?-:.&#,"#29<2"+&#-=#$%&#V8&.,9&"$O.#5$2$&#-=#$%",-"#-"#[&;8:28D#)'4## 6-"+:88&"$*D/#$%&#FG6H#0,**#,..:#>8&..#8&*&2.""-:"+,"7#$%&.&#$->#$%8&&#>8,-8,$,&.#$-#$%&#"2$,-"2*#1&9,2#2"9#.%28&# $%&.&#>8,-8,$,&.#$%8-:7%#.-+,2*#1&9,24##G�,**#2*.-#:>92$&#=2+$#.%&&$.#2"9#9,..&1,"2$&#$--*.#2"9#8&.-:8+&.#=-8#D-:8#

29<-+2+D#-:$8&2+%4### 14

64 | YWCA Attachment A !"#$%&'$%()*+,-./+0)%12+32+/+),%'420)5%

6-"78&..#2"9#$%&#G%,$&#?-:.&/#$%&#FG6H#;&*,&<&.#$%2$#=-+:.,"7#;8-29*D#-"#6!B#,.#1-8&#&==&+$,<"9#0,**#&"+-1>2..#$%&#

":2"+&9#0-8E#$%2$#FG6H.#9-#,"#+-11:",$,&.#2+8-..#$%&#+-:"$8D4##

29<-+2+D#-:$8&2+%4### 14

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 65 [,"2**D/#2.#2#1:*$,Z,..:&#-872",U2$,-"#0�,**#+-"$,":&#$-#1-",$-8/#$82+E#2"9#2+$,<&*D#&"727&#,"#,..:&.#$%2$#12D#2$#$,1&.# #G.2/U%!"#$%$,,37+./+39,^%F.98+9*%3I%R3=%$:037.75%L,,4),%+9%V7393J+7%VJ=3W)2J)9/% =2**#-:$.,9&#$%&#$%8&&#.&*&+$&9#=-+:.#28&2.4### e&D#SB,7%$N@##V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#)#ST2.9*)N/#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#'#[email protected]#6-4)NQ#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#I#S142=-)N## '420)5%12+J)2%39%F),4-/,%

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

'420)5%F),=39:)9/,%

• ;KM#FG6H#H..-+,2$,-".#S^_`N#>28$,+,>2$&9#,"#$%&#.:8<&D4#SH>>&"9,W#HQ#H>>&"9,W#YN# • EKN#,"9,<,9:2*.#=8-1#FG6H#2..-+,2$,-".#2+8-..#$%&#+-:"$8D#$--E#>28$#,"#$%&#.:8<&D/#,"+*:9,"7#RW&+:$,<&#K,8&+$-8./# V8-7821#K,8&+$-8./#Y-289#a&1;&8.#2"9#7&"&82*#.$2==4#%# • !"#$%O.22+,P42*#%29#$%&#%,7%&.$#82$&#-=#>28$,+,>2$,-"4#]$%&8#2..-+,2$,-".#0,$%#%,7%#8&.>-".R$&.#,"+*:9&9@# !"#$%A2)./)2%132/-.9:/#!"#$%>32/%"32/G%Q%R.22.9/%#349/5/#2"9#!"#$%6)28)-)5ST.8-.9:4##

12+32+/5%;U%V7393J+7%VJ=3W)2J)9/#

C%&#FG6H#,.#78&2$*D#,"<&.$&9#,"#>8-7821.#2"9#*&7,.*2$,-"#$%2$#=-.$&8#&X:2*#->>-8$:",$,&.#=-8#0-1&"#$-#2+%,&<&#=,"2"+,2*# .$2;,*,$D#2"9#*,$&82+D/#-;$2,"#;&$$&8#>2D,"7#\-;.#2"9#2++&..#2==-892;*&#+%,*9+28&4##H#.,7",=,+2"$#":1;&8#-=#*-+2*# 2..-+,2$,-".#>8&<,-:.*D#8&>-8$&9#$%2$#$%&D#8&*D/#2$#*&2.$#,"#>28$/#-"#=&9&82*#=:"9,"7#$-#&".:8&#$%&#.:.$2,"2;,*,$D#-=#$%&,8# >8-78211,"74##a2"D#-=#$%&...-+,2$,-".#%2<&#,"9,+2$&9#$%2$#2#*-..#-=#=&9&82*#2"9T-8#.$2$&#=:"9,"7#0-:*9#*,E&*D#8&.:*$# ,"#$%&#+*-.:8&#-=#+8,$,+2*#>8-78211,"7#$%2$#>8-<,9&.#1:+%#"&&9&9#.&8<,+&.#=-8#0-1&"#2"9#+%,*98&"#,"#$%&,8#+-11:",$,&.4##

!"#82"E,"7#$%&#$->#$%8&&#&+-"-1,+#&1>-0&81&"$#,..:&2./#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#-<&80%&*1,"7*D#*,.$&9#2>>8->8,2$,-".# # 2"9#=&9&82*#=:"9,"7#=-8#66KYb/#6KYb#2"9#cHGH#2.#$%&,8#$->#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$D#=-8#$%&#))I$%#6-"78&..4##H.#6-"78&..# $2+E*&.#9&=,+,$#8&9:+$,-"#2"9#$% &;$#+&,*,"7/#$%,*,$D#-=#-:8#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#$-#9&*,<&8#.&8<,+&.#+-:*9#;&#"&72$,<&*D# 12+32+/5%EU%"3J)9^,%O).-/G%.9:%'.I)/5% ,1>2+$&9#,=#=:"9,"7#.-:8+&.#28&9:+&94##C%&#FG6H#,.#2028&#$%2$#-:8#2..-+,2$,-".#.&&#$%&#*,"E27&.#;&$0&&"#9&=,+,$# H.#$%&#*287&.$#>8-<,9&8#-=#;2$$&8&9#0-1&"O.#.%&*$&8.#,"#$%ൾ/#.&8<,"7#-<&8#%2*=#2#1,**,-"#0-1&"#&2+%#D&28/#$%&#FG6H# 8&9:+$,-"#2"9#$%&#>-$&"$,2*#.X:&&U&#,$#+-:*9#%2<&#-"#.&8<,+ &*,<&8D4##d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a&9,+2,9#2"9#a&9,+28&#;&"&=,$.Q#=,*,"7#<,.2# ;D%$==23=2+./+39,%.9:%>):)2.-%>49:+9*U#XM&$,$,-".#2"9#,11,782$,-"#9-+:1&"$2$,-"Q#2"9#-;$2,","7#X:2*,$D#2"9#2==-892;*&#+%,*9+28&#->$,-".4## ED%#G+-:7.2)%.9:%V.2-5%V:47./+39U%EX#$%8&�-1&"O.#%&2*$%#2"9#.2=&$D#,..:&2./#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#,"9,+2$&9#$%2$#$%&2:$%-8,U2$,-"#-=# KD%V]4.-%1.5U%EK#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$D#=-8#$%&#))I$%#6-"78&..4#C%&#H==-892;*ɴ&# !$#,.#"-$&0-8$%D#$%2$#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#82"E&9#0&*=28&=-81TC&1>-828D#H..,.$2"+&#$-#d&&9D#[21,*,&.#SCHd[N#2"9#.-+,2*# H+$#SH6HN#82"E&9#.&+-"9/#=-**-0&9#+*-.&*D#;D#8&>8-9:+$,<&#%&2*$%#2"9#8,7%$.4### .&+:8,$D#2.#$%&#*&2.$#+8,$,+2*#*&7,.*2$,<&#,..:&.#$-#=-+:.#-"#,"#$%&#"&0#6-"78&..4##G%,*&#$%&.&#,..:&.#,1>2+$#$%&# ;D%C+3-)97)%$*.+9,/%"3J)9%$7/%?C$"$DU#XX#>8,-8,$,&.#-=##>8-7821#.:.$2,"2;,*,$D/#2++&..#$-#X:2*,$D# ED%$II32:.P-)%#.2)%$7/%?$#$DU%K[2D#2"9#;&$$&8#\-;.#28&#,"#=2+$#0%2$#$%�-1&"#2"9#+%,*98&"# KD%F)=23:47/+0)%O).-/G%.9:%F+*G/,U%EN<;Z%?M;%03/),D## .&8<&9#;D#FG6H.#1-.$#"&&94### C%&#.:8<&D#8&.:*$.#,**:.$82$&#$%&#"&&9#=-8#$%&#FG6H#$-#+-"$,":<-+2$,"7#=-8#cHGH#8&2:$%-8,U2$,-"#2$#$%&#"2$,-"2*# # *&<&*#2"9#$-#&".:8�-1&"O.#2++&..#$-#2==-892;*&#%&2*$%+28&/#,"+*:9,"7#8&>8-9:+$,<&#%&2*$%+28&4#

66 | YWCA [,"2**D/#2.#2#1:*$,Z,..:&#-872",U2$,-"#0�,**#+-"$,":&#$-#1-",$-8/#$82+E#2"9#2+$,<&*D#&"727&#,"#,..:&.#$%2$#12D#2$#$,1&.# #G.2/U%!"#$%$,,37+./+39,^%F.98+9*%3I%R3=%$:037.75%L,,4),%+9%V7393J+7%VJ=3W)2J)9/% =2**#-:$.,9&#$%&#$%8&&#.&*&+$&9#=-+:.#28&2.4### e&D#SB,7%$N@##V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#)#ST2.9*)N/#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#'#[email protected]#6-4)NQ#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#I#S142=-)N## '420)5%12+J)2%39%F),4-/,%

'420)5%F),=39:)9/,%

12+32+/5%;U%V7393J+7%VJ=3W)2J)9/#

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 67 #G.2/%3I%/G)%!"#$%$,,37+./+39,%F.98+9*%3I%/G)%R3=%$:037.75%L,,4),%+9%"3J)9^,%O).-/G%.9:%'.I)/5% +-"$,":&#$-#29<-+2$&#=-8#\:.$#2"9#,"+*:.,<&#*&7,.*2$,-"#$%2$#0-8E.#$-#&"9#+8,1&.#1-$,<2$&9#;D#82+,2*/#8&*,7,-:./#&$%",+/# 7&"9&8/#27&#-8#.&W:2*#-8,&"$2$,-"#;2.&9#;,2.4##### e&D#SB,7%$N@##V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#)#ST2.9*)N/#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#'#[email protected]#6-4)NQ#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#I#S142=-)N## %

#G.2/%3I%!"#$%$,,37+./+39,%F.98+9*%3I%/G)%R3=%$:037.75%L,,4),%+9%F.7+.-%`4,/+7)%

e&D#SB,7%$N@##V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#)#?T2.9*)D/#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#'#[email protected]%6-4)NQ#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#I#S142=-)N##

# 12+32+/5%KU%F.7+.-%`4,/+7)%

C%&#FG6H#%2.#%,.$-8,+2**D#29<-+2$&9#=-8#82+,2*#\:.$,+"9#=-8#&X:,$2;*"9#\:.$#*20.#,"#+-11:",$,&.#2+8-..#$%&#+-:"$8D4## M-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#"2$,-"0,9&#>8-<,9R+,2*#\:.$,+&#>8-7821./#,"+*:9,"7@#2..,.$,"7#,11,782"$#<,+$,1.#-=#<,-*&"+&#,"# # "2<,72$,"7#$%&#\:.$,+&#.D.$&1Q#>8-<,9,"7#82+,2*#\:.$,+&#$82,","7#$-#$%&#+-11:",$DQ#0-8E,"7#0,$%#<,+$,1.#-=#%:12"#2"9# '420)5%"2+/)bL9%F),=39,),% .&W:2*#$82==,+E,"7Q#<-$&8#&9:+2$,-"#2"9#1-;,*,U2$,-"Q#2==,812$,<+$,-"/#2"9#0-8E,"7#$-#&"9#%2$&#+8,1&.4## !"#299,$,-"#$-#82"E,"7#,..:&2#>8,-8,$,&./#.:8<&D#>28$,+,>2"$.#0&8,<&"#$%&#->>-8$:",$D#$-#08,$&#,"#.>&+,=,+#8&.>-".&.# !"#82"E,"7#$%&#$->#$%8&R+,2*#\:.$,+&#,..:&2./#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#,"9,+2$&9#$%2$#%:12"#2"9#.&W:2*#$82==,+E,"7#02.#$%&,8# $% =-8#,..:&2.#$%&D#=&*$#.%-:*9#;&#,"+*:9&9#$%2$#0&8&#-$%&80,.&#"-$#*,.$&94##')f#-=#$%&#'I_#>28$,+,>2"$.#Sf'`N#>8-<,9&9# $->#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$D#=-8#$%&#))I #6-"78&..4##6-1>8&%&".,<&#!11,782$,-"#B&=-81#S6!BN#82"E&9#.&+-"9/#=-**-0&9#+*-.&*D# =&&9;2+E4##d:1&8-:.#<2*:2;*&#.:77&.$,-".#0&8&#>8-<,9&9#=-8#,..:&2.#$%2$#$%&#FG6H#+-:*9#>-$&"$,2**D#299#$-#,$.# ;D#%2$&#+8,1&./#2.#299,$,-"2*#E&D#*&7,.*2$,<&#,..:&.#,"#$%R+,2*#\:.$,+&#+2$&7-8D4### 29<-+2+D#>-8$=-*,-#2"9#.&<&82*#E&D#$%&1&.#.:8=2+&94##H9<-+2$,"7#=-8#0-1&"#,"#$%,*,$28D/#.$:9&"$#*-2"#=-87,<&"&../# ;D%O4J.9%.9:%')a4.-%R2.II+78+9*U#EY28$,+,>2"$.#,"9,+2$&9#2.#1-.$#>8&..,"74## KD%O./)%#2+J),U%EX

H.#1&"$,-"&9#>8&<,-:.*D/#.:8<&D#>28$,+,>2"$.#82"E&9#?:12"#2"9#5&W:2*#C82==,+E,"7#2.#$%&#%,7%&.$#*&7,.*2$,<&#>8,-8,$D#2$# 'A`/#=-**-0&9#;D#!11,782$,-"#B&=-81#2$#'I`4##6-".,9&8,"7#$%2$#$%!B#>*2$=-81#,.#,"+*:.,<&#-=#>8-<,.,-".#$%2$#2998&..# ,..:&.#*,E&#$82==,+E,"7#2"9#.&W:2*#2..2:*$#-=#,11,782"$#0-1&"#,"#9&$&"$,-"#+&"$&8./#$%&#FG6H#35H#0,**#=-+:.#-"#6!B#2.#2# 1-8&#&==&+$,<&#<&%,+*&#=-8#2998&..,"7#$82==,+E,"7/#2.#,$#&"+-1>2..&.#$%�-8E#$%2$#FG6H.#9-#,"#+-11:",$,&.#2+8-..#$%&# +-:"$8D4##G%,*&#%:12"#2"9#.&W:2*#$82==,+E,"7#0,**#"-$#;&#-"&#-=#$%&#=-812*#$->#$%8&&#*&7,.*2$,<&#,..:&2.#=-8#$%&#FG6H# ,"#'()I/#,$#0,**#;"#,..:&#$%2$#,.#>:8>-.&=:**D#2"9#$%-:7%$=:**D#0-<&"#,"$-#-:8#29<-+2+D#0-8E#>&8$2,","7#$-#6!B#2"9#2.#2# .$2"9Z2*-"&#,..:&4##

H.#$% &1-782>%,+#12E&Z:>#-=#+-11:",$,&.#2+8-..#$%&#"2$,-"#+%2"7&./#.-#9-&.#$%D#,"#0%,+%#FG6H#*-+2*# 2..-+,2$,-".#8&.>-"9#$-#,..:&.#-=#82+,2*#9,.>28,$D#2"9#,"&X:2*,$D4#?2$&#+8,1&.#+-"$,":&#$-#;"#,..:&#$%2$#.$8-"7*D# ,1>2+$.#+-11:",$,&./#2"9/#2.#2"#-872",U2$,-"#+-11,$$&9#$-#&1>-0&8,"7#0-1&"#2"9#&*,1,"2$,"7#82+,.1/#$%&#FG6H#0,**#

68 | YWCA #G.2/%3I%/G)%!"#$%$,,37+./+39,%F.98+9*%3I%/G)%R3=%$:037.75%L,,4),%+9%"3J)9^,%O).-/G%.9:%'.I)/5% +-"$,":&#$-#29<-+2$&#=-8#\:.$#2"9#,"+*:.,<&#*&7,.*2$,-"#$%2$#0-8E.#$-#&"9#+8,1&.#1-$,<2$&9#;D#82+,2*/#8&*,7,-:./#&$%",+/# 7&"9&8/#27&#-8#.&W:2*#-8,&"$2$,-"#;2.&9#;,2.4##### e&D#SB,7%$N@##V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#)#ST2.9*)N/#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#'#[email protected]#6-4)NQ#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#I#S142=-)N## %

#G.2/%3I%!"#$%$,,37+./+39,%F.98+9*%3I%/G)%R3=%$:037.75%L,,4),%+9%F.7+.-%`4,/+7)%

e&D#SB,7%$N@##V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#)#?T2.9*)D/#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#'#[email protected]%6-4)NQ#V8,-8,$D#d:1;&8#I#S142=-)N##

# 12+32+/5%KU%F.7+.-%`4,/+7)%

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 69 #397-4,+39% "2+/)bL9%F),=39,),% G>>8&+,2$&#$%&#$,1&#D-:#$--E#$-#8&.>-"9#$-#$%,.#.:8<&D#,"#-89&8#$-#2..,.$#:.#,"#=-+:.,"7#-:8#.$82$&7,+#-:$8&2+%#=-8#$%&# )`# )`# ))I$%#6-"78&..4##b-,"7#=-80289/#0�,**#.&&E#D-:8#,">:$#-"#,9&"$,=D,"7#-:8#$->#$%8&&#"2$,-"2*#>8,-8,$,&.#-"#2#;,Z2"":2*# ;2.,./#8&=*&+$,"7#&2+%#"&0#*&7,.*2$,<&#.&..,-"4##G&#&W+,$&9#$-#=:8$%&8#>-.,$,-"#$%&#FG6H#2.#2#$%-:7%$#*&29&8#2"9# ^`# &==&+$,<̎..8--$.#-872",U2$,-"#$%2$#0,**#9&*,<&8#0,".#,"#$%&#))I$%#6-"78&..4# d-#6%2"7&.# I'`# 5$:9&"$#M-2".# G,$%#$%&#+-1>-.,$,-"#-=#6-"78&..#+%2"7,"7#$-#1-8++:82$&*D#8&=*&+$#$% ,<&8.,$D#-=#-:8#+-11:",$,&./#0&#%->&=:*# $%2$#$%&#"&W$#*&7,.*2$,<&#.&..,-"#0,**#;8,"7#12"D#->>-8$:",$,&.#$-#%,7%*,7%$#FG6H#>8,-8,$,&.#=-8#-:8#&*&+$&9#-==,+,2*.4##!"#$%&# 'f`# a,*,$28D#5&W:2*#C82:12#Sa5CN# "&28#$&81/#-:8#*&$$&8#-:$*,","7#$%&#FG6HO.#$->#$%8&&#"2$,-"2*#29<-+2+D#>8,-8,$,&.#0,**#;&#.&"$#$-#$%ൾ#?-:.&/#5&"2$&# ?-:.,"7#P#?-1&*&.."&..# 2"9#G%,$&#?-:.&#-"#[&;8:28D#^4##C%&#G%,$&#?-:.�,**#2*.-#;&#&"+-:827&9#$-#+-<&8#$%&.&#,..:&.#,"#$%&#V8&.,9&"$O.#5$2$&# a&"$2*#?&2*$%# -=#$%",-"#H998&..#-"#[&;8:28D#)'4##H"9/#,"#$%&#*-"7&8#$&81/#2.#-:8#"2$,-"2*#1-<&1&"$#+-"$,":&.#$-#:",=D#:.#2"9#78-0# -:8#,"=*:&"+&/#0&#*--E#=-80289#$-#$%<-+2+D#->>-8$:",$,&.#$%2$#0,**#2**-0#:.#$-#8&>8&.&"$#-:8#FG6H#*&29&8.#;&=-8&# MbYCi#,..:&.# -:8#7-<&8"1&"$#-==,+,2*.#,"#$%&#"2$,-"O.#+2>,$2*4##G&#.$8-"7&8#29<-+2$&.#E"-0,"7#$%2$#D-:#0,**#E&&>#:.#,"=-81&9#-=# I'`# D-:8#>-*,+D#+-"+&8".#2"9#>8,-8,$,&./#2.#0&#+-11:",+2$&#FG6H#>-.,$,-".#$-#62>,$-*#?,**#2"9#;&D-"94##

