Blogs

October 6, 2017

We are pleased to share the following YWCA USA updates:

March for Black Women / March for Racial Justice

We were proud to be an official sponsor of these important marches this past weekend, and we are thrilled to share that there was a strong YWCA presence not only at the national marches in D.C., but also at sister events across the country! Read our new blog post about our involvement and experience in these events, and check out this blog from Sequoia Smith, our public policy and advocacy intern, reflecting on the day.

Another Attack on Women's Reproductive Health

Today, the White House announced a proposed rule that expands the religious exemption to the federal requirement that health insurance plans include birth control coverage. Read our statement in response to this shameful attempt to deny women access to a full range of reproductive health services.

Week Without Violence: October 16 – 20

We are quickly approaching Week Without Violence! Don't forget to register your events now to access the digital toolkit and track our national impact, and to encourage your partners to host and register events too. Please remember to use the hashtag #WWV17 on social media to share information and resources, raise awareness, and promote your events. And if you're interested in showcasing your stories and perspectives, be sure to send us your blog submissions!

Dream Act

Earlier this week, we stood with our partners on Capitol Hill to call on Congress to act immediately to pass a clean Dream Act. Our field engagement manager Samantha Davis spoke on behalf of the organization. You can read or watch her full remarks in this blog post. Please continue taking action to support Dreamers this week, and encouraging others to do the same.

Senate Recess Plan: October 6 – 15

The Senate recessed today, and will return on Monday, October 16. Engage your senators on the Dream Act, the End Racial and Religious Profiling Act, and the upcoming Week Without Violence (October 16-20) while they are in their home states. Read the latest recess plan for more guidance and information.

Geo-Network Meetings

In FY18, geo-network meetings will be held in conjunction with YWCA USA board meetings. The first 2017-18 geo-network meeting will be held in Seattle for the Western Network from October 31 to November 1, and will include a conversation with our new CEO Alejandra Y. Castillo and a reception with YWCA USA board of directors. Register now. Questions? Contact Rita Ryder, director of member services.

Money Monday

Join us for our next Money Monday on October 23rd at 3pm EST for Prospect Research 101: How to Find the Major Gift Donor of Your Dreams. Register now.

Combined Federal Campaign

Each year federal employees select charities to support through workplace giving. Don't forget to choose YWCA USA (CFC #26797). Be sure to share our CFC # with family and friends.

YWCA: A Trusted Voice!

YWCA is one of the "most trusted voices" in our country, according to a new public opinion survey, "The Lives and Voices of Black America on Politics, Race and Policy.

Important Dates

• October 2 – 31: Purple Purse Challenge
• October 23: Money Monday (register here)
• October 16 – 20: 2017 Week Without Violence
• October 19, 3:00 p.m. ET: #WWV17 Twitter chat
• YWCA 101, an introductory webinar to the YWCA USA, will be offered on October 24, and November 28. Register your staff, volunteers and board.
• October 31 – November 1: Western Network Geo-Network Meeting

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