Open enrollment for our benefit selection has ended and starting July 1, 2023, the following coverages will go into effect for applicable employees:

• Medical – Aetna
• Dental – Delta Dental
• Vision – VSP
• Accident, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Basic Life Insurance – MetLife
• Whole Life Insurance – Allstate

Important Information:

• If you elected Aetna medical insurance, you should receive your insurance card in the mail soon (if you have not already).
  • Create an account online or in the mobile app to have a digital insurance card using the Aetna Heath App Member Website Flyer
• Dental and Vision do not send out insurance cards; your provider should be able to look up your information
  • To find a provider, please visit Delta Dental and/or VSP
• If you need to submit a claim for accident or short-term disability, please reach out to Erin Scott
• Please make sure you have a beneficiary form on file for your life insurance (for employees who work 30+ hour/week)

For any benefit related questions, please reach out to Erin Scott at 614.627.1260 or ext. 1274

• Lalitha Pamidigantam co-wrote an opinion piece published in the Columbus Dispatch, along with Mallory Golski, the civic engagement and advocacy manager at Kaleidoscope Youth Center, which begins like this: “The dehumanization of transgender youth under the guise of ‘defending women’s rights’ is a cowardly political stunt, a shameful attack against an already vulnerable population, and an insulting attempt at meeting the real needs of women and girls — cisgender and transgender alike.”
• As a coalition partner of OPAWL’s Educating for Ohio’s Future Campaign, YWCA Columbus participated in a rally at the Statehouse to show our support for House Bill 171, which would update the K-12 social studies model curriculum in Ohio to reflect all Ohioans’ backgrounds and histories to help our kids better understand the world and build empathy.
• YWCA Columbus spoke out about the Ohio Senate’s proposed budget, which would have radically underfunded services we and our partners provide, including childcare, maternal and infant health, housing, and food security. We also participated in the Rally for Ohio’s Future to let legislators know they must prioritize investing in the needs of ALL Ohio families!
• Despite the pushback of many Ohioans, including YWCA Columbus, the Ohio House of Representatives passed two anti-trans bills at the end of June, including HB8, which could lead to the outing of students to their parents, even in cases of potential abuse in the household. Read our statement about these moves here. As these bills move to the Senate, we will continue to fight against them.
• YWCA Columbus supports communities of color and marginalized groups who are impacted by the Supreme Court’s decision to functionally strike down the use of affirmative action at the university level and will continue to fight for justice and equity in education for all.

Do you have or know a middle or high school girl who would benefit from participating in a leadership and social justice program at their school?

Bright Futures is a community-based program that empowers girls in middle and high school to understand and disrupt systemic oppression, develop agency, and take up the leadership roles needed to advocate for changing the systems that perpetuate inequity.

We are looking for schools or community organizations to host our 5-week empowerment program open to 7th-12th grade girls. Click here to learn more!

Please share with your networks, and if you have any schools or organizations who could benefit, contact Navya Nalla: nnalla@ywcacolumbus.org.

The following positions are currently open, and, as a reminder, employees who refer candidates for vacant roles are eligible for a $500 bonus (if the candidate is hired and upon completion of their probationary period).

• Director of Women’s Residency
• Director of the Family Center
• On Call Front Desk Engagement Specialist
• Family Center Facilities & Maintenance Operations Manager
• Family Center Custodial Technician
• Family Support Specialist
• Workforce Development Specialist
• Kitchen Production Assistant
• Safe & Sound Assistant Teacher
• Safe & Sound Lead Teacher
• Education/YKP/Site Director – Westerville
• Education/YKP/Program Assistants (fall positions)

For additional information, employees can refer to ywcacolumbus.org/jobs or Indeed.

Now, more than ever, it is critical for allies to remain in community with LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates, which is why YWCA Columbus participated in Stonewall Columbus’ 2023 Pride March and Festival. We commemorate the queer liberation movement, call for continued protest against state-sanctioned police violence and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and celebrate authentic self-expression, belonging, and love.

In odd years, Franklin County voter turnout is around 20-25% for all eligible voters. Make sure your voice is heard on Aug. 8! You can check your voter registration here. (Reminder: Ohio now requires a state-issued ID to vote.) And remember to vote NO on Issue 1!

YWCA Columbus is walking together as a Passion Team at the 2023 African American Male Wellness Walk on Saturday, Aug. 12! Click here to sign up. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

In case you missed it, we announced that Ibram X. Kendi will be joining us at Activists and Agitators to speak about antiracism, education, and his recent work to make history accessible to all ages.

As an organization dedicated to eliminating racism and rooted in freedom, justice, and dignity for all, we have a vested interest in ensuring that all youth, particularly students of color and LGBTQ+ students, are taught truth in schools and given equitable opportunities to succeed.

Learn more at ywcacolumbus.org/aanda and stay tuned for opportunities to volunteer at the event!