Public Policy Portal
Y We Act
Many of the issues addressed by YWCA Greater Cleveland – homelessness, addiction, poverty, mental illness – are founded upon and fueled by racism and social injustice. YWCA is committed to advocating for policies that acknowledge structural racism and sexism are at the heart of many of our current crises and must be addressed directly if prospects for women and girls are to improve.
The Fight Continues…
The executive orders that placed a freeze on federal funding directly impact our ability to provide essential services and programs. While the President’s administration has rescinded its directive, the threat of future funding freezes remains. This uncertainty puts our tenants, guests, families, and program participants at risk. Meanwhile, efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are accelerating at an alarming rate.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
We must continue providing resources, and to push forward in the face of efforts to undo this critical work. Contact your city, state, and federal officials to affirm your support. Below are letters you can copy and paste into letters, emails, and website submissions, plus a list of your representatives.
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February xx, 2025
The Honorable [First and Last Name]
[Office Number & Building if Applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Representative] Or [Senator] [Last Name],
Topic: Withholding of Federal Funds
YWCA Greater Cleveland serves a critical need in our community. Without the programs and services they provide, many individuals would be unsheltered, unhoused, unfed, and uneducated. A significant portion of the funding supporting these operations comes from federal sources.
For example, funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is essential to the supportive housing provided at Independence Place and Cogswell Hall, which serve many young adults who have aged out of foster care as well as older adults. Additionally, federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports our Early Learning Center, ensuring that children have access to quality education and care.
You understand the importance of federal agency funding because you witness the pressing need for affordable housing, life skills training, education, food, and childcare in our communities every day. I am asking you to stand against the administration's extreme funding restrictions and take all necessary actions to establish long-term protections to prevent future withholding.
These actions directly threaten efforts to support our community’s most vulnerable populations and could leave them without critical assistance during their time of greatest need. Can we count on you to support your constituents?
Sincerely
[Signed/Electronic Signature/or Printed Name]
[Your First & Last Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
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February xx, 2025
The Honorable [First and Last Name]
[Office Number & Building if Applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Representative] or [Senator] [Last Name],
Topic: Support for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity or DEI Initiatives
Policies for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity or DEI initiatives are designed to create fair opportunities and challenge systemic bias—not to provide preferential treatment. These initiatives assist in ensuring that qualified individuals receive the consideration they have historically been denied, fostering participation for all rather than just a select few.
Attacks on DEI programs strike at the heart of civil rights, human relations, dignity, and justice—values that are important for society to uphold. These programs are not about accommodation for differences but about breaking down the biases that create unjust barriers.
As US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries powerfully stated, “Diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. The motto of the United States of America is e pluribus unum. Out of many, one. That’s diversity. The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution—one of the most important amendments in our country—provides equal protection under the law. That’s equity. In this country, we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... And in that pledge, we promise, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. A-L-L. That’s inclusion. Not complicated. Diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. It’s about economic opportunity. It’s about merit for everyone, based on what you know, not who you know.”
I urge you to support the continued maintenance and protection of DEI initiatives. These efforts are essential to building a fairer, stronger, and more just society for all.
Sincerely,
[Signed/Electronic Signature/or Printed Name]
[Your First & Last Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
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Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/Zip Code].
I’m calling to urge you to oppose federal funding freezes that threaten critical services and programs. YWCA Greater Cleveland receives a significant amount of HUD funding to provide supportive housing for young adults aging out of foster care and older adults, as well as early childhood education through its Pre-K program.
Without these funds, many could be left without shelter, food, or education. Can we count on you to protect this essential funding? Can we count on you to support your constituents by safeguarding these critical funds?
Thank you for your time and support. n text goes here
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Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City/Zip Code].
I’m calling to urge you to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by voting NO on [if talking to a senator - Senate Bill 1 or if talking to a representative - House Bill 6] which ensure fair opportunities for all, not preferential treatment. These initiatives help to ensure qualified individuals receive the consideration they have historically been denied, fostering participation for all rather than just a select few. DEI helps remove unjust barriers and fosters participation based on merit, not privilege.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values. Upholding these principles strengthens our society and economy.
