Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8, 2025
YWCA Association leaders, staff, board members, and clients/community members are invited to come together as ONE YWCA to educate the public and tell Congress they must:
Reduce harmful impacts to service providers, like many YWCA Local Associations, communities, and individuals by defending the policies, programs, and funding streams that support child care and early learning, domestic violence and sexual assault, and housing programs and services provided by YWCA Local Associations and nonprofit partners across the nation.
Hold the line
1
Say NO to policy changes that lower or freeze critical dollars and changes aimed at reducing who can get services and how.
2
Oppose harmful changes
Commit to meaningful funding
3
Fully support these programs and services ensuring resources that address the needs of communities.
Every voice, in every way
By participating in the August Advocacy Week of Action and In-District Lobby Days, you will be part of a national, coordinated, collective movement moment to educate the public and lawmakers and call for action
Your voice is powerful. Join us.
Preparation Webinars & Office Hours
Webinars will be recorded and shared
Webinar
Issue briefing and state of play
Issue briefing and state of play. This webinar will provide important information for those participating in both lobby day meetings and virtual activity via social media and outreach out to Congress
Webinar
Techniques & Tips for Attendees
Prepare for a successful lobby meeting with essential logistics, practical tips, and effective techniques. This guide covers everything attendees need to know—from scheduling and materials to communication strategies—ensuring you represent your organization with clarity and confidence
Office Hours
July/August Office Hours with the YWCA USA
Join us for our July Office Hours to connect directly with the YWCA USA Public Policy and Advocacy team. This is your opportunity to ask questions, get clarity on advocacy strategies, and prepare for upcoming engagement opportunities. FAQ and registration information will be provided
Virtual Campaign Week of Action
We’ve included content for Local Associations that receive the federal funding we’re focused on for the August Week of Action and for sister YWCAs participating as allies.
Included in this kit:
Template letter to Congress
YWCA branded Zoom background
A suite of customizable graphics
Schedule and content for #YWCATakeAction2025 social media storms
Meetings with lawmakers and staff
Each individual planning to attend a meeting must register by 11:59 pm ET, Friday, July 18, 2025. We cannot accommodate late requests
Who
Leaders, staff, board members, and clients – kids, adults, parents, seniors, and anyone in-between who has a story to tell about the importance of your work in the community.
Inviting clients (like Head Start parent advocates) to these local meetings is a powerful way to underscore the human impact of your work and these federal dollars.
When
Tuesday, August 5: Join one in-person meeting with the local office of the U.S. Representative representing your Local Association’s headquarters.
Thursday, August 7: Join other Local Associations in your state for two virtual meetings with your U.S. Senate offices.
we are Focusing On
Family Violence Prevention and Service Program (FVPSA)
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 (H.R. 909) to stabilize VOCA funding
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Head Start and Early Head Start
Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care
Resources and Tools
Talking Points & Background
Virtual Campaign Toolkit
1400 I Street, Suite 325 Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 467-0801 | Fax: (202) 467-0802 | advocacy@ywca.org
YWCA is a 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible. Tax ID#: 13-1624103
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