YWCA Madison’s Position

Policy positions intrinsic to the YWCA’s mission are directed to the empowerment of women and girls and the elimination of racism. Priority statements are also addressed to issues directly affecting the lives of women and children, especially those who reside in the YWCA Madison or participate in its programs.

You can download a copy of YWCA Madison’s Policy Platform by clicking on the button below.

• YWCA Madison rejects racism in all its forms and bias against any group of people. It will support policy initiatives directed at eliminating racism and any form of discrimination based on race, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, or source of income. It will oppose measures judged to increase bias or conflict among groups.

• YWCA Madison supports policies that acknowledge housing is a community responsibility, that increase the supply of affordable housing for women and children, and assures access to available housing on a non-discriminatory basis.

• YWCA Madison supports policies that respect the rights of women of diverse cultures and perspectives to plan their lives and families and to control health and family planning decisions. It will oppose policies that seek to limit those freedoms or to impose a particular perspective on others.

• YWCA Madison supports policies directed at the reduction or elimination of violence in our society, especially those which impact women and children including, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence.

• YWCA Madison supports policies designed to increase penalties and decrease the incidence of crimes directed at individuals because of their membership in a group.

• YWCA Madison supports policies that promote wellness and provide access to adequate nutrition, affordable, quality health, and mental health for women and children.

• YWCA Madison supports the development of high-quality childcare that is culturally-responsive, accessible, and affordable. Continuity and quality of care depend upon wages sufficient to recognize the skills of child care providers and to retain them through offering security and advancement opportunities.

• YWCA Madison supports public policies directed to the elimination and amelioration of poverty for women and families. When public assistance is necessary, it should be sufficient to support a simple, decent living standard for a family and access to education, job training, child care, and other services needed to secure and retain family-supporting jobs.

• YWCA Madison believes working women should receive a living wage, equal pay for their work, and access to workplace protections against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Taxes on earning should take into account the demands on low-income working families (e.g. Earned Income Tax Credit).