Weekly Wrap-Up 1/17/2020

By Jackie Adhiambo posted 01-23-2020 01:38 PM

As we prepare to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, two things are top of mind for us -- the Women's March and the launch of our Stand Against Racism campaign.

We're excited to join the Women's March tomorrow. As we have each year since 2017, YWCA is proud to again partner with the Women’s March Network [the 501(c)(3) entity affiliated with the Women’s March] to raise women’s voices and create a world which sees women the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.

Through our 501(c)(3)-compliant support, YWCA USA co-hosted a convening of 50 feminist leaders in Washington, DC today to strategize about 2020 and to advance feminist leadership. YWCA USA CEO Alejandra Y. Castillo represented YWCA in this important conversation.

As we have in past years, YWCA USA will hand out YWCA signs and join in the national March in Washington, DC, tomorrow (Saturday, January 18th). We encourage local YWCAs to use this tool on the Women’s March website to find sister marches happening near you.

Please be aware that tomorrow's March will engage both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. While some organizations may focus on impeachment, recent military activities, or other political topics, YWCA USA’s messaging at the March will focus on lifting women’s voices and empowering women. At all times, we will remain well within legally permissible bounds for 501(c)(3) organizations. We encourage each local YWCA that elects to participate in Women’s March activities to take care in how they engage.

As a reminder, check out YWCA USA’s 2020 Women’s March toolkit for tips to keep in mind as you prepare for the march and guidance for how to follow up the march with continued action in your community. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates from the Women's March.

Beginning on Monday, January 20, you will be able to log in to StandAgainstRacism.org to learn more about this year’s theme, access new tools and resources, and register your events.

Lastly, we hope you will sign up for our new, monthly external newsletter, YWCA: We Do the Work, A Monthly Update. This electronic newsletter will feature the latest information on our initiatives and the work that each of you do every day to drive real change. The January issue was shared earlier this week.

Finally, make sure to check out the details below for our design-a-scarf contest. The winning design will receive a complimentary entry to LCBI this June in Chicago, plus YWCA swag!