# #

!$#,.#,1>-8$2"$#$-#"-$&#$%2$#$%,8$DZ$0-#>&8+&"$#-=#.:8<&D#8&.>-"9&"$.#&W>8&..&9#$%2$#"-#299,$,-"2*#,..:&2.#.%-:*9#;&# # 299&9/#,**:.$82$,"7#$%2$#2#*287&#.:;.&$#-=#*-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#28&#+-"$&"$#0,$%#$%&#FG6HO.#+:88&"$#29<-+2+D#>-*,+D# # >8,-8,$,&.4##V28$,+,>2"$.#,".,.$&9#$%2$#2#g*2.&8#=-+:.#-"#-:8#+-8,..,-"#,.#;&.$h#2"9#$%2$#g,$#,.#<&8D#,1>-8$2"$#$-#=-+:.#-"# $%&2.#,"#0%,+%#0&#%2<&#+8&9,;,*,$D#2"9#0%&8�&#+2"#;&#&==&+$,<&4h### #

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�%&"#,$#,.#&<&"#1-8 ,==,+:*$#$-#+-".,9&8#%,7%&8#&9:+2$,-"#9:&#$-#&W-8;,$2"$#+-.$./#12"D#.:8<,<-8.#-=# 9-1&.$,+#2"9#.&W:2*#<,-*&"+&#=2+ī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a5CN#2"9# 29<-+2$,"7#=-8#$%,7%$.#-=#=&12*&#<&$&82".#02.#2#$->#>8,-8,$D4##C%&#FG6H#,.#+-11,$$&9#$-#29<-+2$,"7#=-8#2**#<,+$,1.#-=# # <,-*&"+&/#,"+*:9,"7#0-1&"#,"#$%,*,$28D4##C%&#))I$%#6-"78&..#,"$&"9.#$-#%-*9#%&28,"7.#,"#$%&#:>+-1,"7#1-"$%.#-"#$%&# # &W$&"$#-=#.&W:2*#2..2:*$#0,$%,"#$%,*,$28D/#2"9#$%&#FG6H#35H#0,**#.:>>-8$#*&7,.*2$,-"#$-#%&*>#.:8<,<-8.#-=#a5C#2"9#E&&># *-+2*#2..-+,2$,-".#2>>8,.&9#-=#"-$&0-8$%D#*&7,.*2$,< &<&*->1&"$.#2==&+$,"7#1,*,$28D#0-1&"#2"9#$%&,8#=21,*,&.4### #

# #

70 | YWCA #397-4,+39% "2+/)bL9%F),=39,),% G>>8&+,2$&#$%&#$,1&#D-:#$--E#$-#8&.>-"9#$-#$%,.#.:8<&D#,"#-89&8#$-#2..,.$#:.#,"#=-+:.,"7#-:8#.$82$&7,+#-:$8&2+%#=-8#$%&# )`# )`# ))I$%#6-"78&..4##b-,"7#=-80289/#0�,**#.&&E#D-:8#,">:$#-"#,9&"$,=D,"7#-:8#$->#$%8&&#"2$,-"2*#>8,-8,$,&.#-"#2#;,Z2"":2*# ;2.,./#8&=*&+$,"7#&2+%#"&0#*&7,.*2$,<&#.&..,-"4##G&#&W+,$&9#$-#=:8$%&8#>-.,$,-"#$%&#FG6H#2.#2#$%-:7%$#*&29&8#2"9# ^`# &==&+$,<̎..8--$.#-872",U2$,-"#$%2$#0,**#9&*,<&8#0,".#,"#$%&#))I$%#6-"78&..4# d-#6%2"7&.# I'`# 5$:9&"$#M-2".# G,$%#$%&#+-1>-.,$,-"#-=#6-"78&..#+%2"7,"7#$-#1-8++:82$&*D#8&=*&+$#$% ,<&8.,$D#-=#-:8#+-11:",$,&./#0&#%->&=:*# $%2$#$%&#"&W$#*&7,.*2$,<&#.&..,-"#0,**#;8,"7#12"D#->>-8$:",$,&.#$-#%,7%*,7%$#FG6H#>8,-8,$,&.#=-8#-:8#&*&+$&9#-==,+,2*.4##!"#$%&# 'f`# a,*,$28D#5&W:2*#C82:12#Sa5CN# "&28#$&81/#-:8#*&$$&8#-:$*,","7#$%&#FG6HO.#$->#$%8&&#"2$,-"2*#29<-+2+D#>8,-8,$,&.#0,**#;&#.&"$#$-#$%ൾ#?-:.&/#5&"2$&# ?-:.,"7#P#?-1&*&.."&..# 2"9#G%,$&#?-:.&#-"#[&;8:28D#^4##C%&#G%,$&#?-:.�,**#2*.-#;&#&"+-:827&9#$-#+-<&8#$%&.&#,..:&.#,"#$%&#V8&.,9&"$O.#5$2$&# a&"$2*#?&2*$%# -=#$%",-"#H998&..#-"#[&;8:28D#)'4##H"9/#,"#$%&#*-"7&8#$&81/#2.#-:8#"2$,-"2*#1-<&1&"$#+-"$,":&.#$-#:",=D#:.#2"9#78-0# -:8#,"=*:&"+&/#0&#*--E#=-80289#$-#$%<-+2+D#->>-8$:",$,&.#$%2$#0,**#2**-0#:.#$-#8&>8&.&"$#-:8#FG6H#*&29&8.#;&=-8&# MbYCi#,..:&.# -:8#7-<&8"1&"$#-==,+,2*.#,"#$%&#"2$,-"O.#+2>,$2*4##G&#.$8-"7&8#29<-+2$&.#E"-0,"7#$%2$#D-:#0,**#E&&>#:.#,"=-81&9#-=# I'`# D-:8#>-*,+D#+-"+&8".#2"9#>8,-8,$,&./#2.#0&#+-11:",+2$&#FG6H#>-.,$,-".#$-#62>,$-*#?,**#2"9#;&D-"94##

# #

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 71

violence and trafficking and that creates a roadmap for citizenship for 11 million new Americans who aspire to be citizens.

Deficit Reduction that Protects Women and Children

January 31, 2013 YWCAs across the country have witnessed firsthand the impact that the struggling economy has had on the well-being of the women and families. Job loss, stagnant wages, rising income, and wealth inequality have taken a terrible toll on single moms, communities of color, the disabled, and other vulnerable Dear Member of Congress: populations. Our local associations nationwide have been asked to do more to help those in need during a time of decreased donations and less government funding. The Child Care Development Block Grant On behalf of the YWCA USA, one of the nation’s oldest and largest women’s organizations in the (CCDBG), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the Violence Against Women Act United States, we are writing to you to present our top three national legislative priorities for the (VAWA) are three sources of domestic discretionary funding that enable YWCAs to the provide vital 113th Congress that we would like to accomplish with your leadership and support. We are services to women and families nationwide including childcare, job training, transitional housing and pleased to share with you that our national office and local associations will be advocating for the domestic violence and sexual assault services. swift and immediate passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), national immigration reform, and a fair and balanced approach to deficit reduction that helps women and families. As you know, domestic discretionary funding has been subjected to numerous cuts over the years including the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Budget, the debt ceiling agreement when FY 2012 funding was Founded over 150 years ago, the YWCA currently serves more than two million participants and capped, and, most recently, the Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-250), which instituted statutory employs 66,000 staff and volunteers in over 1,300 locations. In small towns and major cities, caps on 2012-2021 spending. As we begin 2013, domestic discretionary funding is already subjected to YWCAs offer women job training, housing, anti-violence programs and more. Our clients are caps through 2021, and to possible sequestration later this year. women of all ages and backgrounds, including the elderly, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, military veterans and low-income and homeless women and their families. The continued cuts, coupled with those already enacted into law, are proof that discretionary programs and the YWCA clients who rely on them have already shouldered the brunt of deficit reduction. We Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization therefore ask Congress to protect discretionary spending including CCDBG, CDBG, and VAWA as Congress works on the FY 2013 and FY 2014 appropriations, and determines how to best address the YWCA is deeply committed to legislation that is comprehensive in its reach to improve the lives of sequester and advance long-term debt reduction. It is also our hope that Congress will continue to women and families. Therefore, the YWCA strongly supports the immediate passage of a bi- ensure that Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP/food stamps are not subject to harmful cuts partisan Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) (S.47), similar to (S.1925) which passed the such as changes to benefit levels or eligibility, which could further harm YWCA clients and others. In Senate in the 112th Congress. summary, we urge you to develop a fair and balanced approach to addressing our nation’s debt and deficit that places military spending and revenue on the table, and protect the most vulnerable in our For nearly 18 years, VAWA has provided a national, streamlined response to address domestic nation and the vital social programs that serve them. violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. Nearly 2,600 women have been murdered as a result of domestic violence and sexual assault since VAWA expired. The YWCA urgently We look forward to working with you and your staff on these issues in the 113th Congress. If you would calls upon Congress to move towards swift passage of S.47, a bill that is trauma- informed, victim like more information about the YWCA USA, please visit our website at www.ywca.org. Please call or and community-centered and evidence-based. The YWCA supports all women and victims of email Desiree Hoffman, Director of Advocacy and Policy at the YWCA USA at 202-835-2354 or email abuse regardless of sexual orientation, immigration status or race, and does not stand for [email protected] if you would like to discuss our legislative agenda further or have questions. isolating subsets of the community that face unique barriers to accessing services. As a leading provider of services for victims of domestic violence, the YWCA is opposed to any provisions that Sincerely, force victims to negotiate their safety when seeking assistance from abusive situations.

National Immigration Reform

According to the 2010 Census, the population of the United States is becoming increasingly Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D. Desiree Hoffman diverse, with over half of all children under the age of one classified as non-white or “minority.” Chief Executive Officer Director of Advocacy and Policy For over 150 years, YWCAs across the country have served the needs of their communities, providing vital intervention and prevention services for immigrant women, victims of domestic violence, children, and young women.

Last years’ Presidential election demonstrated that immigration was overwhelmingly a mobilizing issue for Latino, Asian American and new American communities, bringing out voters in droves to voice their concern about our broken immigration system. Similarly, YWCAs across the country are deeply committed to advocating for a common sense immigration process that keeps families together here in the U.S., provides adequate protections for immigration victims of sexual

2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2 Suite 550 Washington, D.C. 20036

72 | YWCA

violence and trafficking and that creates a roadmap for citizenship for 11 million new Americans who aspire to be citizens.

Deficit Reduction that Protects Women and Children

National Immigration Reform

2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2 Suite 550 Washington, D.C. 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 73

YWCA’s Top Three Legislative Priorities for the 113th Congress: For Immediate Release 1. Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): As the largest provider of January 31, 2013 domestic violence shelters in the U.S., serving over half a million women each year, the YWCA is Media Contact: deeply committed to initiatives that promote safety and security for women and families. YWCA Robin Scullin (202-835-2358); [email protected] anti-violence programs include: emergency shelters; 24-hour hotlines; transitional and supportive James Grant (917-626-1300); [email protected] housing for victims of violence; non-residential counseling and therapy; sexual assault response teams, and court advocacy and case management. In ranking the top three women’s health and YWCA USA Announces Top National Legislative Priorities safety issue areas, local associations indicated that the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is their top legislative priority for the 113th Congress. The YWCA USA is for the 113th Congress calling for the swift and immediate passage of the reintroduced VAWA bill, S.47.

Leading Women’s Organization to Focus on Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Immigration 2. National Immigration Reform: Historically, the YWCA has advocated for racial justice and for Reform and a Fair Budget equitable and just laws in communities across the country. Local associations nationwide provide racial justice programs to more than 330,000 clients annually, including: assisting immigrant Washington, D.C. ! As one of the leading organizations dedicated to empowering women and victims of violence in navigating the justice system; providing racial justice training to the eliminating racism, the YWCA USA has selected its top three advocacy priorities for the 113th Congress. community; working with victims of human and sexual trafficking; voter education and mobilization; Today, the YWCA is sending a letter outlining the top three national advocacy priorities to the U.S. House affirmative action, and working to end hate crimes. YWCAs across the country are deeply and Senate, and to the White House. committed to advocating for a common sense immigration process that keeps families together here in the U.S., provides adequate protections for immigration victims of sexual violence and The YWCA, which serves more than 2 million women, children and families nationwide in more than 1,300 trafficking and that creates a roadmap for citizenship for the 11 million aspiring to be citizens. locations across the U.S., will focus its national advocacy efforts on legislation to: ! 1. Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2. Enact National Immigration Reform 3. A Fair Budget that Protects Women and Families: The YWCA is greatly invested in programs 3. Support a Fair Budget that Protects Women and Families* and legislation that foster opportunities for women to achieve economic and financial security and stability. Many YWCAs nationwide that help women pursue these goals, rely, at least in part, on *see detailed legislative platform on Page 2 federal funding to ensure the sustainability of their programming. Key funding streams like the Child Care Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and With over 230 YWCAs nationwide, the YWCA recently surveyed its local associations about the most Violence Against Women Act, allow local associations to serve countless women and families. pressing issues they would like policymakers to address. Specifically, local leaders were asked about their With policymakers in Washington D.C. focused on cutting spending, including deficit reduction and top legislative concerns regarding women’s health and safety, women’s economic empowerment and the sequester, the YWCA is concerned that cuts to non-defense discretionary spending and racial justice – the three broad issue areas in which the YWCA offers programs. Survey respondents benefit and eligibility changes to of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security would negatively included YWCA association executive directors, program directors, advocacy specialists and staff. impact the women and families we serve.

“Strategically identifying key legislative priorities for the upcoming year allows the YWCA to more About the YWCA USA effectively advocate around the issues of economic empowerment, comprehensive immigration reform and freedom from violence that are before our new Congress,” said Dara Richardson-Heron, MD, CEO of the The YWCA is the voice for every woman. For more than 150 years, the YWCA has spoken out and taken YWCA USA. “There is tremendous power to be gained by collectively mobilizing around a common YWCA action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women issue platform. The legislative priorities identified are vitally important to and potentially life-changing for and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in the millions of women, children and families who count on our local associations and National office to YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. advocate on their behalf,” she added. !!!!

“We are pleased that the new Congress has already demonstrated a reinvigorated commitment to pass vital pieces of legislation like National Immigration Reform and VAWA, which will directly address hardships faced by women and families across the country,” said Desiree Hoffman, Director of Advocacy and Policy at the YWCA USA. Hoffman added, “Our goal is to ensure that legislators know the real impact of this legislation on the communities we serve.”

Here is the YWCA letter outlining the top three national advocacy priorities to the U.S. House, Senate and the White House. The White House will also be encouraged to cover these issues in the President’s State of the Union Address on February 12.

-more-

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

74 | YWCA

-more-

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 75

Board Resolution for Advocacy Advocacy Committee Description

Our belief: Public Policy, or Advocacy, has often been called the “conscience” of the YWCA. Purpose: To support the mission of the YWCA to eliminate racism and empower women by Coupled with the mission of the YWCA, to eliminate racism and empower women, Advocacy identifying issues, gathering information, developing policies and facilitating action in order to addresses the underlying issues affecting women and persons of color and moves into action. bring about social change. Advocacy attempts to change the conditions that lead to inequities and injustice and to bring about systemic change. Qualifications of members: Committee should include diverse members with a commitment to the YWCA's mission, goals and programs; knowledge of the local community; the ability to Scope: YWCAs at both the national and world level adopt multi-faceted platforms at their analyze information on issues; and who can communicate clearly. periodic gatherings of member associations. Local YWCAs take action in support of this platform within their own communities, based on their particular community’s needs and grounded in the Accountability: Committee reports directly to the Board of Directors. The Chair is a member of programs that identify the needs of their members. Local YWCAs also join with other YWCAs in the Board; members of the committee may include Board and non-Board persons. taking action at the state and national level and join with the YWCA USA and World YWCA on action on issues. Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee:

Taking action on advocacy includes: 1. Serves as the key resource for advocacy policies and action for the Association.

1) Identifying the issue, doing research, presenting the findings, developing position papers, 2. Identifies and studies issues appropriate to the Association, its membership, and the and recommending action. nationally-adopted YWCA positions. 2) Getting appropriate YWCA approval by the Board of Directors or President and CEO/ED of action to be taken. The Board may authorize the Advocacy Committee to take action 3. Develops fact sheets and position papers: on its behalf for generic issues; or the President and CEO/ED may authorize action for a. Collects basic information on the issues and related legislation, or other proposed underlying issues without going to the Board each time. action steps, including materials provided by the YWCA USA. 3) Taking action which might include: b. Discusses and analyzes the information. a. Community education, such as providing a panel presentation, a forum, a c. Recommends action and forwards it to the Board of Directors. speaker; d. Action recommendations might be at the local, state or national levels and include b. Public testimony at city councils, school boards or the state capitol; letters to government representatives, testimony at hearings, visiting elected c. Letter-writing to Senators, Representatives, the President, corporations, school officials. boards, the newspaper; and, e. Gets approval of the proposed action steps by the Board. d. Personal calls to elected officials. 4) Ensuring that action will follow 501(c)(3) regulations and will be non-partisan and neither 4. Designates the spokespersons, identifies who is authorized to speak on behalf of the support nor oppose any political candidate or political party. Board or Committee, and ensures that the Board and staff are advised. 5) Designating who will speak on behalf of the YWCA. Individuals may speak on their own behalf without identifying the YWCA. 5. Distributes information to the YWCA members and the public through mailings/emails, forums, displays, or Letters to the Editor. Approval: The Board of Directors recognizes the importance of Advocacy in carrying out the Mission of the YWCA in eliminating racism and empowering women and approves the methods 6. Takes action at the designated level. for taking action as described above. 7. May join in coalitions with agencies that have parallel positions, upon approval of the Board. Date: 8. Knows and follows 501(c)(3) regulations, is non-partisan, and does not endorse candidates Signed by: *Originated from Kay Philips, Pacific Region Advocacy Committee

*Originated: YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula, in Palo Alto, CA

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

76 | YWCA

Board Resolution for Advocacy Advocacy Committee Description

Taking action on advocacy includes: 1. Serves as the key resource for advocacy policies and action for the Association.

