Advocating for Change

Take Action by visiting the Advocacy Action Center page.

Social Action and Advocacy are the cornerstones of the YWCA. Since our inception almost 150 years ago, “service” has been linked to “action.” In communities across the United States, YWCAs continue to work to improve social and economic conditions for all people. As the nation’s oldest and largest national movement, the YWCA USA is comprised of about 300 local associations, regional leadership and a national office in Washington D.C. – – who all work together, across the nation to strengthen our voices in the nation’s capital and in state and local governments.

YWCA brings first-hand knowledge of how federal level policies and programs affect women, girls and their families in communities across the country. Historically the YWCA has fought for issues such as the abolition of child labor, the 8-hour workday, and desegregation.

Today, the YWCA carries on their long tradition in social action and advocacy to meet the twin goals of women and girl’s empowerment and racial justice.

YWCA Madison’s Advocacy Action Team

YWCA Advocacy Action Team strives to make a positive difference in the lives of women, children, and families. Our effort is to support and make recommendations on policies that contribute to the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism. The Advocacy Action Team also works to promote effective policies that will improve the economic and social conditions for all people. We take action on key public policy issues based on the YWCA’s Mission, grounded in programs within the YWCA Madison, and aligned with our public policy platform as well as the YWCA USA’s Legislative Priorities.

The YWCA Madison’s Advocacy Action Team’s focus is on:

• Zero Tolerance Policies –  The Advocacy Action Team will take actions to reduce racially disproportionate discipline in schools and racially disproportionate contact in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Learn more about what we are doing to take action on Zero Tolerance Policies.
• Housing and Economics – The Advocacy Action Team will take actions in support of policies and programs that empower women and families in their search for affordable housing and economic stability.
• Comprehensive Immigration Reform – YWCAs across the country are deeply committed to advocating for a common-sense immigration process that keeps families together here in the United States, provides adequate protections for immigrant victims of sexual violence and trafficking, and that creates a roadmap for citizenship for the 11 million people who aspire to be citizens. Learn more>>

Sign up for the Advocacy E-News or learn more about volunteer opportunities with the YWCA.

Take Action & Contact Location Officials

• Tips for Contacting Your Elected Officials
• Contact information for City of Madison, Dane County, and Wisconsin
• Visit YWCA USA’s YWAct Center

YWCA Madison’s Position

YWCA supports policies that contribute to the elimination of racism. This includes but is not limited to policies that eliminate racial profiling, increase immigrant rights, retain and strengthen affirmative action, reduce hate crimes, and result in increased education on racism and its elimination.

YWCA supports the maintenance and strengthening of affirmative action laws to protect people from discrimination on the basis of race and gender.