Bis Gerechtigkeit herrscht
We call on local, state, and national legislators and people in positions of power to act on the following priorities: Racial and Social Justice, Economic Security and healthcare, Safety from Gender Based Violence, and Voting Rights and Access.
Economic Security & Healthcare
We support policies and practices that remove barriers to workplace participation, increase financial stability, and expand access to all types of medical care.
Gender Pay Gap
Equal pay, workplace fairness and access to high-skill,
high-wage jobs are essential for economic advancement for everyone, especially for women and marginalized genders.
A 2022 report on the gender pay gap includes the impact of the pandemic and discusses the ‘controlled gender pay gap.’
Compounded Barriers
For many people, getting the medical care and insurance coverage they need is a struggle. When you add trauma from domestic violence, difficulty with language access, and other potential barriers such as being undocumented, accessing services or making progress with financial goals can be incredibly arduous or nearly impossible.
These issues impact their economic security and ability to thrive in our community.
Safety from Gender Based Violence
As Spokane County’s largest state recognized service provider for victims and survivors of intimate partner domestic violence, YWCA Spokane is interested in advancing legislation that supports survivors and prevents gender based violence.
The Reality Across our Nation
Women, girls, trans and nonbinary individuals of all
ages, income levels, racial and ethnic communities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious affiliations continue to experience violence in the form of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and trafficking.
The Reality in Spokane, WA
Spokane County DV rates are nearly twice that of Washington State (15.6 per 1,000 vs 8.4 per 1,000) and have remained higher than the state average.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of domestic and family violence have gone up, as has the urgent need to provide support and services for families experiencing domestic violence in their homes. In 2020, our agency saw a 40% increase in calls to our 24-hour helpline.
Voting Rights and Access
YWCA Spokane’s mission to eliminate racism and empower
women demands that we advocate against voter suppression and barriers to voting access.
Trends in Voting Laws
We are against policies and practices that make it more difficult for U.S. citizens to exercise their basic democratic right to vote. Recent trends in voting laws indicate this is a relevant advocacy issue.
Voting ID laws and proposed redistricting maps disproportionately affect people of color, such as in recent cases in Texas, Louisiana, Und North Dakota.
Domestic Violence & Voting
We know that survivors of Intimate Partner Domestic Violence may experience barriers to voting due to safety and confidentiality concerns.
Registering to vote, among other things, makes one’s address public record. For those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking and live with genuine concerns for safety, this fact can be absolutely terrifying.
YWCA USA
Gender Equity & Racial Justice
Informed by our 165-year history and by the expertise of our nationwide network, YWCA USA is carrying on its long tradition of social action and advocacy to advance our mission.
In this moment of ongoing economic uncertainty and compounding social challenges facing our nation, YWCA is driving an inclusive agenda to address the underlying gender equity and racial justice tensions that are deeply embedded in our nation.
Become a YWCA Advocate
YWCA USA offered many ways you can move into action to create change.
- Tell your story about your issues with child care or gender based violence
- Urge members of congress to create equal pay for equal work
- Support the Women's Health Protection act
- Help address cuts to funding for survivor focused social services
- Protect voting rights
YWCA USA Federal Legislative Priorities Full Report
View YWCA USA's full report that calls on members of the 118th Congress to act on health, economic, safety, and racial justice priorities.
Get Out & Vote
Learn more about what you can do on an individual level to participate and support voter engagement in Washington State.