*Originated: YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula, in Palo Alto, CA

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 77 The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together to promote public policies which address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations. The Coalition's members include civil rights, religious, labor and professional organizations and those concerned with the well being of children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Members include: AFSCME Jewish Council for Public Affairs National Coalitions and National Partners Alliance for Children and Families Joni B Goodman, Washington Consultant American Association of People with Disabilities Legal Momentum American Association of University Women Lutheran Services in America The YWCA USA currently belongs to the following coalitions: American Friends Service Committee Mennonite Central Committee

American Humane Association National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together to American Jewish Committee Shepherd promote public policies that address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations. American Network of Community Options and National Alliance to End Homelessness The Coalition's members include civil rights, religious, labor and professional organizations and Resources National Association for State Community Services those concerned with the well-being of children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities. American Psychological Association Programs Americans for Democratic Action National Association for the Education of Young Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1,000 The Arc and UCP Disability Policy Collaboration Children organizations in 46 states, representing 30 million people who are dedicated to winning quality, Association for Career and Technical Education National Association of Social Workers affordable health care we all can count on in 2010 and beyond. Bread for the World National Center for Housing and Child Welfare Campaign for America's Future National Child Support Enforcement Association HerVotes Coalition was created in recognition of the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Campaign for Youth Justice National Coalition for the Homeless Amendment granting women the right to vote, and the anniversary of the 1963 Civil Rights March Catholic Charities USA National Committee to Preserve Social Security & on Washington. The goal is to mobilize women voters around preserving women's Health and Center for American Progress Medicare Economic Rights (HER rights). Center for Community Change National Community Action Foundation Center for Economic and Policy Research National Community Reinvestment Coalition Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse Center for Law and Social Policy National Consumer Law Center membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human Center for People in Need National Council of Jewish Women rights of all persons in the United States. Through advocacy and outreach to targeted Center on Budget & Policy Priorities National Council of La Raza constituencies, the Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a more open and just Child Welfare League of America National Disability Rights Network Children's Defense Fund National Education Association society – an America as good as its ideals. Church Women United National Employment Law Project

Cities for Progress/Cities for Peace National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NCWGE) is a nonprofit The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education Citizens for Tax Justice National Head Start Association organization of more than 50 groups dedicated to improving educational opportunities for girls Community Action Partnership National Housing Trust and women. Our mission is to provide leadership in and advocate for the development of Congressional Hunger Center National Immigration Law Center national education policies that benefit all women and girls. Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities National Low Income Housing Coalition Corporation for Enterprise Development National Partnership for Women and Families The National Committee on Pay Equitv (NCPE), founded in 1979, is a coalition of women's Council for Opportunity in Education National Priorities Project and civil rights organizations; labor unions; religious, professional, legal, and educational Easter Seals, Inc. National Skills Coalition associations, commissions on women, state and local pay equity coalitions and individuals Economic Policy Institute National WIC Association working to eliminate sex- and race-based wage discrimination and to achieve pay equity. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America National Women's Law Center Every Child Matters Foundation National Youth Employment Coalition The National Council of Women's Organizations (NCWO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit umbrella Families USA NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby organization of more than 200 groups, which collectively represent over 10 million women across Feeding America OMB Watch the country. It is the only national coalition of its kind. First Focus Oregon Food Bank Food Research & Action Center Poverty and Race Research Action Council Franciscan Action Network Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office Friends Committee on National Legislation Religious Action Center General Board of Church & Society, United Methodist Research Institute for Independent Living Church RESULTS General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Salvation Army, National Social Services Office Church Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law Generations United Seekers Church Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Service Employee International Union Human Services Coalition of Oregon Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Inc Institute for Women's Policy Research Southeast Asia Resource Action Center !"

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org " Washington, DC 20036

78 | YWCA The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together to promote public policies which address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations. The Coalition's members include civil rights, religious, labor and professional organizations and those concerned with the well being of children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Members include: AFSCME Jewish Council for Public Affairs National Coalitions and National Partners Alliance for Children and Families Joni B Goodman, Washington Consultant American Association of People with Disabilities Legal Momentum American Association of University Women Lutheran Services in America The YWCA USA currently belongs to the following coalitions: American Friends Service Committee Mennonite Central Committee American Humane Association National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together to American Jewish Committee Shepherd promote public policies that address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations. American Network of Community Options and National Alliance to End Homelessness The Coalition's members include civil rights, religious, labor and professional organizations and Resources National Association for State Community Services those concerned with the well-being of children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities. American Psychological Association Programs Americans for Democratic Action National Association for the Education of Young Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1,000 The Arc and UCP Disability Policy Collaboration Children organizations in 46 states, representing 30 million people who are dedicated to winning quality, Association for Career and Technical Education National Association of Social Workers affordable health care we all can count on in 2010 and beyond. Bread for the World National Center for Housing and Child Welfare Campaign for America's Future National Child Support Enforcement Association HerVotes Coalition was created in recognition of the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Campaign for Youth Justice National Coalition for the Homeless Amendment granting women the right to vote, and the anniversary of the 1963 Civil Rights March Catholic Charities USA National Committee to Preserve Social Security & on Washington. The goal is to mobilize women voters around preserving women's Health and Center for American Progress Medicare Economic Rights (HER rights). Center for Community Change National Community Action Foundation Center for Economic and Policy Research National Community Reinvestment Coalition Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse Center for Law and Social Policy National Consumer Law Center membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human Center for People in Need National Council of Jewish Women rights of all persons in the United States. Through advocacy and outreach to targeted Center on Budget & Policy Priorities National Council of La Raza constituencies, the Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a more open and just Child Welfare League of America National Disability Rights Network Children's Defense Fund National Education Association society – an America as good as its ideals. Church Women United National Employment Law Project

Cities for Progress/Cities for Peace National Energy Assistance Directors' Association The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE) is a nonprofit Citizens for Tax Justice National Head Start Association organization of more than 50 groups dedicated to improving educational opportunities for girls Community Action Partnership National Housing Trust and women. Our mission is to provide leadership in and advocate for the development of Congressional Hunger Center National Immigration Law Center national education policies that benefit all women and girls. Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities National Low Income Housing Coalition Corporation for Enterprise Development National Partnership for Women and Families The National Committee on Pay Equitv (NCPE), founded in 1979, is a coalition of women's Council for Opportunity in Education National Priorities Project and civil rights organizations; labor unions; religious, professional, legal, and educational Easter Seals, Inc. National Skills Coalition associations, commissions on women, state and local pay equity coalitions and individuals Economic Policy Institute National WIC Association working to eliminate sex- and race-based wage discrimination and to achieve pay equity. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America National Women's Law Center Every Child Matters Foundation National Youth Employment Coalition The National Council of Women's Organizations (NCWO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit umbrella Families USA NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby organization of more than 200 groups, which collectively represent over 10 million women across Feeding America OMB Watch the country. It is the only national coalition of its kind. First Focus Oregon Food Bank Food Research & Action Center Poverty and Race Research Action Council Franciscan Action Network Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office Friends Committee on National Legislation Religious Action Center General Board of Church & Society, United Methodist Research Institute for Independent Living Church RESULTS General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Salvation Army, National Social Services Office Church Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law Generations United Seekers Church Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania Service Employee International Union Human Services Coalition of Oregon Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Inc Institute for Women's Policy Research Southeast Asia Resource Action Center !"

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org " Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 79 The Jewish Federations of North America WAND Education Fund, Inc. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Wider Opportunities for Women National Beauty Culturists’ League, Inc. Rock the Vote United Church of Christ - Justice and Witness World Knowledge Bank National Cervical Cancer Coalition Roosevelt Institution Ministries YouthBuild USA National Coalition for LGBT Health Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law United Way of America YWCA USA National Community Action Foundation Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Voices for America's Children National Consumers League Single Stop USA Volunteers of America National Council of La Raza Sister Song Women of Color Reproductive Health National Council of Urban Indian Health Collective Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1,000 organizations in 46 National Council of Jewish Women The Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust states representing 30 million people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can count on in National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) The Healthcare Coverage Post 2010 and beyond. Members include: National Education Association (NEA) The League of Young Voters National Foundation for Celiac Awareness OWL -The Voice of Midlife and Older Women 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women Democracy for America National Institute for Reproductive Health The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring Abundant Children and Family Services Direct Care Alliance National Korean American Service & Education True Majority Adventists Community Services Eagle Medical Services Consortium United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) AFL-CIO Future Majority National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Universal Health Care Action Network (UHCAN) AIDS in Action Generational Alliance National Minority Quality Forum Union for Reform Judaism Alliance for Retired Americans Health Care for the 21st Century Consulting National Partnership for Women and Families United Professionals American Academy of Family Physicians Healthcare United National Physicians Alliance USAction American Academy of Nursing HIV Medicine Association National Women's Health Network USPIRG American Academy of Pediatrics Holman Healthcare Consulting National Women’s Law Center Votehealthcare.org American Family Voices Hope for Hepatitis C Northwest Federation of Community Organizations White Crane Billing Solutions American Federation of State, County and Municipal Human Rights Campaign Out with Cancer, Inc Women's Health Foundation Employees (AFSCME) Independent Staff Union Paint Lick Family Clinic, Inc Woman’s National Democratic Club American Federation of Teachers (AFT) International Federation of Black Prides, Inc. PHI/Health Care for Health Care Workers Women’s Universal Health Initiative American Federation of Television and Radio Artists International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health Women’s Voices for the Earth American Medical Student Association Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Planned Parenthood Federation of America Women's Voices. Women Vote. American Nurses Association Jobs With Justice Progressive Action Network Working America Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) Latinos for National Health Insurance Progress Now Working Families Win Americans United for Change Leadership Center for the Common Good Progressive Future Work Place Fairness AskSlim.org Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) Progressive States Network Young Invincibles Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Raising Women’s Voices for the Health Care We YWCA – Young Women’s Christian Association Association for Better Insulation MDI Imported Car Service, Inc Need Black Women’s Health Imperative Moms for Universal Health Care on cafemom.com Brave New Films MoveOn.org Bus Federation Muscular Dystrophy Foundation for Independent Her Votes Coalition was created in recognition of the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment Cafemom.com Living granting women the right to vote, and the anniversary of the 1963 civil rights march on Washington. The goal is to Campaign for America’s Future My Rural America (Action Fund) mobilize women voters in 2012 around preserving women’s Health and Economic Rights (HER rights.) Members Campaign for Community Change (CCC) NAACP include: Campus Progress Action National Abortion Federation CareTALK National Alliance on Mental Illness American Association of University Women Fem2.0 Center for American Progress Action Fund National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Linda Hallman, Executive Director/CEO Abigail Collazo, Editor Center for Rural Affairs Directors Advocates for Youth Feminist Majority Foundation/Ms. Magazine Center for Science in the Public Interest National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental James Wagoner, President community Center for Social and Economic Justice Health Association Black Women’s Health Imperative Eleanor Smeal, President Child Advocate Network National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum Eleanor Hinton Hoytt, President General Federation of Women’s Clubs Children’s Defense Fund Action Council National Alliance of Professional Psychology Black Women’s Roundtable, National Coalition on Natasha L. Rankin, Executive Director Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU Healthcare Providers Black Civic Participation Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of Commonwealth Institute National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance Melanie Campbell, Executive Director America, Inc. Communications Workers of America (CWA) National Association of Certified Professional Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Marcie Natan Community Action Partnership Midwives Deborah L. Frett, Chief Executive Officer Jewish Women International Community Service Society National Association of School-Based Health Care Coalition of Labor Union Women Loribeth Weinstein, Executive Director Clergy Strategic Alliances, LLC National Association for State Community Services Karen J. See, President MomsRising CREDO Mobile Programs Dolores Huerta Foundation Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director Democracia Ahora National Association of Hepatitis Task Forces Dolores Huerta, President NARAL Pro-Choice America #" $"

" "

80 | YWCA The Jewish Federations of North America WAND Education Fund, Inc. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Wider Opportunities for Women National Beauty Culturists’ League, Inc. Rock the Vote United Church of Christ - Justice and Witness World Knowledge Bank National Cervical Cancer Coalition Roosevelt Institution Ministries YouthBuild USA National Coalition for LGBT Health Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law United Way of America YWCA USA National Community Action Foundation Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Voices for America's Children National Consumers League Single Stop USA Volunteers of America National Council of La Raza Sister Song Women of Color Reproductive Health National Council of Urban Indian Health Collective Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1,000 organizations in 46 National Council of Jewish Women The Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust states representing 30 million people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can count on in National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) The Healthcare Coverage Post 2010 and beyond. Members include: National Education Association (NEA) The League of Young Voters National Foundation for Celiac Awareness OWL -The Voice of Midlife and Older Women 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women Democracy for America National Institute for Reproductive Health The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring Abundant Children and Family Services Direct Care Alliance National Korean American Service & Education True Majority Adventists Community Services Eagle Medical Services Consortium United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) AFL-CIO Future Majority National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Universal Health Care Action Network (UHCAN) AIDS in Action Generational Alliance National Minority Quality Forum Union for Reform Judaism Alliance for Retired Americans Health Care for the 21st Century Consulting National Partnership for Women and Families United Professionals American Academy of Family Physicians Healthcare United National Physicians Alliance USAction American Academy of Nursing HIV Medicine Association National Women's Health Network USPIRG American Academy of Pediatrics Holman Healthcare Consulting National Women’s Law Center Votehealthcare.org American Family Voices Hope for Hepatitis C Northwest Federation of Community Organizations White Crane Billing Solutions American Federation of State, County and Municipal Human Rights Campaign Out with Cancer, Inc Women's Health Foundation Employees (AFSCME) Independent Staff Union Paint Lick Family Clinic, Inc Woman’s National Democratic Club American Federation of Teachers (AFT) International Federation of Black Prides, Inc. PHI/Health Care for Health Care Workers Women’s Universal Health Initiative American Federation of Television and Radio Artists International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health Women’s Voices for the Earth American Medical Student Association Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Planned Parenthood Federation of America Women's Voices. Women Vote. American Nurses Association Jobs With Justice Progressive Action Network Working America Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) Latinos for National Health Insurance Progress Now Working Families Win Americans United for Change Leadership Center for the Common Good Progressive Future Work Place Fairness AskSlim.org Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) Progressive States Network Young Invincibles Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Raising Women’s Voices for the Health Care We YWCA – Young Women’s Christian Association Association for Better Insulation MDI Imported Car Service, Inc Need Black Women’s Health Imperative Moms for Universal Health Care on cafemom.com Brave New Films MoveOn.org Bus Federation Muscular Dystrophy Foundation for Independent Her Votes Coalition was created in recognition of the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment Cafemom.com Living granting women the right to vote, and the anniversary of the 1963 civil rights march on Washington. The goal is to Campaign for America’s Future My Rural America (Action Fund) mobilize women voters in 2012 around preserving women’s Health and Economic Rights (HER rights.) Members Campaign for Community Change (CCC) NAACP include: Campus Progress Action National Abortion Federation CareTALK National Alliance on Mental Illness American Association of University Women Fem2.0 Center for American Progress Action Fund National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Linda Hallman, Executive Director/CEO Abigail Collazo, Editor Center for Rural Affairs Directors Advocates for Youth Feminist Majority Foundation/Ms. Magazine Center for Science in the Public Interest National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental James Wagoner, President community Center for Social and Economic Justice Health Association Black Women’s Health Imperative Eleanor Smeal, President Child Advocate Network National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum Eleanor Hinton Hoytt, President General Federation of Women’s Clubs Children’s Defense Fund Action Council National Alliance of Professional Psychology Black Women’s Roundtable, National Coalition on Natasha L. Rankin, Executive Director Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU Healthcare Providers Black Civic Participation Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of Commonwealth Institute National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance Melanie Campbell, Executive Director America, Inc. Communications Workers of America (CWA) National Association of Certified Professional Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Marcie Natan Community Action Partnership Midwives Deborah L. Frett, Chief Executive Officer Jewish Women International Community Service Society National Association of School-Based Health Care Coalition of Labor Union Women Loribeth Weinstein, Executive Director Clergy Strategic Alliances, LLC National Association for State Community Services Karen J. See, President MomsRising CREDO Mobile Programs Dolores Huerta Foundation Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director Democracia Ahora National Association of Hepatitis Task Forces Dolores Huerta, President NARAL Pro-Choice America #" $"

" "

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 81 Nancy Keenan, President Debra L. Ness, President Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL- Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum National Women’s Health Network CIO (BCTD) Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Miriam Yeung, Executive Director Cindy Pearson, Executive Director Center for Community Change (CCC) Jewish Community Centers Association (JCC National Association of Social Workers National Women’s Law Center Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) Association) Dr. Elizabeth Clark, Executive Director Marcia Greenberger, Co-President Center for Women Policy Studies Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) National Coalition of 100 Black Women National Women’s Political Caucus Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Jewish Labor Committee (JLC) Dee Dee Strum, President Linda Young, President Church of the Brethren - World Ministries Jewish Women International (JWI) National Conference of Puerto Rican Women Planned Parenthood Federation of America Commission Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Vivian Ortiz, National President Cecile Richards, President Church Women United (CWU) Law (Bazelon Center) National Congress of Black Women Raising Women’s Voices for the Health Care We Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights (CCCR) The Justice Project Dr. E. Faye Williams, Chair Need Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) National Council of Negro Women Cindy Pearson, Co-Founder Common Cause Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Avis Jones De-Weever, Executive Director Sister Song Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement National Council of Women’s Organization Loretta Ross, National Coordinator CLC (CWA) (LCLAA) Susan Scanlan, Chair Wider Opportunities for Women Community Action Partnership Laborers' International Union of North America National Council of Jewish Women Donna Addkison, President and CEO Community Transportation Association of America (LIUNA) Nancy K. Kaufman, CEO Women’s Information Network (CTAA) Lambda Legal National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Carla Reed, Chair DC Vote LatinoJustice PRLDEF Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Incoming Executive Director Women’s Research and Education Institute (WREI) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law National Organization for Women Susan Scanlan, Executive Director DEMOS: A Network for Ideas & Action League of Women Voters of The United States Terry O’Neill, President YWCA USA Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (LWV) National Partnership for Women and Families (DREDF) Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center Division of Homeland Ministries - Christian (LAS-ELC) Church (Disciples of Christ) Legal Momentum The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more Epilepsy Foundation of America Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. Episcopal Church - Public Affairs Office Matthew Shepard Foundation Through advocacy and outreach to targeted constituencies, The Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a Equal Justice Society Mexican American Legal Defense and more open and just society – an America as good as its ideals. Members include: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Educational Fund (MALDEF) A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) American Federation of State, County & Municipal FairVote NA'AMAT USA AARP Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME) Families USA NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, ADA Watch American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO (AFT) Federally Employed Women (FEW) Inc. (LDF) Advancement Project American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Feminist Majority NALEO Educational Fund African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME American Islamic Congress (AIC) Friends Committee on National Legislation National Alliance of Postal & Federal Employees Church) American Jewish Committee (AJC) (FCNL) (NAPFE) Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) American Nurses Association (ANA) Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network National Association for Equal Opportunity in Alaska Inter-Tribal Council (AITC) American Society for Public Administration (GLSEN) Higher Education (NAFEO) Alliance for Retired Americans (ASPA) The General Board of Church and Society of the National Association for the Advancement of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association United Methodist Church (GBCS) Colored People (NAACP) Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ASHA) Global Rights The National Association of Colored Women's American Association for Affirmative Action Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers Clubs, Inc. (NACWC) American Association of People with Disabilities Amnesty International USA International Union (GMP) National Association of Community Health (AAPD) Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Hip Hop Caucus Centers (NACHC) American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Appleseed Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Association of Consumer Advocates (ADC) Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) Human Rights First (HRF) (NACA) AAUW (formerly known as the American Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO Immigration Equality National Association of Human Rights Workers Association of University Women) (APALA) Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (NAHRW) American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of of the World National Association of Latino Elected and American Baptist Churches USA the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) International Association of Machinists and Appointed Officials (NALEO) American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) The Association of Junior Leagues International Aerospace Workers (IAM) National Association of Negro Business & American Council of the Blind (ACB) Inc. (AJLI) International Association of Official Human Rights Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) The American Ethical Union (AEU) The Association of University Centers on Agencies (IAOHRA) National Association of Neighborhoods (NAN) American Federation of Government Employees, Disabilities (AUCD) International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Association of Social Workers (NASW) AFL-CIO (AFGE) B’Nai B’rith International (BBI) International Union, United Automobile, National Bar Association (NBA) American Federation of Labor and Congress of Brennan Center for Justice at New York Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of National Black Caucus of State Legislators Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) University School of Law America (UAW) (NBCSL) %" &"

" "

