입법 우선순위

We advocate for practical solutions that advance our intersectional mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Until Justice Just Is

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.

Racial & Social Justice

Racism is a public health crisis, and we support policies and practices that eliminate racial disparities in the criminal justice, environmental, healthcare, child welfare, and education systems.

Equal Opportunity & Protection

YWCA Spokane is committed to ensuring that everyone is afforded equal opportunity and equal protection under the law. We do this in alignment with YWCA USA's national policy agenda. Racial disproportionality in our child welfare and justice systems highlights the need for state and local changes.

YWCA USA Agenda

What the Numbers tell Us

A higher proportion of YWCA Spokane clients are nonwhite compared to the county population,
which suggests that Spokane follows the national trend of Women of Color experiencing higher
rates of domestic violence (Office for Victims of Crime, 2018).

All children & families deserve to feel safe & supported.

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.’

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.

Low-income mothers are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care.

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.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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.

Rates of domestic violence among BIPOC populations are higher than those among white populations.

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, 그리고 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. 

Voting & Survivor Privacy

Laws are changing that help to address racially discriminatory election practices.

YWCA 미국

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.

YWCA USA Advocacy Agenda

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

Action Center

블로그

4월 22, 2025 4월 25 @ 6:03 오전

2025 Equity for All Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended the YWCA Spokane’s Equity for All event! Your participation in the important conversation about “Restorative Practices in Community” was incredibly meaningful. A special thanks to our panelists, performers, and volunteers for making the event a success. Together, we are strengthening our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable community.

4월 22, 2025 4월 25 @ 6:03 오전

MMIWG2S & Domestic Violence

As part of MMIW Awareness Month, honoring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we are taking a look at MMIW & domestic violence.

4월 9, 2025 4월 25 @ 6:03 오전

What are Restorative Practices?

Communities face growing divides, misunderstandings, and unresolved harm. Learn how to forward in a way that fosters healing, accountability, and connection.

이벤트

4월 1, 2025 5월 12 @ 10:00 오전 - 오전 11:30

DV 201 Training: Learning In Action

Join YWCA Spokane for this important free, virtual training on May 12th at 10:00am. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services.

4월 3, 2025 5월 15 @ 2:00 오후 - 오전 3시 30분

DV 201 Training: Learning In Action

Join YWCA Spokane for this important free, virtual training on May 15th at 2:00pm. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services.

4월 15, 2025 6월 5 @ 12:00 오후 - 1:00 오후

Trans and Nonbinary Youth: Pathways Forward

Join YWCA Spokane this Pride Month for a roundtable conversation about promoting equitable inclusion for trans and gender nonconforming youth this June.