Announcing YWCA USA’s Design-a-Scarf Contest We are thrilled to announce a competition that is sure to blow your socks (err, scarves) off! We invite you to submit original artwork for the design of a YWCA silk scarf. All entries will be judged by an unbiased YWCA USA panel. The winning design will be available for everyone to purchase. The dimensions for the scarf are 8" x 45". When designing, keep in mind that we are big fans of persimmon 😉. Please use our logo and use our new brand story language. The contest is exclusively open to association staff and the winner will receive a complimentary entry to LCBI this June in Chicago (plus a few other YWCA goodies)! Submissions must be received this Monday, January 20th. You can submit your high-resolution art design entry here.
Stand Against Racism: Online Registration Opens This Monday Log in to StandAgainstRacism.org starting Monday, January 20th to learn more about this year’s theme, access new tools and resources, and register your events. Stand Against Racism 2020 Launch Webinar Join us for the Stand Against Racism 2020 Launch Webinar on Wednesday, January 22nd at 3 p.m. ET. We will go over the registration process, this year’s theme (civic engagement), materials and resources, the social media engagement strategy, and much more! Register for the webinar today and join us to learn how you can raise awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism and by building community among those who work for racial justice. Register Today!
The United State of Women Ambassador Program The United State of Women is accepting applications for their next cohort of Ambassadors! The USOW Ambassador program is an opportunity for current and future leaders who are passionate about fighting for gender equity – no matter their background or experience. Ambassadors across the U.S. are mapping their local women’s movement, connecting stakeholders, and amplifying the work of activists in their communities. This year, USOW is looking to expand the program in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Apply today! The deadline to apply is January 20th at midnight local time.
The Development team is very excited to announce Fundraising Fundamentals: a new monthly webinar series designed to provide best practices and practical advice on all facets of fundraising, answer pressing questions, and help participants achieve greater fundraising success—regardless of your budget size. We invite you to join us for the first session at the end of this month: Development Goal Setting Tuesday, January 28th 2- 3pm ET If you do not set goals...you will not reach them. This presentation will explore how to create fundraising goals that guide the work and ensure success. Core to your organization meeting its funding needs is setting ambitious yet rational goals; and identifying campaigns, key benchmarks and milestones throughout the year to organize the effort. Other potential topics include: Creating a Culture of Abundance, The Art of Email Outreach, Cultivation & Stewardship, Making the Ask, Perfecting Prospect Research, Events & Sponsorship Strategy, Board Development, and more. We hope you’ll join us for this terrific learning opportunity and welcome any feedback on other development topics you’re interested in learning more about.
Monthly Public Policy Webinar: January 29 2020 is going to be an exciting year for YWCA advocacy. Start the year off right by joining the Public Policy Webinar and learning about the launch of our YWomenVote2020 campaign, new field engagement technology, important pieces of federal legislation, Stand Against Racism advocacy materials, and what census work looks like at the local level. Register now to join this jam-packed webinar on January 29!
2020 Quarterly Training There are several webinars available to support YWCA staff and leadership in 2020! Live Quarterly webinars are available for the following, and recordings of these sessions can also be found on the intranet. View full descriptions and dates on the YWCA Intranet. YWCA 101 for New Staff Members and Volunteers. Our YWCA 101 webinars area a great opportunity for local association staff and board members to learn all about the YWCA in just sixty minutes. Governance Fundamentals for YWCA Board Members. All YWCA new and existing board members are encouraged to join us for one of our quarterly introductory webinar sessions on governance fundamentals to learn more about roles and responsibilities as a YWCA board member. YWCA Board Chair/President Strategies for Success. This webinar is designed for existing or new board chairs/presidents to instill confidence, share strategies, and build skills for those who have or will step into this position.
Registration is Open: Association Network Meetings YWCA USA will host two Association Network Meetings to discuss current initiatives, share and support each other, and to work together to strengthen our entire network. This is especially critical as we implement YWCA USA’s Strategic Business Plan and intentionally moved toward reciprocity and increased synergy. 2020 is an important year for YWCA and participation at these Association Network Meetings allow us a moment to pause and set our intentions. Learn more and register today!
Planning Big Things for Women’s History Month? We Want to Hear About It! YWCA USA is looking forward to celebrating Women’s History Month in March to recognize the great contributions that women have made to our nation. Is your Association planning a luncheon, town-hall, march, or other initiative? We’d love to hear about it! YWCA USA is working to build a calendar of 31 Days of Women Social Impact for the month of March. Each day, we will promote activities, events, messaging, etc. that recognizes and celebrates women leading local action for change in economic opportunity and empowerment, women’s political participation and public engagement, gender-based violence and human rights. Please let us know what you are planning in the month of March for Women’s History Month by emailing communications@ywca.org.
Virginia Legislature Casts Historic Votes to Pass the Equal Rights Amendment This week the Virginia Legislature voted to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) (S.J. 1/H.J. 1) and thus the amendment crosses the 38-state threshold for ratification and addition to the U.S. Constitution. The ERA states, "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." Although the fate of the ERA and women’s inclusion in the Constitution is still in question (read more here), this is a historic step forward for the women's rights and equality movement. YWCA USA invites you to celebrate this victory with us!
Wells Fargo and Enterprise Community Partners Launch the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge Wells Fargo and Enterprise Community Partners have opened the application process for the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge, a nationwide search for the most innovative, scalable and viable ideas to increase housing affordability solutions. “YWCA is creating a safer, more just world, by offering emergency, transitional, and long-term housing to survivors of domestic violence, women and families, veterans, and the elderly in communities across the nation," said Alejandra Y. Castillo, CEO, YWCA USA, "grants and financial resources like this one from Wells Fargo can help us work to continue to fill the gap for affordable housing for many women and their families.” The competition is expected to draw hundreds of applications from around the U.S., will award six grants of more than $2 million each, in addition to providing two-years of technical assistance from Enterprise to help turn the grantees’ concepts into reality. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Thank You World YWCA! YWCA USA would like to express our gratitude to the World YWCA for the opportunity to attend the World Council and work toward our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities in South Africa.
Subscribe to YWCA: We Do the Work, A Monthly Update Last week, YWCA USA released the first issue of YWCA: We Do the Work, A Monthly Update. Through this electronic newsletter we hope to elevate and increase awareness of the YWCA brand; increase clarity about YWCA’s work to drive real change; and increase support of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter today and share with your colleagues, friends, and others in your network. Please share, like, or post details on your social media.
YWCA Employment Opportunities Make sure to check out all of the YWCA employment opportunities around the country listed in our jobs center. Director of Member Services Social Innovation, Investment and Impact Intern Communications and Marketing Intern
YWCA University Winter Quarter Dates Registration opens: Monday, January 13th, 2020 Course begins: Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 Registration closes: Monday, January 27th, 2020 Course must be completed: Saturday, April 18th, 2020 Be sure to register for YWCA University on the YWCA Intranet.
Association Spotlight: Potluck for Peace at YWCA Lower Cape Fear! YWCA Lower Cape Fear hosted their fourth "Potluck for Peace" in advance of MLK day. Their event, which was hosted by Historian and Podcast Host, Lettie Shumate, facilitated an honest discussion about Dr. King's truths, who he was, what he stood for, and the fierce urgency of now, while weaving together history and present-day issues. Their event turned out a crowd of 125 to hear about these important issues. Check out their Instagram page @ywca-lowercapefear to watch a highlight of the event!
Important dates for your calendar January: National Stalking Awareness Month January 18: National Women’s March 2020 January 20: Stand Against Racism Campaign Launch January 22: Stand Against Racism Webinar January 29: #YWomenVote Road Tour at YWCA New Hampshire January 29: Monthly Policy Webinar February 11: YWCA 101: Webinar for New Staff Members and Volunteers February 12: Governance Fundamentals for YWCA Board Members Webinar February 13: YWCA Board Chair/President Strategies for Success Webinar February 20 – 21: Association Network Meeting - San Diego, CA March: Women's History Month; YWCA's 31 Days of Social Impact for Women April 1 – 2: Association Network Meeting - Charlotte, NC April 23 – 26: Stand Against Racism June 17 – 20: YWCA LCBI in Chicago Questions about what you read today? Contact communications@ywca.org. Be sure to follow YWCA USA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

#NationalCommunications
#WeeklyWrap-up

0 comments

38 views

Permalink

https://intranet.ywca.org/blogs/jackie-adhiambo/2020/01/23/weekly-wrap-up-1172020

Blogs