82 | YWCA Nancy Keenan, President Debra L. Ness, President Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL- Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum National Women’s Health Network CIO (BCTD) Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Miriam Yeung, Executive Director Cindy Pearson, Executive Director Center for Community Change (CCC) Jewish Community Centers Association (JCC National Association of Social Workers National Women’s Law Center Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) Association) Dr. Elizabeth Clark, Executive Director Marcia Greenberger, Co-President Center for Women Policy Studies Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) National Coalition of 100 Black Women National Women’s Political Caucus Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Jewish Labor Committee (JLC) Dee Dee Strum, President Linda Young, President Church of the Brethren - World Ministries Jewish Women International (JWI) National Conference of Puerto Rican Women Planned Parenthood Federation of America Commission Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Vivian Ortiz, National President Cecile Richards, President Church Women United (CWU) Law (Bazelon Center) National Congress of Black Women Raising Women’s Voices for the Health Care We Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights (CCCR) The Justice Project Dr. E. Faye Williams, Chair Need Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) National Council of Negro Women Cindy Pearson, Co-Founder Common Cause Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Avis Jones De-Weever, Executive Director Sister Song Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement National Council of Women’s Organization Loretta Ross, National Coordinator CLC (CWA) (LCLAA) Susan Scanlan, Chair Wider Opportunities for Women Community Action Partnership Laborers' International Union of North America National Council of Jewish Women Donna Addkison, President and CEO Community Transportation Association of America (LIUNA) Nancy K. Kaufman, CEO Women’s Information Network (CTAA) Lambda Legal National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Carla Reed, Chair DC Vote LatinoJustice PRLDEF Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Incoming Executive Director Women’s Research and Education Institute (WREI) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law National Organization for Women Susan Scanlan, Executive Director DEMOS: A Network for Ideas & Action League of Women Voters of The United States Terry O’Neill, President YWCA USA Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (LWV) National Partnership for Women and Families (DREDF) Legal Aid Society – Employment Law Center Division of Homeland Ministries - Christian (LAS-ELC) Church (Disciples of Christ) Legal Momentum The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more Epilepsy Foundation of America Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. Episcopal Church - Public Affairs Office Matthew Shepard Foundation Through advocacy and outreach to targeted constituencies, The Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a Equal Justice Society Mexican American Legal Defense and more open and just society – an America as good as its ideals. Members include: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Educational Fund (MALDEF) A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) American Federation of State, County & Municipal FairVote NA'AMAT USA AARP Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME) Families USA NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, ADA Watch American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO (AFT) Federally Employed Women (FEW) Inc. (LDF) Advancement Project American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Feminist Majority NALEO Educational Fund African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME American Islamic Congress (AIC) Friends Committee on National Legislation National Alliance of Postal & Federal Employees Church) American Jewish Committee (AJC) (FCNL) (NAPFE) Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) American Nurses Association (ANA) Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network National Association for Equal Opportunity in Alaska Inter-Tribal Council (AITC) American Society for Public Administration (GLSEN) Higher Education (NAFEO) Alliance for Retired Americans (ASPA) The General Board of Church and Society of the National Association for the Advancement of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association United Methodist Church (GBCS) Colored People (NAACP) Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ASHA) Global Rights The National Association of Colored Women's American Association for Affirmative Action Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers Clubs, Inc. (NACWC) American Association of People with Disabilities Amnesty International USA International Union (GMP) National Association of Community Health (AAPD) Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Hip Hop Caucus Centers (NACHC) American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Appleseed Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Association of Consumer Advocates (ADC) Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) Human Rights First (HRF) (NACA) AAUW (formerly known as the American Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO Immigration Equality National Association of Human Rights Workers Association of University Women) (APALA) Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (NAHRW) American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of of the World National Association of Latino Elected and American Baptist Churches USA the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) International Association of Machinists and Appointed Officials (NALEO) American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) The Association of Junior Leagues International Aerospace Workers (IAM) National Association of Negro Business & American Council of the Blind (ACB) Inc. (AJLI) International Association of Official Human Rights Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) The American Ethical Union (AEU) The Association of University Centers on Agencies (IAOHRA) National Association of Neighborhoods (NAN) American Federation of Government Employees, Disabilities (AUCD) International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Association of Social Workers (NASW) AFL-CIO (AFGE) B’Nai B’rith International (BBI) International Union, United Automobile, National Bar Association (NBA) American Federation of Labor and Congress of Brennan Center for Justice at New York Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of National Black Caucus of State Legislators Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) University School of Law America (UAW) (NBCSL) %" &"

" "

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 83 National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) Native American Rights Fund (NARF) United Food and Commercial Workers Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) The National Center on Time & Learning The Newspaper Guild - Communications Workers International Union (UFCW) Women's American ORT National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) of America (TNG-CWA) United Mine Workers of America, AFL-CIO Women's International League for Peace and National Coalition for Asian Pacific American 9to5, National Association of Working Women (UMWA) Freedom (WILPF) Community Development (National CAPACD) OCA (formerly known as Organization of Chinese United States International Council on Disabilities Workers Defense League National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) Americans) (USICD) Workmen's Circle National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Office of Communication of the United Church of United States Students Association (USSA) YMCA USA (NCBCP) Christ, Inc. (OC Inc.) United Steelworkers of America (USW) YWCA USA National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (NCADP) Open Society Policy Center (OSPC) (USCJ) National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) National Community Reinvestment Coalition Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and (NCRC) Gays (PFLAG) The National Conference for Community and People For the American Way (PFAW) The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE) is a nonprofit organization of more than 50 Justice Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. groups dedicated to improving educational opportunities for girls and women. Our mission is to provide leadership in National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and advocate for the development of national education policies that benefit all women and girls. (NCBM) (PPFA) National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights PolicyLink Academy for Educational Development Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (NCPRR) Poverty & Race Research Action Council American Association for the Advancement of Ms. Foundation for Women National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) (PRRAC) Science Myra Sadker Advocates for Gender Equity National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) American Association of School Administrators National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity National Council of Churches of Christ in the Pride At Work American Association of University Women National Association for Girls & Women in Sport U.S.(NCC) Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) American Civil Liberties Union: Women's Rights National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Project Equality, Inc. Project Administrators National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Project Vote American Civil Liberties Union National Center for Lesbian Rights National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Public Advocates Inc. American Federation of Teachers National Council of Administrative Women in National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) American Psychological Association Education National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Association for Gender Equity Leadership in National Council of Negro Women National Education Association (NEA) (RWDSU) Education National Council of Women’s Organizations National Employment Lawyers Association Secular Coalition for America Association for Women in Science National Education Association (NELA) Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Association of American Colleges and Universities National Girls Collaborative Project National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. National Organization for Women National Farmers Union (NFU) The Sierra Club Association of Teacher Educators National Partnership for Women and Families National Federation of Filipino American Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Business & Professional Women USA National Women's History Project Associations (NaFFAA) Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Center for Advancement of Public Policy National Women's History Project National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Fund (SALDEF) Center for Women's Policy Studies National Women's Law Center National Health Law Program (NHeLP) Sikh Coalition Council of Chief State School Officers Resource National Women's Political Caucus The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) South Asian Americans Leading Together Center on Educational Equity Legal Momentum National Immigration Forum (SAALT) Dads and Daughters Parent and Teacher Association National Immigration Law Center (NILC) Southeast Asia Resource Action Center Equal Rights Advocates Partners of the Americas National Institute for Employment Equity (SEARAC) Federation of Organizations for Professional Women Society of Women Engineers National Korean American Service and Education Southern Christian Leadership Conference Feminist Majority Foundation U.S. Student Association Consortium (NAKASEC) (SCLC) Gallaudet University Wider Opportunities for Women National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Women's Basketball Coach Women's Edge National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Teach for America Girl Scouts of the USA Women's Law Project National Legal Aid & Defender Association TransAfrica Forum Girls Incorporated Women's Research and Education Institute (NLADA) Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Girlstart Women's Research and Education Institute National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Healthy Teen Network Women's Sports Foundation National Organization for Women (NOW) UNITE HERE! Institute for Women’s Policy Research YWCA National Partnership for Women & Families United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) America (UBC) National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. United Church of Christ Justice and Witness National Urban League (NUL) Ministries (JWM) National Women's Law Center (NWLC) United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (UFW) National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC) '" ("

" "

84 | YWCA National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) Native American Rights Fund (NARF) United Food and Commercial Workers Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) The National Center on Time & Learning The Newspaper Guild - Communications Workers International Union (UFCW) Women's American ORT National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) of America (TNG-CWA) United Mine Workers of America, AFL-CIO Women's International League for Peace and National Coalition for Asian Pacific American 9to5, National Association of Working Women (UMWA) Freedom (WILPF) Community Development (National CAPACD) OCA (formerly known as Organization of Chinese United States International Council on Disabilities Workers Defense League National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) Americans) (USICD) Workmen's Circle National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Office of Communication of the United Church of United States Students Association (USSA) YMCA USA (NCBCP) Christ, Inc. (OC Inc.) United Steelworkers of America (USW) YWCA USA National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (NCADP) Open Society Policy Center (OSPC) (USCJ) National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) National Community Reinvestment Coalition Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and (NCRC) Gays (PFLAG) The National Conference for Community and People For the American Way (PFAW) The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE) is a nonprofit organization of more than 50 Justice Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. groups dedicated to improving educational opportunities for girls and women. Our mission is to provide leadership in National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and advocate for the development of national education policies that benefit all women and girls. (NCBM) (PPFA) National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights PolicyLink Academy for Educational Development Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (NCPRR) Poverty & Race Research Action Council American Association for the Advancement of Ms. Foundation for Women National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) (PRRAC) Science Myra Sadker Advocates for Gender Equity National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) American Association of School Administrators National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity National Council of Churches of Christ in the Pride At Work American Association of University Women National Association for Girls & Women in Sport U.S.(NCC) Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) American Civil Liberties Union: Women's Rights National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Project Equality, Inc. Project Administrators National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Project Vote American Civil Liberties Union National Center for Lesbian Rights National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Public Advocates Inc. American Federation of Teachers National Council of Administrative Women in National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) American Psychological Association Education National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Association for Gender Equity Leadership in National Council of Negro Women National Education Association (NEA) (RWDSU) Education National Council of Women’s Organizations National Employment Lawyers Association Secular Coalition for America Association for Women in Science National Education Association (NELA) Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Association of American Colleges and Universities National Girls Collaborative Project National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. National Organization for Women National Farmers Union (NFU) The Sierra Club Association of Teacher Educators National Partnership for Women and Families National Federation of Filipino American Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Business & Professional Women USA National Women's History Project Associations (NaFFAA) Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Center for Advancement of Public Policy National Women's History Project National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Fund (SALDEF) Center for Women's Policy Studies National Women's Law Center National Health Law Program (NHeLP) Sikh Coalition Council of Chief State School Officers Resource National Women's Political Caucus The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) South Asian Americans Leading Together Center on Educational Equity Legal Momentum National Immigration Forum (SAALT) Dads and Daughters Parent and Teacher Association National Immigration Law Center (NILC) Southeast Asia Resource Action Center Equal Rights Advocates Partners of the Americas National Institute for Employment Equity (SEARAC) Federation of Organizations for Professional Women Society of Women Engineers National Korean American Service and Education Southern Christian Leadership Conference Feminist Majority Foundation U.S. Student Association Consortium (NAKASEC) (SCLC) Gallaudet University Wider Opportunities for Women National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Women's Basketball Coach Women's Edge National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Teach for America Girl Scouts of the USA Women's Law Project National Legal Aid & Defender Association TransAfrica Forum Girls Incorporated Women's Research and Education Institute (NLADA) Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Girlstart Women's Research and Education Institute National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Healthy Teen Network Women's Sports Foundation National Organization for Women (NOW) UNITE HERE! Institute for Women’s Policy Research YWCA National Partnership for Women & Families United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) America (UBC) National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. United Church of Christ Justice and Witness National Urban League (NUL) Ministries (JWM) National Women's Law Center (NWLC) United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (UFW) National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC) '" ("

" "

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 85 The National Council of Women's Organizations (NCWO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit umbrella organization The National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE), founded in 1979, is a coalition of women's and civil rights of more than 200 groups, which collectively represent over 10 million women across the country. It is the only organizations; labor unions; religious, professional, legal, and educational associations, commissions on women, national coalition of its kind. state and local pay equity coalitions and individuals working to eliminate sex- and race-based wage discrimination and to achieve pay equity. Members include: 9 to 5 National Association for Working Women DC Rape Crisis Center Abortion Care Network Dept. for Professional Employees Action 4 Equality Scotland MomsRising.org Alexandria Commission for Women Dialogue on Diversity, Inc AFL-CIO* Muncie Human Rights Commission Alice Paul Institute, Inc Digital Sisters Alliance for Retired Americans NAACP Alliance for National Defense Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and A. Philip Randolph Institute* National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Alliance for Women in Media Action American Association of University Professors National Association of Commissions for Women* Alliance of Faith and Feminism Economists' Policy Group on Women's Issues AAUW* National Capital Area Union Retirees* American Association of University Women Educators for Progressive Instructional Change AAUW Montgomery, AL National Council of Women of Republic of Macedonia American College of Nurses and Midwives Equal Rights Advocates American Federation of Government Employees* National Council of Women's Organizations American College of Women's Health Physicians Equal Visibility Everywhere, Inc American Federation of Government Employees National Education Association* American Forum Equality Now Local 1501 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force American Medical Women's Association ERA Campaign Network American Federation of State, County & Municipal National Organization for Women American Nurses Association Fair Fund Employees* National Partnership for Women & Families American Psychological Association Fairfax County Commission for Women American Federation of Teachers* National Treasury Employees Union American Social Health Association Federal Aviation Administration American Library Association* National Women's Law Center* Aquinas College Women's Studies Center Federally Employed Women American Physical Therapy Association Nebraska Democratic Women's Caucus Association for Women in Science Feminist Majority Foundation Asian Pacific-American Labor Alliance New Hampshire Women's Lobby and Alliance Association of Academic Women's Health Programs Financial Women International Association for Women in Science 9to5, National Association of Working Women Association of Reproductive Health Professionals First Freedom First Boca Massage & Day Spa OWL, The Voice of Midlife and Older Women Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Florida Women's Consortium Business & Professional Women, USA* Office & Professional Employees Intl Union Neonatal Nurses Friends of Missouri Women's Council Buying Influence Inc. Pride At Work Belo Rural Women Association Gender Action Civil Service Employees Association, Inc. Religious Action Center Black Women in Sports Foundation General Federation of Women's Clubs Clearinghouse on Women's Issues Second Chance Alternatives, Inc. Black Women United For Action Girls Incorporated Coalition for Equal Pay Sierra Recycling & Demolition Black Women's Health Imperative Global Women’s Strike Coalition of Black Trade Unionists* Single Moms Alliance for Resources and Tools Break the Chain Campaign Guttmacher Institute Coalition of Labor Union Women* Sisters in the Building Trades Business and Professional Women’s Foundation H.O.P.E Communications Workers of America* Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. California State University Stanislaus Hadassah Delta Zeta Sorority, Kappa Beta Chapter Tucson Unified School District African American Catholics for Choice Healthywomen The Democratic Tribune Studies Department Center for Advancement of Public Policy Institute for Health and Aging Dialogue on Diversity* United Auto Workers Center for Ethics and Action Institute for Women's Policy Research DOL-W Media Distribution Division United Auto Workers L.1853 Women's Committee Center for Health and Gender Equity Interaction- American Council for Voluntary DuPage County NOW United Food & Commercial Workers Union* Center for Reproductive Rights International Action Equal Rights Advocates The WAGE Project Center for the Child Care Workforce International Center for Research on Women Feminist Majority Washington Public Emp. Assn/UFCW L.365 Center for Women Policy Studies International Women's Democracy Center The Feminist Vox of West Los Angeles College West Virginia Women's Commission Center of Concern: Global Women's Project International Women's Media Foundation Financial Women International Wider Opportunities for Women Chellis House/Middlebury College Jewish Women International Gender Action Woman's National Democratic Club Chicago Foundation for Women Law Students for Reproductive Justice Grand Rapids Women's Resource Center Women Employed Choice USA League of Women Voters Greater Boston Chapter NOW Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement Christian Women of Elegance Legal Momentum Hadassah, Women's Zionist Org. of America Women Networking in Southern Delaware, Inc. Church Women United LIFETIME Job Search Intelligence Women on the Job Claremont Graduate University, Applied Women's Lung Cancer Alliance Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Women on the Job Project of the Long Island Fund Studies Maine Women's Lobby Leadership Greater Syracuse for Women & Girls Clearinghouse of Women's Issues MANA, A Natonal Latina Org. Legal Momentum Working Mothers Italy Coalition of Labor Union Women Maryland Women's Coalition for Health Care Reform Louisville Metro Office for Women The Women's Center of Shippensburg University Coast Guard Family Organization, Inc Media Equity Collaborative Lovely Life Magazine Women's Sports Foundation* and its GoGirlGo Code Pink Menopause Alliance Maggie's Poetic Delights campaign Commonwell Institute International Miami University Women's Center MANA: A National Latina Organization* YWCA of the USA* Communication Consortium Media Center Million Mom March United with the Brady Campaign Cornell University Institute for Women and Work Missouri Women's Council Counseling for Women Moms Rising )" *"

" "

86 | YWCA The National Council of Women's Organizations (NCWO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit umbrella organization The National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE), founded in 1979, is a coalition of women's and civil rights of more than 200 groups, which collectively represent over 10 million women across the country. It is the only organizations; labor unions; religious, professional, legal, and educational associations, commissions on women, national coalition of its kind. state and local pay equity coalitions and individuals working to eliminate sex- and race-based wage discrimination and to achieve pay equity. Members include: 9 to 5 National Association for Working Women DC Rape Crisis Center Abortion Care Network Dept. for Professional Employees Action 4 Equality Scotland MomsRising.org Alexandria Commission for Women Dialogue on Diversity, Inc AFL-CIO* Muncie Human Rights Commission Alice Paul Institute, Inc Digital Sisters Alliance for Retired Americans NAACP Alliance for National Defense Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and A. Philip Randolph Institute* National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Alliance for Women in Media Action American Association of University Professors National Association of Commissions for Women* Alliance of Faith and Feminism Economists' Policy Group on Women's Issues AAUW* National Capital Area Union Retirees* American Association of University Women Educators for Progressive Instructional Change AAUW Montgomery, AL National Council of Women of Republic of Macedonia American College of Nurses and Midwives Equal Rights Advocates American Federation of Government Employees* National Council of Women's Organizations American College of Women's Health Physicians Equal Visibility Everywhere, Inc American Federation of Government Employees National Education Association* American Forum Equality Now Local 1501 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force American Medical Women's Association ERA Campaign Network American Federation of State, County & Municipal National Organization for Women American Nurses Association Fair Fund Employees* National Partnership for Women & Families American Psychological Association Fairfax County Commission for Women American Federation of Teachers* National Treasury Employees Union American Social Health Association Federal Aviation Administration American Library Association* National Women's Law Center* Aquinas College Women's Studies Center Federally Employed Women American Physical Therapy Association Nebraska Democratic Women's Caucus Association for Women in Science Feminist Majority Foundation Asian Pacific-American Labor Alliance New Hampshire Women's Lobby and Alliance Association of Academic Women's Health Programs Financial Women International Association for Women in Science 9to5, National Association of Working Women Association of Reproductive Health Professionals First Freedom First Boca Massage & Day Spa OWL, The Voice of Midlife and Older Women Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Florida Women's Consortium Business & Professional Women, USA* Office & Professional Employees Intl Union Neonatal Nurses Friends of Missouri Women's Council Buying Influence Inc. Pride At Work Belo Rural Women Association Gender Action Civil Service Employees Association, Inc. Religious Action Center Black Women in Sports Foundation General Federation of Women's Clubs Clearinghouse on Women's Issues Second Chance Alternatives, Inc. Black Women United For Action Girls Incorporated Coalition for Equal Pay Sierra Recycling & Demolition Black Women's Health Imperative Global Women’s Strike Coalition of Black Trade Unionists* Single Moms Alliance for Resources and Tools Break the Chain Campaign Guttmacher Institute Coalition of Labor Union Women* Sisters in the Building Trades Business and Professional Women’s Foundation H.O.P.E Communications Workers of America* Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. California State University Stanislaus Hadassah Delta Zeta Sorority, Kappa Beta Chapter Tucson Unified School District African American Catholics for Choice Healthywomen The Democratic Tribune Studies Department Center for Advancement of Public Policy Institute for Health and Aging Dialogue on Diversity* United Auto Workers Center for Ethics and Action Institute for Women's Policy Research DOL-W Media Distribution Division United Auto Workers L.1853 Women's Committee Center for Health and Gender Equity Interaction- American Council for Voluntary DuPage County NOW United Food & Commercial Workers Union* Center for Reproductive Rights International Action Equal Rights Advocates The WAGE Project Center for the Child Care Workforce International Center for Research on Women Feminist Majority Washington Public Emp. Assn/UFCW L.365 Center for Women Policy Studies International Women's Democracy Center The Feminist Vox of West Los Angeles College West Virginia Women's Commission Center of Concern: Global Women's Project International Women's Media Foundation Financial Women International Wider Opportunities for Women Chellis House/Middlebury College Jewish Women International Gender Action Woman's National Democratic Club Chicago Foundation for Women Law Students for Reproductive Justice Grand Rapids Women's Resource Center Women Employed Choice USA League of Women Voters Greater Boston Chapter NOW Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement Christian Women of Elegance Legal Momentum Hadassah, Women's Zionist Org. of America Women Networking in Southern Delaware, Inc. Church Women United LIFETIME Job Search Intelligence Women on the Job Claremont Graduate University, Applied Women's Lung Cancer Alliance Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Women on the Job Project of the Long Island Fund Studies Maine Women's Lobby Leadership Greater Syracuse for Women & Girls Clearinghouse of Women's Issues MANA, A Natonal Latina Org. Legal Momentum Working Mothers Italy Coalition of Labor Union Women Maryland Women's Coalition for Health Care Reform Louisville Metro Office for Women The Women's Center of Shippensburg University Coast Guard Family Organization, Inc Media Equity Collaborative Lovely Life Magazine Women's Sports Foundation* and its GoGirlGo Code Pink Menopause Alliance Maggie's Poetic Delights campaign Commonwell Institute International Miami University Women's Center MANA: A National Latina Organization* YWCA of the USA* Communication Consortium Media Center Million Mom March United with the Brady Campaign Cornell University Institute for Women and Work Missouri Women's Council Counseling for Women Moms Rising )" *"