Can we count on you to protect DEI initiatives and the values of fairness and opportunity for all by voting NO?
Thank you for your time and support.
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February xx, 2025
The Honorable [First and Last Name]
[Office Number & Building if Applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Representative] or [Senator] [Last Name],
Topic: Vote NO on SB 1 & HB 6
Policies for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are designed to create fair opportunities and challenge systemic bias—not to provide preferential treatment. These initiatives assist in ensuring that qualified individuals receive the consideration they have historically been denied, fostering participation for all rather than just a select few.
Attacks on DEI programs strike at the heart of civil rights, human relations, dignity, and justice—values that are important for society to uphold. These programs are not about accommodation for differences but about breaking down the biases that create unjust barriers.
As US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries powerfully stated, “Diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. The motto of the United States of America is e pluribus unum. Out of many, one. That’s diversity. The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution—one of the most important amendments in our country—provides equal protection under the law. That’s equity. In this country, we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... And in that pledge, we promise, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. A-L-L. That’s inclusion. Not complicated. Diversity, equity and inclusion are American values. It’s about economic opportunity. It’s about merit for everyone, based on what you know, not who you know.”
I urge you to support the continued maintenance and protection of DEI initiatives. These efforts are essential to building a fairer, stronger, and more just society for all.
Sincerely,
[Signed/Electronic Signature/or Printed Name]
[Your First & Last Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
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IHello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City/Zip Code].
I’m calling to urge you to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by voting NO on [if talking to a senator - Senate Bill 1 or if talking to a representative - House Bill 6] which ensure fair opportunities for all, not preferential treatment. These initiatives help to ensure qualified individuals receive the consideration they have historically been denied, fostering participation for all rather than just a select few. DEI helps remove unjust barriers and fosters participation based on merit, not privilege.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values. Upholding these principles strengthens our society and economy.
Can we count on you to protect DEI initiatives and the values of fairness and opportunity for all by voting NO?
Thank you for your time and support. tem description
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February xx, 2025
The Honorable [First and Last Name]
[Office Number & Building if Applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Senator] [Last Name],
Topic: Vote YES on S.B. 204 – Crown Act
As presented by Sens. Hicks-Hudson and Ingram
Policies to support civil rights are designed to create fair opportunities and challenge systemic bias. These initiatives assist in ensuring that qualified individuals receive the consideration they are denied, fostering participation for all, rather than just a select few.
Currently, the Civil Rights Law does not define “race.” So, there should be protections to specify “race” to include traits associated with an individual’s race, including hair texture and protective hair styles, such as braids, locks, and twists. Discrimination occurs based on these traits which are of a particular race and culture. It must be stopped as it is unfair and sets individuals up for failure in employment, places of public accommodation, housing, and credit practices.
Likewise, the bill prohibits public and chartered nonpublic K-12 schools and all public and private preschools from discriminating against any individual with respect to any program or activity because of traits associated with the individual’s race, including hair texture and protective hair styles.
I urge you to support this bill. These efforts are essential to building a fairer, stronger, and more just society for all.
Sincerely,
[Signed/Electronic Signature/or Printed Name]
[Your First & Last Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
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📞 Phone Script: S.B. 204 – The Crown Act – (Senators)
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City/Zip Code].
I’m calling to urge you to support S.B. 204 – the Crown Act to specify hair texture and protective hair styles, such as braids, locks, and twists as protected as part of the definition of “race” in civil rights law. Discrimination occurs based on these traits which are of a particular race and culture. It must be stopped as it is unfair and sets individuals up for failure in employment, places of public accommodation, housing, and credit practices.
This will help to ensure qualified individuals receive the consideration they are sometimes denied, fostering participation for all rather than just a select few.
Can we count on you to vote YES on SB 204 – The Crown Act to encourage fairness and opportunity for all?
Thank you for your time and support.