The objective of this program is to track legislation that may impact our service population. This is done across federal, state and local governments. In accordance with the findings, the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles acts in an advocacy position on such issues as child care, youth concerns, relationship violence, employment training and handgun safety.
Some of the public policy issues that the YWCA has studied and advocated for include:
- 1991- A Woman's Right to Choose- we believe that a woman has a fundamental constitutional right to make an individual decision based on her own religious and ethical beliefs and her physician's guidance.
- Support of the 1991 Civil Rights Act: To restore the civil rights protections that have been achieved as part of decades of struggle and progress toward the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. -
- Child Care: To advocate for affordable child care for the "working poor" (e.g., a two child family with an annual income of $18,000), and to increase available and affordable spaces for infants and school-age children.
- Anti-Violence: Promote anti-violence policies that eliminate violence in our society, including youth violence, family violence, sexual assault and hate crimes.
- Health Care: Uphold health care policies that promote wellness and that provide access to quality, affordable health care.
- Opposition to Proposition 21, 132, and 187
- Violence and Racism in Police Protection
- In 1991, the YWCA Board of Directors called for a full scale investigation of the policies, procedures, and attitudes which permit the continued existence of policies in the Los Angeles Police Department that promote racism, violence, and brutal behavior. Also in 1991, the YWCA joined with other feminist and women's organizations to strongly urge the Independent Commission, and urge the Mayor and City Council to expand the ranks of the LAPD Commission by appointing more women to ensure gender balance.
