Breaking New Ground to Build Democracy
WCC's Upcoming Report on Civic Engagement
WCC is getting ready to release our white paper, A Blueprint for Women’s Civic Engagement in New York City, that analyzes research, focus group feedback, and surveys to better understand the barriers to and drivers of civic participation. The document - which WCC will release this spring - also outlines policy and program recommendations to increase all women’s involvement in civic processes.
WCC believes improving women’s civic engagement is key to building participatory democracy. We know that women are already engaged and leading in their communities, but challenges remain. The issues women face are systemic, rooted in a history of political exclusion, racism, sexism, and classism.
In the paper, we highlight creative ways to work within the existing landscape of New York City nonprofits, community-based organizations, and public and private partners to advocate for programs and policies that center women and their families and bolster participatory democracy. Stay tuned for the official release date of the paper and a launch event featuring notable civic leaders, activists, and academics – and moderated by a very recognizable New Yorker!
WCC: What We Value Most
Building upon our history of civic engagement and broadening our reach to be more inclusive of all women who call New York City home, WCC’s recently adopted value statement articulates our commitment to the program and policy work we’ve set out to achieve. Read the full statement to learn how our core values ground every facet of our work. Follow us to see how we live our values each day.
WCC: Connecting with NYC’s Communities
WCC is preparing to launch a series of four to six Civic Matters community workshops in 2021 in partnership with the Grace Institute. The workshops will cover topics relevant to civic engagement, from the basics of how to engage to understanding one’s rights. They also will help prepare New York women for the 2021 elections.
Participants will gain knowledge about civic engagement issues, develop greater confidence to engage and discuss the content, establish relationships and a sense of community, and gain skills to take a specific action. WCC’s civic engagement workshops are dynamic, interactive learning, and skills-building experiences that connect diverse New York women with information, education, and networks to launch and support their civic engagement journey. Stay tuned for more information.
Restoring Voting Rights
In 2018, Governor Cuomo, using his pardon power, signed an executive order to restore the voting rights of people on parole. While the executive order represented progress, it does not go far enough to re-enfranchise nearly 43,000 formerly incarcerated New Yorkers—nearly three-fourths of whom are Black or Latinx.
Senate Bill S830B/Assembly Bill A4448A, which the Assembly Elections Law Committee recently passed and can now proceed to a vote on the floor, would automatically restore the voting rights of formerly incarcerated individuals convicted of a felony upon the completion of their prison term. It would eliminate the need for a discretionary pardon, and the restoration of voting rights would not depend upon the occupant of the Governor’s office.
Opportunity for Action: Send an email to your state Assemblymember and stress that it is time to pass S830B/A4448A. Make your voice heard today!
Give Voice and Votes to Immigrant New Yorkers: Supporting Our City, Our Vote
On March 4th, WCC participated in an Our City, Our Vote digital day of action to urge the passage of Intro. 1867. The New York City Council bill would expand voting rights to nearly one million immigrants who are lawful permanent residents, so they can vote in elections for city-level offices.
Opportunity for Action: Help ensure all New Yorkers have a voice in our city’s future! Send an email to your officials with one click to show your support for Our City, Our Vote and urge passage of Intro. 1867.
Media Contact
For interview requests or media inquiries, please contact Lynsey Billet at [email protected] or 347-361-8449.