Public Policy
The Public Policy Committee of YWCA Clark County prioritizes issues related to our mission, and those with actual or potential impact on our clients, programs, and community. We’ve worked locally, regionally and nationally in support of marriage equality, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA,) and improved laws regulating Sexual Assault Protection Orders. Our committee engages in public policy through education about our priority issues, as well as legislative advocacy. We also seek opportunities for leadership and/or collaboration with other organizations as part of our policy initiatives. Partners who currently sit on our committee include NAACP, LULAC, Black People United (WSUV), and Planned Parenthood. A PDF of our complete policy statements can be accessed here.
Currently, we are focusing on increasing affordable housing in our community and protecting transgender rights across our state. We’re also advocating for continued federal and state support of legislation and budgets that align with our mission and services.
Eliminating racism and empowering women are integral components of our organization and work. YWCA Clark County supports policies that contribute to the elimination of racism. This includes, but is not limited to, policies that address racial profiling, immigrant rights, affirmative action, and hate crimes and result in increased education on racism and its elimination. We also work to empower women to make their own choices in life, whether they have been a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, have been incarcerated, or have become homeless.
The following public policy allies offer up-to-date information on the most current legislation and policy action initiatives. Many offer opportunities to sign up for alerts, follow important legislation and take action on advocacy campaigns.
YWCA USA
YWCA has been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements for more than 150 years — from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to health care reform. We continue to share the mission and policy movements of YWCA USA.
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
WSCADV provides advocacy support — quite simply, the training, technical assistance, and other resources that support the work of our member programs. They also inform policymakers, the media, and others concerned about domestic violence.
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)
WCSAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite agencies engaged in the elimination of sexual violence, through education, advocacy, victim services, and social change.
Firesteel
Firesteel is a platform for social change, led by Washington State YWCAs. With a community of shared knowledge and a commitment to end homelessness in Washington State, we believe we can make a difference.
To learn more about YWCA’s Clark County Public Policy Committee, contact Stephanie Barr, Director of Services and Mission Impact, at 360-906-9143 or sbarr@ywcaclarkcounty.org