Blogs

March 24, 2017

We are pleased to share the following highlights from this week:

National Events & Campaigns

• Improving maternal healthcare for women of color is one of our public policy priorities this year. Those who attend the National Conference will have the opportunity to attend a breakout session about YWCA's role in addressing maternal health disparities in our communities. A panel of national experts will define and explore maternal health-related disparities, policy developments, and direct service approaches. Don't miss this and other great opportunities to learn: register now!
• Stand Against Racism is one of the few times a year that we offer an online store. Stop by to pick up buttons, tee-shirts, wristbands, and more. Stand Against Racism is only five weeks away. Don't miss out on this network-wide signature campaign: register today.

Public Policy & Advocacy

• Keep up the good work! Your advocacy efforts are already making a difference. Congress has postponed the vote on the ACA repeal bill until Friday afternoon (today!). Call your Members of Congress and tell them to vote NO on the American Health Care Act.
• Join two informative public policy and advocacy webinars coming up: 3/29 YWCA USA Policy Update Webinar and 4/13 Supporting Immigrant Communities Webinar.

New Resources

• Curious about YWCA's commitment to women of color? Learn more by reading this mini-paper about why women of color are at the center of our work.
• Did you know that 40% of YWCAs provide housing and that we've offered housing since 1860? Read more about our housing services today and our long legacy in this brand new mini-paper.
• We are proud to release an informative new fact sheet about racial profiling and criminalization of communities of color – one of our top public policy priorities.

Communications & Marketing

• YWCA USA's statement on the administration's budget priorities was picked up by Self.com on March 17.
• Do you have great photos? YWCA USA is working on a video and other materials to promote a new program with our partners at USA Track and Field called RunJumpThrow. We are looking for photos of children running, jumping and throwing at YWCA events. If you have pictures you would be willing to share with YWCA USA for use in these promotional materials, please contact Cindy Hoffman, VP of communications and marketing.

We were honored to join World YWCA and our sister YWCAs from around the world at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women last week. YWCA USA participated in two panel discussions, one centered on young women's success in the workforce and another on the importance of intersectionality in our social movements. We hope you enjoy these photos from our welcome reception.

In Case You Missed It

• YWCA 101, an introductory webinar to YWCA USA, will be offered March 28 and April 25. Register your staff, volunteers and board!
• Want to know more about what's happening in our public policy and advocacy efforts? Check out the advocacy section of the Intranet and review the biweekly policy update that was released last Friday.
• Casey Harden, interim CEO, talked with Penny Hoarder about the financial considerations that come with leaving an abusive partner.

Questions about what you read today? Contact communications@ywca.org.