" "

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 87 Morgan Stanley Organization for the Relief of Underpriviledged Women for Afghan Women Women's Information Network Ms. Foundation for Women, INC Women and Children in Africa, Oruwoca Inc Women for Women International Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement My Daughter's Keeper, Inc/Project Single Moms Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Women Graduates-USA Inc Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press Na'amat USA Peace X Peace Women in Film and Video Women's International League for Peace and NARAL Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc Women In Government Freedom National Abortion Federation Project Kesher Women in Military Service for America Memorial Women's International News Gathering Service National Alliance for Caregiving Project Kid Smart Foundation, Inc Women's International Public Health Network National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum Project Single Mom's Worldwide, Inc Women of Color in the Global Women’s Strike Women's Law Center of Maryland, Inc National Asian Women's Health Organization Promise Central (Part of break the chain) Women Officials of NACo Leadership Network Women's National Democratic Club National Association for Female Executives Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) Women Thrive Worldwide Women's Opportunity Link of Delaware, Inc National Association of Commissions for Women- MD Rachel's Network Women Under Forty PAC Women's Ordination Conference National Association of Commissions for Women- NM Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Women Waging Peace-Hunt Alternatives Fund Women's Party National Association of Mother's Centers Running Start Women Work! The National Network for Women's Women's Power Circles Ltd National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Second Change Employment Services Employment Women's Research and Education Insititute Women's Health Sewall-Belmont House and Museum Women's Action for New Directions/Women Women's Social Policy and Research Center at National Association of Orthopedic Nurses Sister to Sister: Everyone has a Heart Foundation, Inc Legislator's Lobby Vanderbilt University National Association of Women Business Owners Sistersong Women of Color Reproductive Health Women's Business Development Center Women's Sports Foundation National Capitol Area Union Retirees Club Collective Women's Campaign Forum Women's Studies Department at San Diego State National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease Smart Start America Women's Caucus for Political Science University National Committee of Women for a Democratic Iran Society for Women's Health Research Women's City Club of New York Women's Studies Program: Fairfield Univ. National Committee on Pay Equity Stanford University Feminist Studies Interdisciplinary Women's Committee of 100 Women's Transportation Seminar National Congress of Black Women, Inc Program Women's Environment and Development Women's Voices, Women's Vote National Council for Research on Women The Banyan Tree, Inc Organization YWCA USA National Council of Jewish Women, INC The Tides Center Women's Funding Network National Council of Negro Women The Transition Network National Council of Women of the United States, INC The Women's Center National Crittenton Foundation DBA The Women's Information Network National Famly Planning and Reproductive Health The Women's Museum Association The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future National Foundation for Women Legislators The Younger Women's Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Turning Anger into Change National Hispana Leadership Insitute U.S Women's Chamber of Commerce National Hook-Up of Black Women Ujwala Samant National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Unifem/USA National Network of Abortion Funds United American Nurses, AFL-CIO National Organization for Women United Methodist Church, General Board of Church National Osteoporosis Foundation and Society National Partnership for Women and Families United Methodist Church, General Board of Global National Research Center for Women and Families Ministries, Women's Division National Women's Conference Committee United Methodist Church, Women's Division, General National Women's Hall of Fame Board of Global Ministries National Women's Health Network US Women Connect National Women's History Museum Utah Women's Alliance For Building Community National Women's History Project Veteran Feminists of America National Women's Law Center Vision 2020 National Women's Party Vital Voices Global Partnership National Women's Political Caucus Voices of a People's History of the United States National Women's Studies Association Wage Project Network Wand Education Fund, Inc Network of East-West Women Washington Area Women's Foundation Nontraditional Employment for Women Wecai Network Northern Illinois University Women's Studies White House Project Older Women's League Wider Opportunities for Women Oregon State University Women's Studies Women and Politics Institute Women Employed !+" !!"

" "

88 | YWCA Morgan Stanley Organization for the Relief of Underpriviledged Women for Afghan Women Women's Information Network Ms. Foundation for Women, INC Women and Children in Africa, Oruwoca Inc Women for Women International Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement My Daughter's Keeper, Inc/Project Single Moms Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Women Graduates-USA Inc Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press Na'amat USA Peace X Peace Women in Film and Video Women's International League for Peace and NARAL Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc Women In Government Freedom National Abortion Federation Project Kesher Women in Military Service for America Memorial Women's International News Gathering Service National Alliance for Caregiving Project Kid Smart Foundation, Inc Women's International Public Health Network National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum Project Single Mom's Worldwide, Inc Women of Color in the Global Women’s Strike Women's Law Center of Maryland, Inc National Asian Women's Health Organization Promise Central (Part of break the chain) Women Officials of NACo Leadership Network Women's National Democratic Club National Association for Female Executives Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) Women Thrive Worldwide Women's Opportunity Link of Delaware, Inc National Association of Commissions for Women- MD Rachel's Network Women Under Forty PAC Women's Ordination Conference National Association of Commissions for Women- NM Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Women Waging Peace-Hunt Alternatives Fund Women's Party National Association of Mother's Centers Running Start Women Work! The National Network for Women's Women's Power Circles Ltd National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Second Change Employment Services Employment Women's Research and Education Insititute Women's Health Sewall-Belmont House and Museum Women's Action for New Directions/Women Women's Social Policy and Research Center at National Association of Orthopedic Nurses Sister to Sister: Everyone has a Heart Foundation, Inc Legislator's Lobby Vanderbilt University National Association of Women Business Owners Sistersong Women of Color Reproductive Health Women's Business Development Center Women's Sports Foundation National Capitol Area Union Retirees Club Collective Women's Campaign Forum Women's Studies Department at San Diego State National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease Smart Start America Women's Caucus for Political Science University National Committee of Women for a Democratic Iran Society for Women's Health Research Women's City Club of New York Women's Studies Program: Fairfield Univ. National Committee on Pay Equity Stanford University Feminist Studies Interdisciplinary Women's Committee of 100 Women's Transportation Seminar National Congress of Black Women, Inc Program Women's Environment and Development Women's Voices, Women's Vote National Council for Research on Women The Banyan Tree, Inc Organization YWCA USA National Council of Jewish Women, INC The Tides Center Women's Funding Network National Council of Negro Women The Transition Network National Council of Women of the United States, INC The Women's Center National Crittenton Foundation DBA The Women's Information Network National Famly Planning and Reproductive Health The Women's Museum Association The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future National Foundation for Women Legislators The Younger Women's Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Turning Anger into Change National Hispana Leadership Insitute U.S Women's Chamber of Commerce National Hook-Up of Black Women Ujwala Samant National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Unifem/USA National Network of Abortion Funds United American Nurses, AFL-CIO National Organization for Women United Methodist Church, General Board of Church National Osteoporosis Foundation and Society National Partnership for Women and Families United Methodist Church, General Board of Global National Research Center for Women and Families Ministries, Women's Division National Women's Conference Committee United Methodist Church, Women's Division, General National Women's Hall of Fame Board of Global Ministries National Women's Health Network US Women Connect National Women's History Museum Utah Women's Alliance For Building Community National Women's History Project Veteran Feminists of America National Women's Law Center Vision 2020 National Women's Party Vital Voices Global Partnership National Women's Political Caucus Voices of a People's History of the United States National Women's Studies Association Wage Project Network Wand Education Fund, Inc Network of East-West Women Washington Area Women's Foundation Nontraditional Employment for Women Wecai Network Northern Illinois University Women's Studies White House Project Older Women's League Wider Opportunities for Women Oregon State University Women's Studies Women and Politics Institute Women Employed !+" !!"

" "

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 89

The newer standard is known as the Expenditure test, or Section 501(h) election. This standard

is an alternative to the “substantial part test” and sets specific dollar limits and definitions for lobbying for Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Your organization must choose to make this Rules of Lobbying “election” by filing a one-page form with the IRS. If you have not filed this form to make the ! Section 501(h) election, then by default you must follow the “substantial part test” standard. BACKGROUND

!!! It is also important to note that tax-exempt organizations that receive federal funds may not use Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organizations are legally allowed to devote a them to lobby at the federal, state or local level. However, they are not prevented from using the non-substantial portion of their time and activities to influencing legislation or private funds they receive for lobbying purposes. So, if your YWCA receives a substantial participating in lobbying activities without losing their tax-exempt status. Lobbying is a amount of federal funding, this fact needs to be considered in assessing your participation in legitimate way for YWCAs to shape legislation that affects the issues that they care lobbying activities. about in their community.

branch, such as promulgation of rules and regulations, or action by independent Substantial Part Test regulatory agencies. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) views any attempt • Lobbying must be less than a “substantial” part of organizations activities to influence the confirmation by the Senate of a federal judicial nominee as a lobbying • Lobbying is not clearly defined (however, legislation is clearly defined); lobbying does activity. not include nonpartisan analysis, study and research, as well as responding to a request

from a legislative committee to testify (based on an IRS Ruling) Advocacy covers a broad range of activities that include lobbying. However, advocacy • Volunteer and cost free activities count towards the lobbying limit also includes non-partisan issue education, research and analysis, and organizing • All lobbying activities and expenses must be documented efforts. These activities are not treated as lobbying activities. Therefore, tax-exempt • The importance of the issue to the organization is a factor to determine if lobbying is organizations may also participate in these educational activities without risking their “substantial” tax-exempt status. • Tax-exempt status may be revoked for a single year violation and excise taxes may be

engage in lobbying must comply with one of two IRS standards. It is important to

remember that Section 501(c)(3) organizations must follow the IRS limits for lobbying or Expenditure Test risk losing their tax-exempt status. • Limit of lobbying is 20% of the first $500,000 of “exempt purpose expenditures” and

decreasing percentages up to $1 million; any excess lobbying expenditures are subject Keep in mind that while a Section 501(c)(3) organization may engage in lobbying to 25% tax activities, there is an absolute prohibition on engaging in any political activities. Political • Lobbying is defined and excludes certain specific activities such as invited testimony; activity is defined as participation or intervention in a political campaign of an individual non-partisan analysis, study, or research; certain limited self-defense activities; routine candidate for public office. The penalty for a Section 501(c)(3) organization that comments to government officials and employees conducts any political activities is revocation of its tax-exempt status. • Volunteer and cost-free activities do not count towards the lobbying limit

• Tax-exempt status will not be revoked after a single year violation, but 25% tax will be RULES imposed

• To elect expenditure test, download IRS Form 5768 from http://www.irs.gov The general standard for tax-exempt organizations is that “no substantial part” of their

activities may be attempting to influence legislation. Therefore, lobbying cannot be a

substantial part of your organization’s activities if you follow this standard. This is known

as the “substantial part test” and has been the standard since 1934. However, this standard is extremely vague. One 1955 case suggested that 5% of an organization’s activities devoted to lobbying is not substantial. More recent regulations issued by the IRS have clarified and expanded the rules of lobbying for tax-exempts.

2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2 Suite 550 Washington,! D.C. 20036

90 | YWCA

The newer standard is known as the Expenditure test, or Section 501(h) election. This standard

Below is a comparison of the two sets of lobbying rules for Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Lobbying is defined as communications that are intended to influence specific organizations. This information is only intended to give an overview of this subject; please legislation. Legislation includes any action introduced, amended, enacted, defeated, and consult your organization’s attorney and/or accountant to decide what would be best for your repealed in Congress, state or local legislatures, as well as any action by the general local association. public in a referendum. Legislation generally does not include action by an executive branch, such as promulgation of rules and regulations, or action by independent Substantial Part Test regulatory agencies. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) views any attempt • Lobbying must be less than a “substantial” part of organizations activities to influence the confirmation by the Senate of a federal judicial nominee as a lobbying • Lobbying is not clearly defined (however, legislation is clearly defined); lobbying does activity. not include nonpartisan analysis, study and research, as well as responding to a request

imposed If your YWCA does engage in lobbying, the IRS has provided guidelines and regulations • Tax Form 990 may require additional reporting for lobbying activities for non-profits. Section 501(c)(3) organizations that want to engage in lobbying must comply with one of two IRS standards. It is important to remember that Section 501(c)(3) organizations must follow the IRS limits for lobbying or Expenditure Test risk losing their tax-exempt status. • Limit of lobbying is 20% of the first $500,000 of “exempt purpose expenditures” and

• Tax-exempt status will not be revoked after a single year violation, but 25% tax will be RULES imposed

• To elect expenditure test, download IRS Form 5768 from http://www.irs.gov The general standard for tax-exempt organizations is that “no substantial part” of their activities may be attempting to influence legislation. Therefore, lobbying cannot be a substantial part of your organization’s activities if you follow this standard. This is known as the “substantial part test” and has been the standard since 1934. However, this standard is extremely vague. One 1955 case suggested that 5% of an organization’s activities devoted to lobbying is not substantial. More recent regulations issued by the IRS have clarified and expanded the rules of lobbying for tax-exempts.

2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2 Suite 550 Washington,! D.C. 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 91

What 501(c)(3)s Can Do During Elections Resources: Alliance for Justice: http://www.afj.org/ Nonprofit Vote: http://www.nonprofitvote.org/ The YWCA Can: • Conduct nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns. • Conduct nonpartisan “candidate forums” on issues of concern to our constituency. The forum must be open to all candidates, be conducted in a balanced way, and include a nonpartisan panel of questioners. • Make substantive, issue-oriented presentations to platform committees, campaign staff, candidates, media, and the public. • Take advantage of the increased attention that policy issues enjoy during an election period to focus public attention on our issues and agenda. • Conduct nonpartisan training on issue education and organization skills. • Report to its normal constituency, as part of continuing advocacy (lobbying), on votes of all legislators (not just candidates) on issues of interest to the YWCA, and indicate if the legislator supports the position. • Allow staff to participate as individuals in political campaigns (on their own time, and not as representatives of the organization).

The YWCA Cannot: • Give endorsements to candidates for office, either explicitly or implicitly. • Make contributions to candidates or parties (including “in-kind” contributions, publicity, and staff time, use of facilities or assets). • Establish, fund, or manage a Political Action Committee (PAC). • Evaluate candidate positions (except in certain circumstances where the evaluation pertains to a candidate’s position on pending legislation that is the subject of lobbying by the organization). • Coordinate activities with an election campaign.

Key Points: • Activities must be nonpartisan. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the YWCA cannot engage in activities that appear to directly or indirectly influence a campaign for elected public office at any level of government. • YWCAs can, however, remind voters that every vote counts and that elected officials decide public policies. • Review the voter registration and voter education laws in your state before engaging in any voter registration or education activities. To find information on state laws regarding elections and nonprofit participation, or to find information on recent changes to state laws that may impact voter registration activities, contact the election commission in your state.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

92 | YWCA

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 93

501(h) Election or The Expenditure Test Sample List of Town Hall Questions

The general standard for measuring the amount of lobbying done by nonprofit organizations is Affirmative Action that “no substantial part” of their activities may be attempting to influence legislation. Therefore, lobbying cannot be a substantial part of your organization’s activities if you follow this standard. • What is your position on affirmative action? This is known as the “substantial part test” and has been the standard since 1934. However, this • What will you do to promote and protect diversity within higher education institutions if the standard is extremely vague, and newer regulations issued by the IRS have clarified and Supreme Court rules against affirmative action in Fischer vs. University of Texas? expanded the rules of lobbying for non-profits.

The newer standard is known as the “Expenditure Test,” or 501(h) election. This standard is an Childcare and Early Education alternative to the “substantial part test” and sets specific dollar limits and definitions for lobbying for 501(c)(3) organizations. Your organization must choose to take this “election” by filing a one- • Do you support full federal funding for childcare, Head Start, and pre-Kindergarten page form with the IRS. If you have not filed this form and made the 501(h) election, you must programs? follow the “substantial part test” standard. • What will you do in office to ensure that quality childcare is affordable for families?

It is also important to note that nonprofits receiving federal funds may not use them to lobby at Equal Pay the federal, state or local level. However, they are not prevented from using the private funds they receive for lobbying purposes. If your YWCA receives a substantial amount of federal • What is your position on equal pay? Do you believe there is a wage gap between male funding, that needs to be considered when assessing your participation in lobbying activities. and female income earners? Below is a comparison of the two sets of lobbying rules for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations- the • What will you do as an elected official to ensure that women have equal pay for equal Substantial Part Test and the Expenditure/501(h) Test. This information is only intended to give work? an overview of this subject; please consult your organization’s attorney and/or accountant to decide what would be best for your local association. Hate Crimes

Substantial Part Test • What have you done in the past to decrease violence against individuals who are • Lobbying is less than a “substantial” part of organization's activities. targeted for crimes because of their sex, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, or • Lobbying is not clearly defined, and no exceptions are specified. sexual orientation? • Volunteer and cost-free activities count towards the lobbying limit. • All lobbying activities and expenses must be documented. • If you are elected, what will you do to decrease violence against individuals who are • The importance of the issue to the organization is a factor to determine if lobbying is targeted for crimes because of their race, sex, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, “substantial” or sexual orientation? • Tax-exempt status may be revoked for a single-year violation. • Do you support the End Racial Profiling Act (H.R. 3618/S. 1670)? • Tax Form 990 may require additional reporting. Health Care Expenditure Test • Lobbying is 20% of the first $500,000 of “exempt purpose expenditures” and decreasing • What is your position on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)? percentages up to $1 million. • Will you oppose efforts to repeal and defund the Patient and Protection Affordable Care • Lobbying is defined and includes exceptions such as invited testimony, non-partisan Act? analysis, study or research, or self-defense. • Volunteer and cost-free activities do not count towards the lobbying limit. • Tax-exempt status will not be revoked after a single-year violation. Immigrations and Immigrants’ Rights • To elect, download IRS Form 5768 from www.irs.gov. • What is your policy position on comprehensive immigration reform? • What is your position on the DREAM Act? • What is your strategy for assisting immigrant women who are trafficked into this country against their will?

