Calling All Members of the Movement
2024 is well underway, which means that Kansas state legislators have returned to Topeka for another session full of opportunities to raise our voices! The YWCA Advocacy Committee invites you to get involved in the effort to advance our policy priorities, building a stronger future for all Kansas.
2024 Policy Priorities
Healthcare: YWCA Northeast Kansas is committed to supporting access to affordable, sustainable, and quality health care for women, children, people of color, and survivors of gender-based violence.
Economic Security: YWCA Northeast Kansas recognizes that economic security is a key component of women’s empowerment and ability to thrive in our community.
Gender-Based Violence: YWCA works for practical solutions to protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and eradicate all forms of gender-based violence.
Racial Justice: Confronting racism and racial inequities requires a broad and coordinated response.
Voting Rights: The right to vote is central to the mission of YWCA, and women and girls are disproportionately affected by policies that make it more difficult to vote or actively seek to suppress the vote.
Here’s What We’re Watching:
YWCA Northeast Kansas, along with community and organizational partners, is watching several bills and committees relevant to our policy priorities. We’re also excited to join fellow advocates and allies at the capitol for Advocacy Days. Joining together, in person at the statehouse, is a powerful way to send a message to lawmakers! Whether you can join us at the statehouse, forward an email to your networks, share a social media post, or contact your state legislators - your voice is critical in this work.
Upcoming Advocacy Days
January 25: The Immunize Kansas Coalition is hosting a day at the capitol to support common sense, science-backed public health policies around routine immunizations.
January 31st: Equality Kansas is hosting Equality Day 2024 to show solidarity and urge our legislators to focus on policies that embrace diversity, promote inclusivity, and champion equal rights!
February 5th: Kansas Young Professionals Day, hosted by Topeka Forge, is a chance for young professionals around Kansas to sit at the table with elected officials and have their voices heard.
February 5th: WEALTH Day, hosted by the Climate + Energy Project, brings together organizations, advocates, and legislators to connect on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health
February 8th: Kansas Moms Demand Action is gathering at the capitol for an Advocacy Day to demand common sense legislation to reduce gun violence.
February 14th: Join Alliance for a Healthy Kansas for “Love Thy Neighbor Day” to advocate for Medicaid Expansion, and policies that increase access and affordability of healthcare.
February 14th: League Day at the Capitol with the League of Women Voters of Kansas!
March 19th: Stay tuned for information on this advocacy day with the Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence.
As you can see, it’s shaping up to be a busy session for advocates! Whenever possible, YWCA Northeast Kansas will be raising our voices on these issues, advocating for policies and programs that close racial and gender gaps in health and income, that promote violence prevention, and that build a stronger democracy where all Kansans, especially women and girls of color, are empowered to thrive. Join the work by signing up for Advocacy Alerts below!
We Vote to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women.
Believe it or not, 2024 is also an election year! (We know, we know. EVERY year is an election year!)
You’ll be hearing from us about important election dates and registration deadlines, as well as work we are doing in coalition with partners like the League of Women Voters of Topeka and Shawnee County (pictured) to encourage Kansans to get out and vote!
You can get started with your voter education with this reminder about the change in Kansas’ presidential primary election: “Here are important dates to know for Kansas 2024 elections, including new primary system” (Topeka Capital-Journal)
Are You Ready to Move?
YWCA Northeast Kansas has a long history of advocacy. We’ve been at the forefront of some of the biggest social justice issues for over 135 years. Every member of the movement is crucial to the work of justice. From pay equity to accessible healthcare to voting rights, we need you to join the movement and raise your voice!
“The YWCA has always been involved with the messy work that many organizations only dream of doing. The ripple effect in individual lives will be felt for years to come. To be part of an organization that humanizes individuals simply because it is the commonsense thing to do changes the lives of everyone involved.”