Public Policy 

Throughout its history the YWCA has been involved in social action. We seek to bring about change by addressing issues that adversely affect women and people of color. The basic system we use: 1) a committee researches the issue and forwards recommendations to the Board, 2) the Board discusses and approves the policy and 3) the Board designates follow-up action and spokespersons. 

1. Limits On Action

Because the YWCA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, there are limits on the amount and kind of action we can take:

1. The YWCA is non-partisan and does not support or oppose any political candidate or political party. The YWCA may present forums where all candidates are invited. Recall petitions or nominating papers, posters, fliers, buttons, or advocacy on behalf of one party or candidate is not permitted on the premises.
2. "Substantial" amounts of budget and volunteer and staff time may not be expended in efforts to influence legislation.
3. Action taken must be related to YWCA programs and activities, be objective and based on a careful study of the issue.

2. How Issues Are Selected

Issues are selected based on:

1. Positions adopted at the YWCA National Convention (update after restructuring)
2. Needs of the local community
3. Relevance to our membership
4. Relationship to our goals and objectives
5. Adequate volunteer and staff time
6. Adequate budget

3. Research/Information Gathering

A research/education plan prior to policy adoption shall include:

1. Studying both sides of the issue
2. In-depth analysis of background of the issue, previous YWCA stance/position, who is for it, who is against, statistical information
3. Planned workshops or informational series as necessary
4. Input from members and other groups
5. Preparation of a fact sheet/summary
6. Distribution of printed information and a proposed position statement to appropriate committees and to the Board of Directors in writing 10 days before policy adoption.

4.  How the Board Takes Action

After the policy is approved, follow-up action may include

1. writing letters or testifying at city council, planning commission, school board, county, state or federal governmental meetings in order to present statements related to the previously adopted positions
2. holding a hearing or community-wide meeting
3. mounting an educational campaign
4. working with other groups
5. developing a pilot program.

5.  Who Speaks or Writes for the Board

1. Letters /statements must be approved by the president and executive director on behalf of the Board
2. Copies must be on file at the YWCA and distributed to Board members
3. Letters may come from committees if the position has been previously approved and if the letter is approved by the executive director
4. Spokespersons must be authorized by the Board/executive director prior to presentations
5. Individual members of the Board or committees speaking individually shall not use YWCA designation

6. How to Work as Coalitions and Co-sponsors

The YWCA may join with other organizations to work toward previously adopted positions or to sponsor educational events.

1. The Board must approve the co-sponsored event or coalition before a commitment of any kind may be made.
2. The decision shall be based on time, personnel, scheduling, funding, and publicity required; nature of co-sponsoring groups, current priorities of the YWCA; and community need.
3. A representative of the Board must participate in all meetings and decisions regarding adoption of objectives, assignments, hand-out materials, publicity, and action follow-up.
4. All sponsors must be notified of any change of plans and approval must be secured.
5. Coalitions may not commit YWCA funds without approval of the Board.
6. The YWCA may veto or withdraw its name and/or sponsorship from any printed material, press release or project at any time.
7. Co-sponsorship of an event without YWCA representation may be approved by the Board in special circumstances where the YWCA has worked with the group on the same issue previously.
8. In the event decisions are needed between Board meetings, the Executive Director may act within previously approved parameters on the behalf of the Board.
9. In the event of action needed outside the approved parameters, a poll of the Executive Committee shall be made.