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

94 | YWCA

501(h) Election or The Expenditure Test Sample List of Town Hall Questions

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 95

Guide to Writing a Letter to the Editor Please let us know if your letter is published! Email the National Advocacy team at [email protected] Why write a Letter to the Editor?

The main purpose of an LTE is to respond to a news story, editorial or op-ed that was already Sample Letter to the Editor printed in the paper. It is a response mechanism, not a general sounding board, for your views. Make sure that your letter is clearly tied to something you read in the paper. An LTE can be used by advocates to: (do not imply that you are writing on behalf of that organization without its permission) • Respond to, or bring forward information that was not included in a news article, editorial,

newspaper’s guidelines in order to ensure that your important points are not edited. Three important provisions of the VRA are set to expire in 2007, unless Congress reauthorizes • Before writing make sure you have thoroughly read the article you are addressing. them. The House of Representatives has held a series of hearings exploring the these important • Stick to one subject; discuss only one news article, issue or message per letter. provisions and the role the VRA continues to play in ending discrimination and promoting equal • Be sure you include your name, address and daytime phone number. Most newspapers opportunity in voting. These hearings have made evident that many voters, especially in low- will call you to verify that you did, in fact, write it. income areas and communities of color, still face discrimination and barriers to voting such as • Make sure to get the letter to the paper as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours from voter intimidation, poorly designed ballots, disinformation flyers, and other tactics aimed at voter the time when the piece you are responding to was published. disenfranchisement. • Be sure to consider local factors, such as Congressional districts, as you plan what you are going to say in your letter. For example, is your letter going to mention your elected Congress must not let the promises of the VRA die. Restoring and renewing the Voting Rights official, who may be able to influence the issue? Act is crucial to ensuring that minority voters continue to fully and fairly enjoy the most basic of • Make sure your letter is professional, contains no spelling or grammatical errors, and that American rights: the right to vote. your points are stated in a clear and concise manner. Respectfully submitted, Where Do I Send It? Many news organizations have an online form that you can use to send a Letter to the Editor. Almost all of them post an email address, fax number or mailing address on their website. A phone call to the newspaper will help you ascertain the most appropriate staffer to receive the

LTE. It is often a good idea to make a follow-up call to the editor to confirm receipt and stress why it is important the newspaper publishes your letter. Many larger newspapers will not confirm receipt of a letter, but those with smaller circulations often will.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

96 | YWCA

Guide to Writing a Letter to the Editor Please let us know if your letter is published! Email the National Advocacy team at [email protected] Why write a Letter to the Editor?

or opinion piece. • Clear up inaccuracies or false information that may have been reported. • Make a local issue national, or a national issue local. To the Editor: • Reach a large audience to garner support for an issue. • Add to your advocacy plan by using the LTE to address the article as well as generate I could not agree more with yesterday’s op-ed expressing disappointment at the Senate’s recent support for your position among the public. activities to add discrimination into the Constitution. While Senator XX is busy playing politics, Rep XX is work on one of the more important pieces of civil rights legislation in our history. Some Things You Should Consider Before You Get Started The right to vote is the most important tool Americans have to influence the policies that affect Most newspapers, when sorting through large piles of letters competing for limited publishing every aspect of our lives. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), hailed as our nation’s most space, look for certain characteristics. You will want to check the paper’s specific guidelines but, effective civil rights law, has worked for over forty years to secure that right. It has guaranteed in general, you should: millions of Americans the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and worked to end patterns of discrimination and exclusion in voting for racial, ethnic, and language minorities. That protection now hangs in the balance. • Be brief – many papers have a 200-word limit on LTEs. You will want to follow the newspaper’s guidelines in order to ensure that your important points are not edited. Three important provisions of the VRA are set to expire in 2007, unless Congress reauthorizes • Before writing make sure you have thoroughly read the article you are addressing. them. The House of Representatives has held a series of hearings exploring the these important • Stick to one subject; discuss only one news article, issue or message per letter. provisions and the role the VRA continues to play in ending discrimination and promoting equal • Be sure you include your name, address and daytime phone number. Most newspapers opportunity in voting. These hearings have made evident that many voters, especially in low- will call you to verify that you did, in fact, write it. income areas and communities of color, still face discrimination and barriers to voting such as • Make sure to get the letter to the paper as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours from voter intimidation, poorly designed ballots, disinformation flyers, and other tactics aimed at voter the time when the piece you are responding to was published. disenfranchisement. • Be sure to consider local factors, such as Congressional districts, as you plan what you are going to say in your letter. For example, is your letter going to mention your elected Congress must not let the promises of the VRA die. Restoring and renewing the Voting Rights official, who may be able to influence the issue? Act is crucial to ensuring that minority voters continue to fully and fairly enjoy the most basic of • Make sure your letter is professional, contains no spelling or grammatical errors, and that American rights: the right to vote. your points are stated in a clear and concise manner. Respectfully submitted, Where Do I Send It? Many news organizations have an online form that you can use to send a Letter to the Editor. Almost all of them post an email address, fax number or mailing address on their website. A phone call to the newspaper will help you ascertain the most appropriate staffer to receive the

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 97

Sample Op-Ed Consider the following options to make your op-ed stronger and more likely to be Sample Letter to the Editor published in your local paper:

Some notes to remember: • Include a specific story (names excluded or aliases provided) of how the policy or issue has impacted a life (or lives) in your community. • If possible, start your letter with a short reference to a recent article (within the last • Ask your local sheriff/police commissioner/leading law enforcement official to co- five days) about the issue you’d like to address. author this op-ed. • If you do not know of a recent story, search your newspaper's website for key words • Give a specific example of a program that will be cut if the policy is not about the issue. passed/reauthorized/struck down (or a specific example of a woman/family that • If there has been recent coverage, start your letter with a reference to the headline and would benefit/be harmed as a result). the date it was published. • Keep the final copy to 700 words. • Keep your final letter to less than 200 words. Here is a sample op-ed about VAWA. The letter below is a sample letter pertaining to the Violence Against Women Act. !

!"#$%&''()*'+(,-+(.//&012+&34(+"(5&2*+6"%17&(8&0&%23(9&$1'32+1"#(+"(:%"+&-+( To the Editor, ! ;1-+1/'("<(;1"3&#-&(( In reference to your article, , on , the is =>?@5(A,)BC(?5D,A.E,F.?AG urging our community and our Members of Congress to support and vote for the immediate reauthorization of a bi-partisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Last year, despite concerted efforts to pass VAWA "! ! before the 112th Congress adjourned, our Representatives failed to ensure that this critical legislation was ! reauthorized. For the first time since its passage in 1994, VAWA became a partisan issue. We cannot let this happen again. The Senate overwhelmingly passed S.47 to reauthorize VAWA (78-22) on February 12. #$%&'()*!+)$,&-*&!($.*/&'!&+&01!$-&!$2!.'3!4(!2),,'!&%&05&-*1!0$$%'!6-7!%$05.&'8! We must ensure that the House follows suit. 9&&:'!&%:,$1&&'!20$%!;$098!(&00$0)<&'!26%),)&'8!6-7!)-(&02&0&'!;)(/!*/),70&-='! 6>),)()&'!($!,&60-3!4(!70)+&'!.:!/&6,(/!*60&!*$'('8!*$-(0)>.(&'!($!*0)%&!$-!$.0!'(0&&('8! The fact is that VAWA saves lives, supports families, and needs to be reauthorized. The Senate has 6-7!*6.'&'!,6'()-5!/60%!($!*$%%.-)()&'3! passed a strong, bipartisan bill that makes important improvements to ensure the safety of all victims of ! violence, including LGBT, immigrant and Native women. The YWCA supports all women and victims of abuse regardless of sexual orientation, immigration status, or race, and does not stand for isolating entire ?-!6+&065&8!2$.0!($!2)+&!;$%&-!60&!%.07&0&7!>1!(/&)0!/.'>6-7'!$=!?))@A.F>GC(0!>$120)&-7'!&6*/! subsets of the community who face unique barriers to accessing services. As a leading provider of =.AHB5F(HF,F.HF.!G761!)-!(/&!@-)(&7!A(6(&'!6'!6!0&'.,(!$2!7$%&'()*!+)$,&-*&3!II(=.AHB5F(HF,F.HF.!G?+&0!BCC8CCC!:&$:,&!60&!( services for victims of domestic violence, the YWCA is opposed to any legislation that forces victims to '&D.6,,1!6''6.,(&7!&6*/!1&60!)-!(/)'!*$.-(013!E+&01!1&60!)-! negotiate their safety when seeking assistance from abusive situations. 3!F$*6,,18!(/&0&!60&! 0&:$0('!$2!

As a result ofVAWA funding, YWCA's across the country are able to provide critical services for victims of 7$%&'()*!+)$,&-*&!$0!'&D.6,!6''6.,(!&6*/!1&603!G$-50&''!%.'(!:6''!6!>)":60()'6-! violence, ranging from 24-hour emergency hotlines, emergency shelters and supportive services for H)$,&-*&!I56)-'(!J$%&-!I*(!KHIJIL!(/6(!%)00$0'!(/&!0&*&-(,1":6''&7!A&-6(&!>),,! women and children, short-term and transitional housing for women and children, therapy for children who KA3MNL!6-7!)'!)-*,.')+&!$2!6,,!+)*()%'!$2!+)$,&-*&3!!! have witnessed or experienced violence in their homes, and prevention and intervention programs for ! teens. J&!9-$;!(/6(!(/&!O$.'&!$2!P&:0&'&-(6()+&'!*60&'!7&&:,1!6>$.(!6770&'')-5!6-7!

As the YWCA serving women and families in , we are :0&+&-()-5!+)$,&-*&3!I-78!;&!9-$;!(/6(!(/&1!*6-!;$09!($5&(/&0!($!2)-6,)<&!6!>)" strongly opposed to any legislation that excludes protections for some of the most vulnerable victims of :60()'6-!>),,!(/6(!:.('!+)*()%'!6-7!(/&)0!'62&(1!2)0'(Q!6!>),,!(/6(!)-*,.7&'!)%:$0(6-(! violence. The YWCA urgently calls upon Congress to immediately work towards crafting a )%:0$+&%&-('!($!'&0+&!6,,!+)*()%'!6-7!'.0+)+$0'3!HIJI!;6'!>)":60()'6-!;/&-!)(!2)0'(! bipartisan bill that is trauma-informed, victim- and community-centered, and evidence-based. It's time to >&*6%&!,6;!)-!RSSM3!T/6(!'/$.,7!-$(!*/6-5&3! take the politics out of domestic violence and hold Congress accountable for helping ensure that all women are safe and free from fear. ! T/&!UJGI!9-$;'!/$;!($!*0&6(&!+)$,&-*&!:0&+&-()$-!:0$506%'!(/6(!;$098!6-7!;&!=!?))@A.F>G =.AHB5F(.A8?( NAME 9-$;!/$;!($!7&+&,$:!'&0+)*&'!(/6(!60&!&22&*()+&!)-!6'')'(,J?@F(>?@5(:5?D5,)H(,AKL?5(D.;B(,(H:B!.8.!(BI,):9B(?8(,()-5!+)*()%'3!T/&0&!60&! TITLE, ORGANIZATION M?),AL8,).9>(NB9:BK(J>(>?@5(:5?D5,)OHP&D6%:,&'!0)5/(!/&0&!)-! 3!V$0!)-'(6-*&8!:0$506%'!,)9&!G (Include your phone number and email address. Some newspapers ask for a physical address as well, but none of that will be published.) 3! ! =!?))@A.F>G J)(/$.(!(/&!*0)()*6,!2.-7)-5!(/6(!HIJI!:0$+)7&'8!;&!;),,!-$(!>&!6>,&!($!(69&!(/&'&! 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org :0$506%'!($!'*6,&!6-7!)%:,&%&-(!(/&%!6'!;)7&,1!6'!;&!'/$.,7!)-! 3! Washington, DC 20036

98 | YWCA

Sample Op-Ed Consider the following options to make your op-ed stronger and more likely to be Sample Letter to the Editor published in your local paper:

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 99

4-!26*(8!W.'(!6>$.(!&+&01!:0$506%!4!9-$;!/6'!*.(!>6*9!$-!'&0+)*&'!$0!)'!)-!76-5&0!$2! Advocacy through Social Media Tips 7$)-5!'$!>&*6.'&!$2!'&0)$.'!>.75&(!'/$0(26,,'3!T/&!0&6.(/$0)<6()$-!6-7!2.,,!2.-7)-5! =?:F.?AQ(.A!9@K$2!HIJI!*6-!/&,:!'($:!(/)'!(/0&6(!($!;$%&-='!/&6,(/!6-7!'62&(13!B(,A(BI,):9B(?8(,(9?!,9(:5?D5,)(FN,F(M.99(JB(!@F(.8( • Listen: Take time to find out what your social media followers are interested in, what ;,M,(.H(A?F(5B,@FN?5.EBKG(! news is breaking, what other organizations in your issue space are talking about or doing, and what other conversations may be out there that are of interest. To be relevant online and to be effective in spreading YOUR message, know what other messages and conversations are taking place. ! X0&+&-()-5!7$%&'()*!6-7!'&D.6,!+)$,&-*&!6-7!:0$(&*()-5!+)*()%'!%.'(!>&!6!:0)$0)(1! • Think visually: As people scroll through their social media accounts, a catchy photo or )-!$.0!*)(18!$.0!'(6(&!6-7!$.0!*$.-(013!T/&0&='!-$!()%&!($!;6'(&3!T/&!O$.'&!$2! video might grab their attention. Spend some time generating eye-catching visuals that P&:0&'&-(6()+&'!-&&7'!($!)%%&7)6(&,1!0&6.(/$0)<&!(/&!H)$,&-*&!I56)-'(!J$%&-!I*(! reflect your message. If a photo or video is unique or striking, it is more likely to be 6-7!G$-50&''!%.'(!:0$+)7&!6::0$:0)6(&!2.-7)-5!2$0!:0$506%'!(/6(!/&,:!6-7!:0$(&*(! shared and reach more people easily. 6,,!+)*()%'!$2!+)$,&-*&3!! • Keep messages simple: Text-heavy statuses or posts make it difficult for people to understand what your organization has to say at a glance. Text that is too dense or complicated makes people move on – fast. If you want to convey a lot of information at once, write a short, interesting post and provide a link to content where a user can learn more.

• Do not neglect your page: Post often and regularly, and measure the results of your posts to find out when the best day and time of day is to update your account. This may be a weekend or evening; use scheduling tools to take advantage of those opportune times.

• Be selective: Bombarding your supporters is never a good idea. When you post something, make sure it conveys your mission authentically, and in a way that the user will appreciate (a genuine, clever or urgent message). Remember: people can always hide your posts or choose not to follow you if you are posting too often and flooding their pages with spam, so be mindful of what you’re posting.

• Personalize your page: Take the time to use your organization’s About information and branding to make the page a true reflection of your organization. Customize areas where you can enter links to your other sites, add your mission statement, and make it easy for users to learn more about you. For Facebook pages, update your tabs with the most useful links.

• Share feedback & successes: If your organization accomplishes an advocacy goal, or is mentioned in a news piece, share it! Be proud of your team and your successes, and your followers will be, too. Ask your followers to share the success, and, if they helped by taking an action or calling their elected officials, thank them for their contributions.

• Post invitations to and pictures of events: Let your community and users know about upcoming events in which they can participate. The media is also engaged on social media platforms; tag local news stations or journalists and let them know about upcoming events and activities, too.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

100 | YWCA

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 101

Note: Users may support or not support our issues and priorities. Remember to always monitor Examples of Successful and Unsuccessful Tweets: replies and comments on your pages, but do not feel compelled to respond to every post – particularly if the post is hateful, combative or harassing. Engage in discussion with these users Successful Tweets: only if it is productive, interesting, and respectful of both sides. Do not engage with users who only want to attack you. If a post is spam, report it using the social network’s reporting tools; 1. Now it's YOUR turn to take action- call & Tweet your Senators and tell them to co- every network has one. sponsor S.47! bit.ly/VX6yh6 #VAWA #fem2 #YWCA

2. The #YWCA is the largest provider of #domesticviolence shelters in the US. Tell Infographics: Congress: we need #VAWA! bit.ly/VX6yh6 Infographics allow viewers to gain a lot of information quickly. These Tweets are successful because they encouraged users to take action and share this Without tools like Adobe Photoshop to create graphics, it can be difficult to make infographics in- action with others. They were short, easy to understand, and used hashtags to reach more users house. You may use graphics produced by the YWCA USA freely. on Twitter. These Tweets also used short links to convey more information.

Below is an example of a successful infographic that went viral, and has been used by elected Unsuccessful Tweets: officials in Congress, organizations who share our issue space, Upworthy.com and other sources with large audiences. This infographic was successful because it conveyed information, was Unsuccessful Tweets are vague, don’t include links, aren’t formatted properly or don’t have a call graphically appealing, and was easy to share. to action. : Examples of Successful and Unsuccessful Facebook Statuses:

Successful Facebook Status:

Caption: An inclusive VAWA has been passed in the Senate - now, on to the House! Read our full statement: http://bit.ly/YaFYQs

! This Facebook post is successful because it includes a compelling graphic with a strong quote, has a caption that is short and to-the-point, and has a link for more information. The caption encourages users to take action (“Read our full statement”) and the post is easy to share with others. The bright colors and message of the photo make the graphic easy to understand in a single glance. Finally, the image includes the YWCA logo and a link to our website, for new users ! who may not know us yet.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

102 | YWCA

Successful Facebook Status:

Caption: An inclusive VAWA has been passed in the Senate - now, on to the House! Read our full statement: http://bit.ly/YaFYQs

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 103

Unsuccessful Facebook Posts: ! Unsuccessful Facebook posts are vague or too wordy, aren’t formatted properly, don’t include a YWCA Customizable Fact Sheet visual or graphic, and don’t compel people to share the content or click on an action. Facts About the YWCA !!!

The Voice for Every Woman More Resources: • The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. • Social Media Explorer: The Social Media Advocacy Model • The YWCA is where women turn to join a dynamic community united by a passion for • CC Times: Using Social Media to Improve Advocacy, Fundraising (case studies) positive social change, racial justice and economic empowerment. • AAUW: How to Use Social Media for Advocacy • We work to influence public policies on behalf of women and people of color. • NAMI: Using Social Networking for Advocacy • We speak out on behalf of women and girls and what they face today: racial, ethnic and gender disparities; domestic violence and sexual assault; a lack of affordable childcare and after-school programs; the urgency for job training in a struggling economy; the shortage of transitional and low-cost housing; and the high cost of health care. A Force for Change • The first two YWCA associations were established in the U.S. in 1858. Subsequently the YWCA USA was incorporated in 1906 and is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the U.S. • The YWCA counts more than 2 million participants in 1,300 locations throughout the United States. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries. • We are a dynamic grassroots organization committed to social justice through action, advocacy and service delivery. We work to shape public policy and legislation and work with public officials to improve our communities and provide opportunities for women. • In small towns and major cities across the U.S., YWCAs offer women of all ages leadership opportunities, job training, life skills, support groups, shelters for safety and recovery, wellness resources and programs focused on empowering women and girls. A Legacy of Leadership • The YWCA’s 2 million informed and active participants in the U.S. are a united, powerful force for women’s rights and equal opportunity. • Our programs and activities are supported by more than 47,000 volunteers. • For more than 150 years, the YWCA has been at the forefront of most social movements in the United States—from the abolition of slavery to voting rights, from civil rights to pay equity, from violence prevention to health initiatives. • We are inspiring a new generation to become strong leaders and advocates for opportunity and equity for all women. Leadership programs serve more than 50,000 women each year and one-third of them are young women. Donate. Act. Connect. • The YWCA community contributes time, talent, tenacity and financial support for the betterment of women everywhere. • The YWCA is a powerful voice for the rights of women. • The YWCA is a community united by a passion for positive social change, justice and economic empowerment. • We are thought leaders and activists. We aim to shake things up to improve the lives of women and their families and communities everywhere.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Association Address Line Association Phone Website information Washington, DC 20036 Address Line 2 Number !

