Advocacy Agenda

With the help of our board of trustees, YWCA Columbus has adopted a courageous advocacy and engagement agenda, because we know that programming alone is not enough; we need policy changes to help us fulfill our mission now and long-term. Our agenda includes increasing the number of affordable housing units and programs that stabilize households, removing the barriers that racism and inequity create, increasing economic mobility for women and people of color, and investing in young women and children.

  • Social Justice/Eliminating Racism

    Eliminating Racism

    We believe in honesty in education, equitable public safety, and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

  • Empowering Women

    Empowering Women

    We believe in protecting reproductive healthcare and ensuring a living wage for all.

  • Housing Justice

    Housing Justice

    We believe in improving access to shelter programming, renting, and homeownership.

  • Youth Development

    Youth Development

    We believe in access to high quality childcare programs, as well as family representation in policies.


Show Up and Speak Up

At YWCA Columbus we truly believe that we all have to speak up and show up. We must act boldly and confront big problems so that we can build a more equitable community—changing policy not just delivering programs. We need you to be with us to fight for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Learn more about YWCA USA’s Advocacy Agenda!


YWCA Columbus Advocacy Committee

Erika Clark Jones, Chair
ADAMH Board of Franklin County

Shawna Davis
OhioHealth

Aneca Lasley
Ice Miller LLP

Jillian Olinger
The Community Builders, Inc.

Keena Smith
The Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity

Gregory Lestini
Bricker Graydon

Cassi Baker
Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Autumn Glover
AndHealth

Kyle Strickland
Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University


Advocacy Contact:

Tanya Salyers
Director of Advocacy