1. 1 Pre-Convocation Info Session December 6 th, 1 pm ET/ 12 pm CT Call In: 1-866-802-7363, passcode 6145590598# organizecollaborate mobilize connect make change

2. 2 Agenda Welcome & Housekeeping Why Host a Pre-Convo Session? Discuss the range of activities that comprise advocacy; offer a working definition of what advocacy is and isn't; Describe the YWCA advocacy landscape at the local, state, regional and national levels; Present the 7 YWCA USA public policy priorities.

3. 3 “advocacy” is the work of making social change by aiming at changing policies, systems, and institutions. Advocacy encompasses strategies aimed at public, private, and community entities at every level.

4. 4 Convocation is seeking to identify GLA’s “Priority Issues” A priority issue is an idea usually a solution to a problem has consensus urgency is actionable is measurable

5. 5 Social Service vs. Social Change Change at individual or interpersonal level Works within existing systems Rarely addresses root causes Intervenes in a problem to help an individual Change at the community or institution level System change is necessary Addresses root causes Prevents or solves a problem

6. 6 Advocacy is more than changing legislation It is about connecting system-level solutions with the power to make it happen 1. Identify who has the power, and figure out how to get her attention 2. Match strategy to the target: –Community organizing –Voter and electoral initiatives –Using judicial system to win change –Online organizing –Public media/ education initiatives –Acting Up: Protests, marches, vigils, letter campaigns, etc.

7. 7 YWCA Advocacy Landscape What are other YWCA regions doing? GLA progress toward 2-year advocacy outcomes YWCA USA

8. 8 Advocacy Activities of YWCA Regions Outside GLA

9. 9 Northwest Region Building the advocacy knowledge and capacity at the local association level (through intensive training) Strengthening statewide coalitions of YWCA associations so that they can be a stronger statewide force within their states and at the national level (members of our regional advocacy committee will lead this effort in each state)

10. 10 New England Goal is to engage each YWCA in the region in advocacy locally, statewide, regionally and nationally with dedicated personnel from each YWCA coordinating the issue(s) at the community level. We are building on the excitement and empowerment the participants had when we visited Washington in May. Concentrating on pay equity issues now, and address other issues as they come to the radar screen.

11. 11 Southwest Delta Establishing statewide coalitions of YWCAs The Southwest/Delta Advocacy Committee and Advocacy Coordinator (when hired) will collect information from YWCAs on what they need to establish a YWCA state coalition in their respective states and provide training and resources based on the needs assessment. The Advocacy Coordinator will provide support and technical assistance to local associations in the region during the development of the coalitions.

12. 12 GLA Advocacy Activities

13. 13 2-Year Outcome GLA region uses advocacy tools, skills, & information to support LAs 15 Year Vision Statement YWCAs MARSHAL THE STRENGTH OF THEIR COLLECTIVE ENERGY in advocating for policies and programs that eliminate racism and empower women GLA Logic Model: Advocacy Outcomes 5- Year Outcome LAs ENGAGE in local & statewide advocacy on priority issues that are mission-driven, strategic, and coordinated.

14. 14 Progress Toward 2-Year Outcomes Outcome Statement: GLA region uses advocacy tools, skills, and information to support Local YWCA Associations

15. 15 GLA Advocacy Activities Empowerment Fund Grants to Local and State YWCAs for Advocacy Initiatives Advocacy E-Source Affinity Group for Peer-to- Peer learning Strategic Advocacy Committee Appropriations Lobbying in 2008 December 2007: Regional Issues Convocation Website: www.ywca.org/gla/ advocacycenter Online and In-person training and technical assistance

16. 16 Progress Toward 2-Year Outcome Since June 2005, GLA has provided 23 advocacy skills and issue trainings to more than 250 individuals from 41 GLA YWCAs

17. 17 YWCA USA Establishes and promotes national issue priorities Acts as a voice for national YWCA body in federal level issue coalitions and campaigns National advocacy is carried out by national advocacy staff with input from regional representatives to the national advocacy committee

18. 18 7 National Priority Issues

19. 19 elimination of racism eliminate racial profiling increase immigrants’ rights result in increased education on racism and ways to eliminate it

20. 20 affirmative action supports maintaining & strengthening affirmative action laws to protect people from discrimination on the basis of race and gender.

21. 21 hate crimes supports legislation that protects people from harassment, violence and other crimes on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, or sexual identity.

22. 22 violence against women protect victims hold perpetrators accountable eradicate sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking women, and dating violence increase VAWA and VOCA funding

23. 23 increasing women’s income living wage campaigns pay equity overtime campaigns social security reform that benefits women and people of color earned income tax credits

24. 24 welfare reform TANF reauthorization opposes marriage promotion/incentives elimination of TANF barriers accessible welfare systems and supports

25. 25 child care & early childhood education increased funding for childcare resources maintain funding levels for Head Start accessible early childhood programs

26. 26