As an organization committed to equity and inclusion, we understand the relief that many of our supporters are feeling as a result of the election. But as you surely know, our work toward racial and gender equity is not over. While not much was clear in the days after the 2020 election, one thing was for certain: this election resulted in one of the highest turnouts in American history. Massachusetts alone surpassed its 2016 record of 3.3 million ballots, with Secretary of State Bill Galvin projecting that 3.6 million ballots would be counted when all was said and done. Between new election rules expanding early voting and vote by mail options, a summer of protests for racial justice, and a historic pandemic that has hit Massachusetts with some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, it has become cliché to state the obvious that the 2020 election was unlike any other.

However, to quote Massachusetts Congresswoman  Ayanna Pressley, “we elect partners, not saviors.” Regardless of who is in the White House, there is still a lot of work to be done in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The nation’s historic voter turnout, due in large part to the organizing of Black women across the country, demonstrates people’s energy to make change in our public policy. If you are interested in becoming an advocate who works with our elected partners for justice, we invite you to apply to be a part of the YW Boston Advocacy Committee.

What does the committee do?

Since February of 2017 the YW Advocacy committee, comprised of YW Boston staff, board members, and volunteers, has worked to advance our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all through public policy at our state and local levels.

In that time the Committee has:

• Worked with the Raise Up coalition to guarantee paid family + medical leave for Massachusetts residents.
• Protected the rights of transgender members of the Commonwealth in the Yes on 3 campaign.
• Worked with the Coalition for Juvenile Justice on dismantling the school to prison pipeline, particularly for girls of color
• Launched the Parity on Board coalition, in support of promote diversity of leadership on Massachusetts’s public boards and commissions.
• Worked to ensure a full Census count in Massachusetts.
• Advocated for policies increasing access to affordable childcare and legislation that would allow parents running for office to use campaign funds for childcare.
• Advocated for the passage of a police reform bill.
• Hosted discussions around ballot measures.
• Trained members on advocacy strategies and the Massachusetts political system.

It has been a busy four years, and there is still work left to do.

Who joins the Advocacy Committee?

We invite anyone to apply who is interested in using their skills, be they political or not, to advance equity in the state of Massachusetts. A strong Advocacy Committee is comprised of talented people from all sectors and walks of life. We need strategists, retail workers, graphic designers, educators, consultants, college students, and anyone else ready to lend their skills and energy. Most of all, we need Boston community members to help us achieve our goals. The Advocacy Committee is for anyone committed to equity in the Commonwealth. A number of our current members will continue their work with the committee next year. Meet the current committee here.

Next year’s Advocacy Committee will of course work hard to ensure that Massachusetts remains vigilant in their COVID-19 efforts, ensure that any recovery is structured equitably for the people of Massachusetts, and continue in our advocacy for public policy that advances our mission. We hope you will consider joining us as we work toward a more equitable Commonwealth for all.

How do I apply?

To apply please fill out our application by November 30th, 2020. Members serve two year terms alongside YW Boston Staff and Board members. The commitments of being a committee member include about 5 hours of work a month, including monthly meetings which will be virtual until all members feel safe gathering in person again. If you have any questions about the application or the committee, please reach out to Jordan Ziese, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, at jziese@ywboston.org.

APPLY TODAY

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About YW Boston

As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston has been at the forefront of advancing equity for over 150 years. Through our DE&I services—InclusionBoston and LeadBoston—as well as our advocacy work and F.Y.R.E. Initiative, we help individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.

As part of that work, we are helping organizations prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and become socially connected while staying physically distant. During this time, YW Boston is providing organizations with digital workshops and resources to help them better understand the challenges faced by their employees. For more information, please contact Sheera Bornstein at sheera@ywboston.org.