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. 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