104 | YWCA

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Association Address Line Association Phone Website information Washington, DC 20036 Address Line 2 Number !

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 105 Facts About the YWCA (cont’d) Facts About the YWCA (cont’d)

Why the YWCA is Needed • 21 million eligible Americans may be prevented from voting by onerous ID and documentation requirements and laws being enacted in some states to suppress the vote. Those • African-American women in the U.S. are 3 to 4 times more likely to die during pregnancy potentially disenfranchised voters include 18 percent of Americans over 65, or childbirth, compared to white women, due to lack of access to prenatal care, according to the 25 percent of African Americans and 15 percent of low-income voters.***** Center for Reproductive Rights.* Disparities in health care and inadequate health care services continue to adversely affect women’s health. o There are attempts to require women who have voted for years to get copies of birth, marriage or divorce certificates in order to be eligible to continue to vote. o In 2010, the YWCA fought for health care reform that would improve the lives of all women. o The YWCA stands for full voting participation by all eligible U.S. citizens. YWCAs will be “action central” in communities around the country to get out the o The YWCA worked to ensure that any health care bill passed by Congress and o signed into law by the President would protect women from discrimination in vote. Women represent a powerful voting force and the YWCA advocates for health care processes and decisions, provide for women’s reproductive health women to be heard and counted. care needs and address the large health disparities facing women of color.

o Today, the YWCA works to protect vital health care programs including Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. What’s Happening in [Your Community] o Nearly 400,000 women participate in YWCA health and wellness programs. (Add regional/local stats relevant to local community)

• 77 cents for every $1 that men received in 2010 is what women in comparable jobs – or the

same job – earned, despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act more than 40 years ago. The

averages are even lower for African-American women who earn 67.7 cents and Hispanic women

who earn 58.7 cents.**

o The YWCA provides economic empowerment and financial literacy programs for women and strongly supports pay equity legislation. In 2009, the YWCA supported the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act which made it easier for women to bring wage discrimination claims against employers. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, More than 130,000 participate annually in YWCA women’s economic empowerment o freedom and dignity for all. If that’s the world you want to see, join us and make it happen. Go to programs. www.YWCA.org. Donate. Act. Connect.

• 46.2 million people in the U.S. (15.1 percent) lived in poverty in 2010, the highest statistic References: recorded in more than 50 years by the U.S. Census Bureau. The poverty level for African * http://reproductiverights.org/en/node/861 Americans is 27 percent; for Hispanics, it is 26 percent.*** ** pay-equity.org *** http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/index.html o Yet cuts in programs and services for low-income people are being proposed by **** ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/205521.pdf! federal and state lawmakers. The YWCA advocates programs that provide for the ***** http://www.brennancenter.org/page/-/d/download_file_39242.pdf basic needs of the most vulnerable—often the women and children in our communities. o We support the Community Development Block Grant program which funds job- creation, housing and anti-violence programs in cities and towns across the ! country. That program is threatened with drastic funding cuts by Congress. o YWCA anti-violence and housing programs serve over 650,000 people each year.

• 1 in 5 women will experience rape or attempted rape during their college years, and less than 5 percent of these rapes will be reported, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.**** o The YWCA is one of the largest providers of domestic violence services in the U.S. and many associations offer sexual assault support. We helped to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act in the 1990s and we are working to reauthorize and improve the law today. o The YWCA serves more than 550,000 people annually with programs that address violence.

2 3

106 | YWCA Facts About the YWCA (cont’d) Facts About the YWCA (cont’d)

• 77 cents for every $1 that men received in 2010 is what women in comparable jobs – or the same job – earned, despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act more than 40 years ago. The averages are even lower for African-American women who earn 67.7 cents and Hispanic women who earn 58.7 cents.** o The YWCA provides economic empowerment and financial literacy programs for women and strongly supports pay equity legislation. In 2009, the YWCA supported the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act which made it easier for women to bring wage discrimination claims against employers. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, More than 130,000 participate annually in YWCA women’s economic empowerment o freedom and dignity for all. If that’s the world you want to see, join us and make it happen. Go to programs. www.YWCA.org. Donate. Act. Connect.

2 3

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 107

Ten Tips for Calling Your Legislator

Making a phone call to your legislator is quick, easy, and can be done at a moment's notice, Stay Connected with YWCA USA

! ! ! making it an attractive method for legislative contact. For these same reasons, it is critical that the phone call be effective. You don't need to be an expert on the issue in order to be welcome to join. click here Advocacy Department hosts bi-weekly legislative calls. All are

issues and news, Bi-Weekly Legislative Update Calls: The YWCA USA Washington Update : Capwiz: To view YWCA Take Actions, persuasive; you just need to give your personal perspective.

Follow these ten steps for an effective call to your legislator:

1. Plan: Before you make the call, plan what you are going to say. Your phone call will be very brief, so keep your message simple and to-the-point. Take a moment to think about it – you might even want to make some notes – and you'll find that your call goes more smoothly than if you were to call "off the cuff." Know your request (for example, vote for a specific bill) in as few words as possible. 2. Message: After identifying (and possibly writing down) your request, think about a key point or a personal story that supports your position.

click here 3. Call: Make the call. If your legislator is in your home district on specific days or on

Advocacy weekends, call them when they are in your home district. There is more time and less distraction, and your position as a constituent will be enhanced if you are talking on To read a round up of current legislative "home turf." 4. Staff or Message: You may not be able to reach your legislator if you are calling his or her office during the legislative session. Be prepared to talk to one of the legislator's staff

or to leave a message instead. Make sure you get the staff person's full name, and treat them with respect. 5. Constituent: Begin by stating that you are a constituent. Legislators are most responsive to the people who can keep them in office-their constituents. If you voted for the legislator, mention that as well. 6. Persuade: Get to the point. Following your plan, state the reason for the call. Try to get the legislator to state their position on the issue, and try to persuade them using the

they believe that many of their constituents care about that issue. 9. Share Legislative Updates With Coalition Partners and National Office: When you are a part of a grassroots effort, any feedback or information you receive about a Member of Congress position on specific legislation, it is valuable to share with trusted coalition partners and the YWCA USA national office in order to achieve a legislative victory. 10. Call Back: Call more than once. Quantity is as important, if not more important, than quality in grassroots advocacy, because a high number of calls indicates to a legislator that many people in their district care about an issue. As you monitor the issue, call back to ask for specific support or action as appropriate to the process. !" for every woman! 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

108 | YWCA

Ten Tips for Calling Your Legislator

Making a phone call to your legislator is quick, easy, and can be done at a moment's notice, Stay Connected with YWCA USA ! ! ! making it an attractive method for legislative contact. For these same reasons, it is critical that the phone call be effective. You don't need to be an expert on the issue in order to be welcome to join. click here Advocacy Department hosts bi-weekly legislative calls. All are issues and news, Washington Update : Capwiz: To view YWCA Take Actions, Bi-Weekly Legislative Update Calls: The YWCA USA persuasive; you just need to give your personal perspective.

Follow these ten steps for an effective call to your legislator:

click here points that you developed. 7. Thank: If the legislator agrees to support your issue, thank them. Regardless of their position, thank the legislator for their time. Let them know that you will be tracking the issue. 8. Recruit: Recruit a like-minded friend, family member, or colleague to make a call as well. Particularly with phone calls, quantity is critical. Legislators pay attention to issues when they believe that many of their constituents care about that issue. 9. Share Legislative Updates With Coalition Partners and National Office: When you are a part of a grassroots effort, any feedback or information you receive about a Member of Congress position on specific legislation, it is valuable to share with trusted coalition partners and the YWCA USA national office in order to achieve a legislative victory. 10. Call Back: Call more than once. Quantity is as important, if not more important, than quality in grassroots advocacy, because a high number of calls indicates to a legislator that many people in their district care about an issue. As you monitor the issue, call back to ask for specific support or action as appropriate to the process. !" for every woman! 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 109

Give examples of how the legislation would impact your community.

Always tell the truth and be gracious. Writing to an Elected Official Be truthful and do not threaten. Be rational, but passionate. !

Address the letter correctly. Ask for a specific action related to a specific bill. In the address, members of Congress and elected officials are referred to as “The !!! One of the most important parts of a Congressional letter is the “ask.” The staffer reading the Honorable [Last Name].” The salutation should be “Dear Senator” or “Dear letter should know your position, whether it is co-sponsor a bill, vote against a bill, or support a Representative.” bill.

Include your full name and address. Ask for a response from the official. This is to show that you are a constituent, and will allow them to send you Ask them to explain their position and what they plan to do about the legislation with which you correspondence. are concerned.

Limit the letter to one page. Keep it short, if possible. Congressional offices receive thousands of letters a year. The goal is to get the attention of the office, motivate them to share your position by including a personal/compelling story or statistics, and relate it to a specific “ask” on a bill.

Limit the letter to one topic. For example, don’t include your views on violence against women and hate crimes in the same letter. Most likely, different people in the office handle those issues.

Give the name and number of the legislation about which you are writing. For example, “I am writing in support of S. 840, the Fair Pay Act.” For a letter addressing funding for a specific program, it is helpful to write, “I am writing in support of increased funding for Head Start programs in Fiscal Year [insert year].”

Identify yourself as a constituent. For example, “My name is [Insert Name] and I live in your district in Chicago.” You may also mention that you are a member of the YWCA USA or local YWCA association (however, do not imply that you are writing on behalf of that organization without its permission).

If you have first-hand knowledge that is relevant, you should consider using it. For instance, if you are writing to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and your local association receives VAWA funding for its domestic violence program, you may say “I have seen the importance of VAWA for the last four years through my work on VAWA-funded domestic violence programs.”

Use statistics and factual information to back up your position. When possible, include local or state specific information that can support your position. If you are seeing local trends or patterns emerging in your community, provide stories or evidence as much as possible.

Tell personal stories about communities you serve. If you have a compelling story about the programs you deliver and the clients you serve, tell it! Congressional offices are always eager to hear the human impact that policy has on the lives of their constituents.

2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2 Suite 550 Washington,! D.C. 20036

110 | YWCA

Give examples of how the legislation would impact your community.

Always tell the truth and be gracious. Writing to an Elected Official Be truthful and do not threaten. Be rational, but passionate. !

Limit the letter to one topic. For example, don’t include your views on violence against women and hate crimes in the same letter. Most likely, different people in the office handle those issues.

2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2 Suite 550 Washington,! D.C. 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 111

Sample Scheduling Request Letter Six Practical Tips on How to Lobby Your Member of Congress or Elected Official [Date] 1) Establish your agenda and goals. Attention Scheduler • Know which subjects you are going to address. Don’t overload the The Honorable Congressmember or Official with information; stick to no more than two or three United States issues. Office Building • Decide what you would like to get out of the visit, such as a commitment to vote Washington, D.C. Zip Code for your issue, leadership on the issue, or to simply provide information during the visit. Dear < Name>, • Allow time for small talk at the outset, but not too much. Remember that it’s your visit. On behalf of the YWCA of [____ ] serving [XX] number of women and girls • If it is a group visit, decide who will start the discussion and put your agenda on annually through [XX] programs, I am writing to request a meeting with you in your the table. [LOCATION] office on [DATE] from [ENTER TIMES AVAILABLE] to discuss our

key priorities under [ADVOCACY ISSUE]. 2) Listen well.

• Much of lobbying is listening: looking for indications of the elected official’s views I will be attending the meeting along with [INSERT names of staff, Board or and finding opportunities to provide good information. Coalition partners]. • If you are meeting with a “silent type,” draw conversation out of her/him by asking If the is unable to meet, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet questions and paying attention during the answers. the members of your staff who handle this legislation. Please contact me via e- • If you are confronted with a “long-winded type,” look for openings to bring him/her mail at [ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] or [ENTER PHONE NUMBER] to back to the point. discuss further. I will be following up with you in the next couple of days to discuss availability. 3) Be prepared, but don’t feel that you need to be an expert. • Most elected officials are generalists, like many of us. Do your homework, but Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you don’t feel that you need to know every little detail of an issue. soon. • Share personal feelings and experiences where appropriate. Relate the concerns of your friends and members of the community. Sincerely, 4) Don’t stay too long. [Your Name] • Try to get closure on your issue. [Title] • If you hear what you had hoped for, express your thanks and leave. [Your Affiliate] • If you reach an impasse, thank her/him, even if disappointed, and say so. Leave room to continue the discussion at another time.

5) Remember that you are there to build a relationship. • If the elected official is supportive of an issue you’ve been involved in or has supported your position in the past, be sure to acknowledge your appreciation during the course of the visit. • If the opposite is true, think of the phrase: “No permanent friends; no permanent enemies.” Someday, on some issue of importance to you, she/he may come through.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

112 | YWCA

• Much of lobbying is listening: looking for indications of the elected official’s views I will be attending the meeting along with [INSERT names of staff, Board or Coalition partners]. and finding opportunities to provide good information. • If you are meeting with a “silent type,” draw conversation out of her/him by asking If the is unable to meet, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet questions and paying attention during the answers. the members of your staff who handle this legislation. Please contact me via e- • If you are confronted with a “long-winded type,” look for openings to bring him/her mail at [ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] or [ENTER PHONE NUMBER] to back to the point. discuss further. I will be following up with you in the next couple of days to discuss availability. 3) Be prepared, but don’t feel that you need to be an expert. • Most elected officials are generalists, like many of us. Do your homework, but Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you don’t feel that you need to know every little detail of an issue. soon. • Share personal feelings and experiences where appropriate. Relate the concerns of your friends and members of the community. Sincerely, 4) Don’t stay too long. [Your Name] • Try to get closure on your issue. [Title] • If you hear what you had hoped for, express your thanks and leave. [Your Affiliate] • If you reach an impasse, thank her/him, even if disappointed, and say so. Leave room to continue the discussion at another time.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 113

• In the meantime, your visit may prevent the official from being an active opponent. In other words, you may help to turn down the heat on the other side. ! ! 6) Follow-up is important. ! !""#$%&'($#)'*%'+,"-#".'/00$-$*,' !!! • Be sure to send a thank you note after the visit. If commitments were made in the !! meeting, repeat your understanding of them. 1)"%'2-)".3,$%&'#)"'*445$%#6"%#7'-5%#*-#'#)"'500$-$*,82'9-)".3,":;' • If staff members were present, write to them too. They can often be important ! allies. "#$!%&'()*%+!'!(%(,%$!#-!.#/0$%11!23**!4'5%!'/!6))#3/7(%/7!8%9$%7'$:!#$! 894%;<*%$=!!.#/7'97!74%(!'/;!7%**!74%(!24'7!311<%1!:#!',#<7!'/;!24#! <5%8#'="'.$2-53:*&".'5:'500"%.".'$0'>53:'6""#$%&'$2'($#)'#)"'","-#".'500$-$*,82':#%!1<$%!7#!7%**!74%(!3-!:#

! ?'/:!#--393'*1+!%1)%93'**:!(%(,%$1!#-!.#/0$%11+!4'5%!17'--!74'7!(%%7!2374! 9#/1737<%/71!#/!1)%93-39!311<%1=!!?%%73/0!2374!'!17'--!)%$1#/!31!5'*<',*%!'/;!;#%1/@7! (%'/!74'7!:#%/!1%$3#<1*:=!!A--393'*1!$%*:!#/!17'--!7#!$%*':!9#/5%$1'73#/1! 2374!9#'*373#/1!'/;!#$0'/3B'73#/@1!)#1373#/1!7#!74%(=!!!C4%:!'$%!74%!0'7%>%%)%$1!7#! ?"'4:"4*:".;74%!?%(,%$!#-!.#/0$%11=!!!' !

D%1%'$94!74%!5#73/0!$%9#$;!'/;!53%21!#-!74%!#--393'*!2374!24#(!:#53:'6*$%'45$%#2'*)"*.'50'#$6";3-!:#0$#53:'6*$%'45$%#2'$%#5'*'.$*,5&3"'5:'-5%B":2*#$5%;'/;!3/7%$%171=! ! ! E#53:'*445$%#6"%#'#5'-5%0$:6'#)"'#$6"'*%.',5-*#$5%;'/;!9#/931%*:=! ! ! <:"22'4:50"22$5%*,,>;.#/-3$(!3-!:#!'773$%!31!'))$#)$3'7%=! ! ! I<$3/0!74%!*%031*'735%!1%113#/+!743/01!9#(%!<)!'7!74%!*'17!(3/<7%=!!8#(%73(%1!:#

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Suite 550 Washington,! D.C. 20036

114 | YWCA

D%1%'$94!74%!5#73/0!$%9#$;!'/;!53%21!#-!74%!#--393'*!2374!24#(!:#53:'6*$%'45$%#2'*)"*.'50'#$6";C4%!EF.6!G86!';5#9'9:!7%'(!9'/!4%*)!:#0$#53:'6*$%'45$%#2'$%#5'*'.$*,5&3"'5:'-5%B":2*#$5%;'/;!3/7%$%171=! ! ! E#53:'*445$%#6"%#'#5'-5%0$:6'#)"'#$6"'*%.',5-*#$5%;'/;!9#/931%*:=! ! ! <:"22'4:50"22$5%*,,>;.#/-3$(!3-!:#!'773$%!31!'))$#)$3'7%=! ! ! I<$3/0!74%!*%031*'735%!1%113#/+!743/01!9#(%!<)!'7!74%!*'17!(3/<7%=!!8#(%73(%1!:#

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Suite 550 Washington,! D.C. 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 115

E0'>53'&5'*2'*'&:5347'4$-F'*'245F"24":25%;

! ORGANIZING A CANDIDATE FORUM J39>!#/%!)%$1#/!3/!:#<$!0$#<)!24#!31!'!9#/1737<%/7!7#!1%$5%!'1!74%!1)#>%1)%$1#/=!I353;3/0! @5%2$.":'>53:2",0'#)"'$%05:6*#$5%'253:-";<)!$#*%1!3/!';5'/9%!4%*)1!2374!74%!-*#2!#-!74%!(%%73/0=!!! Setting up a Candidate Forum or a debate watching party can be fun and simple. Here are some ! tips to keep in mind if you would like to organize a forum in your community. ! K%!1<$%!7#!<1%!-'97<'*!3/-#$('73#/+!9<$$%/7!17'7317391+!'1!2%**!'1!)%$1#/'*!17#$3%1!7#!('>%! FIND A GOOD LOCATION 9#*>'05-32".'5%'5%"'$223"'*%.'*,(*>2'*2F'05:'*'24"-$0$-'*-#$5%'5%'#)"'4*:#'50'#)"':#<$!)#3/7=!!?'>%!1<$%!74%:!'$%!'99<$'7%=! • Consider hosting the event at your local YWCA, or a local community center. 500$-$*,;! ' • Choose a date and time for your event that you think is most convenient for your community: will evenings generate a better turn out, or weekends? • Look for a public transportation-friendly location that also has space available for "#$!3/17'/9%+!'1>!74%(!7#!5#7%!-#$!#$!9#L1)#/1#$!'!,3**!:#2'="'&:*-$532'*%.'#:3#)03,; ! CREATE A PROGRAM ! • Determine the purpose of the event and create a program for the evening – what matters M5%/!3-!74%!#--393'*!#$!17'--!)%$1#/!31!$<;%!#$!'2#*00'6"6=":'4:"2"%#'*#'>53:'6""#$%&;'/:743/0!-'*1%!7#!('>%!'!)#3/7=! • Identify issues that you’d like to focus on, and find speakers that are able to speak to ! those issues. ! • Be sure to have a conversation with each speaker about the goals for the evening, and A5,,5('34;E#L:#%;!-#$+!1%/;!74%(!'/:!';;373#/'*! SPREAD THE WORD 3/-#$('73#/!:#!74%(!-#$!7'>3/0!74%!73(%!7#!(%%7!2374!:#<=!! • Contact community members, friends, and family to let them know about your upcoming ! event. • Utilize social media to spread the word: post on Facebook and Twitter with details about the event at least 4 weeks prior, and continue to send out information about the event at least once a week. • Create and post fliers throughout your local community: at the library, grocery stores, community centers, and places of worship. • Place an ad in your local newspaper with information about your event.

