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Local Advocacy - Join the Movement
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
--Margaret Mead, author and anthropologist
CURRENT ISSUES
Save the Date! Lobby and Rally to Give Us a Responsible Budget – Feb. 17
The General Assembly must pass a responsible budget with new revenue this spring. Delay is unacceptable. The YWCA and the Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC) needs you and your friends and colleagues to turn out on February 17. Attached is the flyer in English and Spanish (using RBC campaign photos).
What: Rally for a responsible budget
Where: Capitol Rotunda, Springfield, IL
When: 11 a.m.
Can’t attend but want to show support?
To help with the messaging and media for the campaign generally, and especially for the February 17 rally, the RBC has a new photo initiative called "We Can't Wait."
Everyday Illinoisans hold up a sign in these pictures and say why they can't wait for a responsible budget. To see a slideshow of “We Can’t Wait” photos gathered thus far, click http://www.flickr.com/photos/abetterillinois/sets/72157623019487160/show/
What to participate in the photo campaign? Visit http://www.abetterillinois.com/cantwait.html.
Follow the simple instructions there to: (1) download a blank sign, (2) fill it out and take your picture holding it, and (3) e-mail it to Delia Coleman (delia.coleman@ywcachicago.org).
Stand Up for Budget Responsibility
Now is the time for a responsible budget that adequately funds the work we perform for the state as well as for the many communities we serve. We can’t afford to wait!
What’s at stake? We currently serve 138,000 women and youth through our sexual violence, early childhood and economic empowerment services; we manage three rape-crisis hotlines across three counties; we support and train child care providers; we help working families find and pay for crucial child care; we counsel survivors of assault and trauma; we walk the path with women seeking economic stability and success. Without adequate funding, a 133-year old voice and organization for working women and girls will be lost.
We need your help. You joined us on the frontline during the summer and we’re asking you to stand alongside us once more. Click here to send a message to your state representative asking them to co-sponsor HB 174, a comprehensive revenue reform package that has already passed the Senate, and encourage them to support a responsible budget for those who depend on us.
Tell our legislators that with a better budget we can all do better!
Join us for Outracious!
Be sure to join the YWCA's new conversation on race, Out-racious: A YWCA Series on Race, which focuses on bringing the often "unsaid" issues to the forefront. The series will offer an opportunity for community members throughout the city and suburbs of Chicago to connect with one of the oldest women's organizations in the city. Through a series of provocative online discussions and events, Out-racious emphasizes the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Click here to join the conversation today!
TAKE A STAND
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