PLAN AHEAD • Make sure you have enough seating for participants. • Create a sign-in sheet to record contact information for attendees so that you can remain in contact for future events. • If you are planning to have a discussion after the event, be sure recruit volunteers beforehand to moderate a Q&A session for the audience. • Provide pens and paper for attendees to take notes during the event. • Provide light refreshments: ask a local restaurant or grocery store to help cover the costs through donations and sponsorships. • Set up a resource table in the room to provide information about your local YWCA, as well as other community resources.

2 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

116 | YWCA

E0'>53'&5'*2'*'&:5347'4$-F'*'245F"24":25%;

2 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 117

ISSUE IDEAS Hosting a Community Forum • Racial Justice • Affirmative Action Determine event location and time: • Hate Crimes • Consider hosting the forum at your local YWCA. • Immigration • Choose a date and time for your event. • Violence Against Women • Determine the purpose of the event, for example: • Minimum Wage o A dialogue on the importance of health care: what works with the current system, • Social Security and what needs to be improved to make the system better. • Equal Pay o A dialogue about how health care reform benefits women, children and families in your state. • Federal Budget/Investments

• Taxes Determine speakers: • Health Care • Choose your speakers and the topic you wish them to cover, and the amount of time they • Child Care will each have to speak. • Early Education • Consider inviting two or three key individuals to speak at your forum.

o Key community leaders can include: elected officials, doctors and nurses, civil rights, or women's rights leaders. • Choose a non-partisan facilitator for your event.

Spread the word: • Create a registration page for your forum using a service like Eventbrite or Facebook Events. Direct individuals and groups to register with this service, and put a link to register on the front page of your website. • Contact key individuals or groups (via phone or email) and invite them to the forum. • Create and hand out fliers to individuals in your community up to a week before the event, to ensure maximum turn out. Make sure the fliers include date, time, location, and link to your website. • Place an ad in your local newspaper with information on the purpose, date, time, and location of the forum, and a link to your website. • Two or three days before the event, send out an email reminder to those who have registered, or place a phone call to key individuals or groups, reminding them of the event and reconfirming their attendance. • Create a sign in sheet. On the day of the event, have individuals sign in when they arrive or prior to leaving so you can follow up with them regarding your campaigns and other issues.

At the forum: • Make sure you have enough seating for participants. • During your program, allow for sufficient question and answer time (time for dialogue) between speakers and the audience. • Provide information on the issue from credible, reliable sources. • Direct people to your website and make sure there are easy ways to take actions and join your social networks listed on your website.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

118 | YWCA

o Key community leaders can include: elected officials, doctors and nurses, civil rights, or women's rights leaders. • Choose a non-partisan facilitator for your event.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 119

Press Release Template YWCA History of Voting Advocacy For Immediate Release ! Date: World War II Soldier Absentee Voting Media Contact: Insert name, email & phone number !!! • Absentee voting dates back to the Revolutionary War, when the colonies made special provisions for voters who couldn’t make it to the polls on Election Day. After the Civil War, absentee measures were dropped during times of peace Headline Announcement of News • The YWCA worked during World War II for the passage of the Soldier Voting Act of 1942, Subhead that calls out important information or a key statistic which guaranteed soldiers a vote while deployed. This was the first legislation guaranteeing military members a vote in Presidential and Congressional election during

First paragraph: Announcement of YWCA news or YWCA’s stance on an issue. wartime.

Second paragraph: Quote from YWCA national spokesperson or local association that explains Source: The Past Is Prelude: Fifty Years of Social Action in the YWCA by Elsie D. Harper and or supports the leading news. “Servicemembers to Follow Long Absentee Voting Tradition” by Donna Miles

Third paragraph: Additional explanation of the YWCA news – why it’s relevant and how it ties into the YWCA mission. Poll Taxes

Fourth paragraph: Highlight relevant statistics relating to the news or issue. • By 1904, all former confederate states had adopted poll taxes as part of Jim Crow Laws.

Fifth paragraph: Explanation of statistics. Georgia initiated the first poll tax in 1871; in 1877, Georgia’s poll tax became cumulative, meaning citizens who wanted to vote in one election would have to pay for past poll taxes Sixth paragraph: Quote from YWCA spokesperson (can be regional or association in order to vote. The function of the poll tax was purely to disenfranchise lower income spokesperson). voters, not to raise state revenue.

Seventh paragraph: Call to action regarding issue of the release, how to request more • YWCA began to lobby Congress to end the end poll taxes in 1936. The YWCA lobbied information: against poll taxes because it discriminated against those of with a lower income and often of a different race, making it difficult for these individuals to obtain true equality. For more information about how to give your time, talent, tenacity and financial support to support the YWCA of (location), please contact (info here) or visit (URL here). • During the 1950s, YWCA members created a group to help voters learn about the poll tax and how it could be paid. Before this time, many people didn’t vote because they thought the poll tax was an impossible barrier to overcome About the YWCA • The YWCA encouraged those who could afford the poll tax to vote. This resulted in a Poll The YWCA is the voice for every woman. For over a century, the YWCA has spoken out and Tax Day. YWCA members spoke at area churches and collected the taxes from 1,500 taken action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, individuals. Members of the Citizens’ Committee then turned in their taxes to the empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. municipal office. This event allowed many to vote for the first time. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries. • The passage of the 24th Amendment barred the use of poll taxes th o The 24 Amendment passed by Congress on August 27, 1962 o The necessary three-fourths ratification from the states led to the enactment of the th ### 24 Amendment on January 23, 1964. • Today the issue of poll taxes once again receives attention in the United States as state legislatures begin to pass Voter ID requirements. 11 states now require voters to show identification when voting, a requirement that has been found to disenfranchise minority groups, college students, and the elderly.

2025 M St., N.W., Ste. 550 (202) 467-0801 phone www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 467-0802 fax Washington, DC 20036 ! !

120 | YWCA

First paragraph: Announcement of YWCA news or YWCA’s stance on an issue. wartime.

Third paragraph: Additional explanation of the YWCA news – why it’s relevant and how it ties into the YWCA mission. Poll Taxes

Fourth paragraph: Highlight relevant statistics relating to the news or issue. • By 1904, all former confederate states had adopted poll taxes as part of Jim Crow Laws.

2025 M St., N.W., Ste. 550 (202) 467-0801 phone www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 467-0802 fax Washington, DC 20036 ! !

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 121

Source: The Past Is Prelude: Fifty Years of Social Action in the YWCA by Elsie D. Harper, “Race, Current Stances Voting Rights, and Segregation Direct Disenfranchisement” by the Geography of Race in the U.S., and • In 1991, at the 32nd National Convention of the YWCA of the USA, the following “Voter ID: Poll Tax or Common Sense?” by Amy Bingham measures were supported:

o Measures to strengthen the implementation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Lowering the Voting Age o Extension of the franchise to residents of the District of Columbia, including full voting representation in the United States Congress and self-government. • Following medieval European tradition on adulthood and British common law, the United o Measures to remove arbitrary residential and other restrictions to assure voting States established its minimum voting age as 21. rights to qualified citizens. • The “lowering the voting age” movement began in 1968, during the Vietnam War. It was o Measures to assure the principle of fair representation in state legislative bodies argued that, if the drafting age was set at 18, so should the voting age. The YWCA joined and of an equal distribution of voting power to all citizens. the movement to extend the right to vote to individuals between the ages of 18 to 20- o Measures to remove all barriers to full and free participation in the political year-olds.The movement adopted the slogan “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote”. process: in voting, selection of candidates, holding elective and appointive office • The 1970 Voting Rights Act called for the voting age to be 18, but Supreme Court ruled it and influencing public policy. unconstitutional for Congress to mandate the voting age for state and local elections • The YWCA currently opposes practices which discriminate against individuals, such as o After the Supreme Court ruling in Oregon vs. Mitchell, it was determined that the providing false and misleading information to voters who live in low-income areas, only way to lower the voting age was through an amendment to the Constitution. disenfranchisement of former inmates, and acts of intimidation. o The 26th amendment was the fastest Constitutional Amendment passed in history. Source: “Public Policy: A Continuing YWCA Program 1991-1994” by YWCA USA and YWCA Voter Website ! Congress passed the 26th amendment on March 23, 1971. ! Four months later, the 26th amendment received the necessary three- fourth ratification from state legislatures on June 30, 1971 to be enacted.

Source: The Past Is Prelude: Fifty Years of Social Action in the YWCA by Elsie D. Harper and “The 26th Amendment Lowers Voting Age to 18” by The Leadership Conference

Recent Campaigns

• In 2000, the YWCA USA conducted the “We Vote and Our Voices are Heard” campaign. These provided training sessions and published materials to encourage voters to register and vote. • In 2001, the YWCA successfully ran “Institutes for Public Leadership.” This provided leadership tools for YWs across the country to help women run for office. • The YWCA also partnered with the League of Women Voters (LWV) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to promote voter education. • In 2012, YWCA mobilized women to vote on reproductive health and economic issues. The YWCA USA partnered with HERvotes, a coalition that is dedicated to harnessing the growing power of women in the United States. o YWCA USA also launched a new voter resource website. o YWCAs engaged in Get-Out-the-Vote Drives to get first time voters registered o YWCAs across the country participated in the first ever National Day of Voter Registration on September 24, 2012.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

122 | YWCA

Source: The Past Is Prelude: Fifty Years of Social Action in the YWCA by Elsie D. Harper and “The 26th Amendment Lowers Voting Age to 18” by The Leadership Conference

Recent Campaigns

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 123

Election Do’s and Don’ts Can the YWCA endorse or work for or against referenda or ballot initiatives? Q&A on YWCA USA’s 501(c)(3) Status Yes; the YWCA may conduct advocacy for issue-related measures, and local associations are The YWCA USA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, as determined by the Internal encouraged to do so. The IRS considers activity focused on ballot measures as lobbying activity, Revenue Service. While this status allows tax advantages for organizations such as the YWCA, and non-profits may do this work depending on their lobbying limits. it also limits some of the political and lobbying activities in which the organization can engage. The IRS makes the distinction because advocacy on ballot measures is an attempt to influence a proposed law or a policy – NOT the election or defeat of a candidate. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding permissible activity by YWCA and associations during an election year. To learn more about what is allowable, refer to this link: http://www.nonprofitvote.org/checklists- and-factsheets.html

Can the YWCA, YWCA staff, board members, or volunteers endorse a candidate or party? Can the YWCA encourage members to vote for candidates with certain views? No; only as private individuals can YWCA staff, board members or volunteers endorse candidates. The role of the individual in the YWCA must be completely distinct from any personal No; telling members to vote for candidates based on their positions is an endorsement of activity endorsing, supporting, or promoting a candidate or party. individual candidates.

There is no prohibition on political activities for non-profit employees during their free time. However, staff members and others referenced above cannot be seen as representing the Can YWCA do candidate questionnaires? organization on a campaign, nor may they use organizational resources for a candidate. Yes, with restrictions. The YWCA must: Nonprofit staff may engage in partisan activities, such as supporting, donating, or volunteering, on their own personal time outside of normal work hours. Vacation time and personal time can • Distribute the questionnaire to every candidate. also be used for the purpose of engaging in political activity. • Ask a broad range of unbiased questions. • Print responses exactly as received from the candidates without edits, editorial comment, Board members and volunteers should follow the same protocol outlined for staff members and without stating the YWCA’s views. described while representing their non-profit organization.

Examples of questions that candidates can be asked on questionnaires and at candidate forums:

Can the YWCA staff, board members, or volunteers use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, in their personal time to endorse candidates? • Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking continue to plague all of our nation’s communities, but immigrant women, LGBT victims, communities of color, and Yes; it is allowable for nonprofit staff to convey their own personal platform on social media, as native women face particular challenges. What would you do to ensure that all victims of long as it cannot be viewed as an organizational representation, and is done in their free time. A violence receive the protection and services they need? personal disclaimer can be used: “This position is in a personal capacity and not a reflection of • Do you support full federal funding for childcare, Head Start, and pre-Kindergarten [organization].” Staff should not use official YWCA social media accounts to comment on programs? candidates or for any partisan purpose. • What is your position on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)? For high-level representatives in the organization, such as a CEO, Executive Director, or even Board Member, it is highly encouraged to follow 501(c)(3) guidelines and remain nonpartisan, Consider the following when planning Candidate Forums and/or on questionnaires: even when using a personal social media account, during the election season. Usage of a personal account to make a statement about a candidate could be conflated or perceived as the • Avoid “Yes or No” questions. Ask open-ended questions. It is best to start by framing the organization’s position. question this way: “What is your position on XYZ?” instead of: “Are you supportive of XYZ?” • Avoid candidate pledges. These pledges ask candidates to promise to support or oppose a particular policy, if elected.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

124 | YWCA

Examples of questions that candidates can be asked on questionnaires and at candidate forums:

Can the YWCA staff, board members, or volunteers use social media, such as Facebook • and Twitter, in their personal time to endorse candidates? Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking continue to plague all of our nation’s communities, but immigrant women, LGBT victims, communities of color, and Yes; it is allowable for nonprofit staff to convey their own personal platform on social media, as native women face particular challenges. What would you do to ensure that all victims of long as it cannot be viewed as an organizational representation, and is done in their free time. A violence receive the protection and services they need? personal disclaimer can be used: “This position is in a personal capacity and not a reflection of • Do you support full federal funding for childcare, Head Start, and pre-Kindergarten [organization].” Staff should not use official YWCA social media accounts to comment on programs? candidates or for any partisan purpose. • What is your position on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)? For high-level representatives in the organization, such as a CEO, Executive Director, or even Board Member, it is highly encouraged to follow 501(c)(3) guidelines and remain nonpartisan, Consider the following when planning Candidate Forums and/or on questionnaires: even when using a personal social media account, during the election season. Usage of a personal account to make a statement about a candidate could be conflated or perceived as the • Avoid “Yes or No” questions. Ask open-ended questions. It is best to start by framing the organization’s position. question this way: “What is your position on XYZ?” instead of: “Are you supportive of XYZ?” • Avoid candidate pledges. These pledges ask candidates to promise to support or oppose a particular policy, if elected.

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 125

Can YWCA host candidate forums? • Host candidate forums and candidate appearances • Educate the candidates Yes, with restrictions. The YWCA must ensure that: • Encourage voter participation

• All candidates are invited to participate. • Educate voters about voting rights and election reform • A broad range of unbiased questions are asked. • Help on Election Day • Candidates do not solicit contributions. • Conduct issue advocacy during an election • YWCA ’s views on the issues are not mentioned or available in writing at the event. • Support and oppose ballot questions

What if one of the candidates cannot attend, or does not respond to a questionnaire? Are there restrictions on publishing voting records?

Ask the candidate to send a campaign representative to participate in the forum. If only one Yes; the YWCA must: candidate is left to attend the forum, it is advisable to cancel. • Include the entire legislative body/delegation. In the case of questionnaires, make it clear when you release your results that you received no • Ensure that a broad range of issues are covered. response from a candidate. Again, if only one candidate provides answers, you should cancel • Limit distribution of the voting records to YWCA members, if the publication states the questionnaire. YWCA’s positions on issues and compares those positions with the candidates’ votes. It cannot be distributed to the general public. In the case of a multi-candidate race, where some candidates participate and some do not,

please contact the National Advocacy team to determine next steps.

What are some basic tips for 501(c)(3) compliance when planning election activities?

May we invite someone who is running for office to speak at an event unrelated to the • election? Always include all candidates. • Never state positions or editorialize on any questions asked of candidates. It is safest not to invite candidates to speak at any program during the election cycle. If, however, • Present a broad and varied array of questions. you do invite a candidate to speak as an expert on an issue or as a sitting public official, make it • Never endorse or oppose a candidate or party. clear to the invitee that they must not refer to their candidacy or election in any way. • Make sure your presentation is unbiased.

Clarify in your program materials and event promotion that the appearance does not constitute a political endorsement. If you are asked by the media about a candidate’s issue platform and how it relates to the YWCA’s priorities, how should one respond? In what sort of election activities is YWCA allowed to participate? Response:

YWCA members can and should engage in voter registration, conduct public education and “The YWCA does not take positions on political candidates. We are an organization trainings about participation in elections, initiate get-out-the-vote drives that are directed at all dedicated to promoting policies that eliminate racism and empower women.” voters irrespective of their views or party, and publish voting records if guidelines are observed.

It is important to refrain from commenting on the candidate’s platform, as it could be taken as an

endorsement or opposition of the candidate. For any media inquiries on candidates and their In short, the YWCA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit can, on a non-partisan basis, do the following: platform, it is highly suggested that no reference be made to their positions. A comparison of the candidate’s position and the organization’s issues should not take place. • Register voters Should you be a key spokesperson for your association, speaking to your Communications • Educate voters on the process of voting Team in advance of events where there could be an election undertone is highly suggested. If • Create voter guides on candidates and ballot measures

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

126 | YWCA

Can YWCA host candidate forums? • Host candidate forums and candidate appearances • Educate the candidates Yes, with restrictions. The YWCA must ensure that: • Encourage voter participation

What if one of the candidates cannot attend, or does not respond to a questionnaire? Are there restrictions on publishing voting records?

What are some basic tips for 501(c)(3) compliance when planning election activities?

May we invite someone who is running for office to speak at an event unrelated to the • Always include all candidates. election? • Never state positions or editorialize on any questions asked of candidates. It is safest not to invite candidates to speak at any program during the election cycle. If, however, • Present a broad and varied array of questions. you do invite a candidate to speak as an expert on an issue or as a sitting public official, make it • Never endorse or oppose a candidate or party. clear to the invitee that they must not refer to their candidacy or election in any way. • Make sure your presentation is unbiased.

It is important to refrain from commenting on the candidate’s platform, as it could be taken as an

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 127

you are not a spokesperson for the organization, you should know who the correct spokespeople are and refrain from commenting.

Can an organization like the YWCA state its position on public policy issues on which candidates for public office are divided?

An organization may take positions on public policy issues, including issues that divide candidates in an election for public office, as long as the message does not in any way favor or oppose a candidate.

Be aware that the message does not need to identify the candidate by name to be prohibited political activity. A message that shows a picture of a candidate, refers to a candidate’s political party affiliations, or other distinctive features of a candidate’s platform or biography may result in prohibited political activity.1

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "!#$$%&''((()*+,)-./'0#1+*$*2,'0#1+*$1342'1+$*042'566*78"9:;<=655)#$>4! !

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

128 | YWCA

you are not a spokesperson for the organization, you should know who the correct spokespeople are and refrain from commenting.

Can an organization like the YWCA state its position on public policy issues on which candidates for public office are divided?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "!#$$%&''((()*+,)-./'0#1+*$*2,'0#1+*$1342'1+$*042'566*78"9:;<=655)#$>4! !

2025 M Street, NW, Suite 550 202-467-0801 www.ywca.org Washington, DC 20036

A Toolkit for Advocacy | 129