Advocates For Women
Improving the Lives of Women for more than a Decade!
Our Mission
We believe that enhancing the lives of women makes the world better for all. Recognizing the intersectional effects of gender, racial and economic inequities, we strive to maintain a learning mindset. We work to advance reproductive justice, gender equity, and women’s well-being through advocacy, giving, and education, with compassion and respect for all who identify as women.
This year’s focus is Women: Politics, Law, and Justice
In 2024-2025, we will be educating, advocating and raising funds dedicated to justice for women. In this critical election year, we will examine the role of women in politics and the law, both as leaders and affected citizens. The outcome of the election will influence our path forward in this arena.
Upcoming events and contact information:
10/9 Wednesday 6-7:30 pm Get out the Vote letter and postcard writing via Zoom
11/17 Sunday 11:30 am -12:45 pm Reflection on the Election – Moving Democracy Forward, RE 1/2 and Zoom
For more, check out our calendar. Contact: Advocates For Women
Our Work
Now more than ever the full participation and leadership of and by women is essential to addressing local, national, and global disparities and injustices, particularly those suffered by women. We seek to help women locally and globally by:
- raising money or acquiring products for non-profit organizations which help women (see Fundraising for Women for details)
- raising awareness among ourselves and the congregation about challenges facing women (see Advocacy and Awareness for more)
Recent donations
We are excited to announce two major recipients of our pledge funds for 2023-2024.. They are:
- Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. $933 to support perinatal support and education for Indigenous women and families in King County.
- Stronghearts Native Helpline. $933 to support their 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy
- Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and Northern Idaho. $933 will help fund their reproductive health services in central and eastern Washington, serving also as a resource for those in Idaho.
We have also donated to Worldwide Fistula Fund to fund one surgical treatment of obstetric fistula. In July 2023, we co-sponsored a concert by Otto Cantanti and Dave and the Dalmations which raised $1892 for Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and Northern Idaho. Our 2024 spring fundraiser for Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative raised $1910 to purchase gift cards for indigenous women and others fleeing sex trafficking in SW Washington State.
Recent programs on Reproductive Justice and on Indigenous Women
Last year we focused on Indigenous Women, with an emphasis on empowering young women and girls and on gender-base violence. Donations are described above and educational events are detailed on this page.
In 2022-2023, through Congregational education events for the Congregation, we spearheaded the approval of a Congregational Stand that states: Reproductive Justice is a Fundamental Human Right. This Stand is based on the proposal by the Sister Song Collective that all people have the right to bodily autonomy, to bear or not bear children, and to raise their children in a safe and healthy environment.
Wins in the 2024 Washington Legislature
Our wins included timely bills supporting reproductive rights and protections from gender-based violence, including deep fake images. The Keep Our Care Act, which addresses the takeover of health systems by religious entities, made progress this year, but more work is needed. Substantial bills aimed at financial assistance for families saw little success.
Meetings For Work and Play
Each month, September through June, we meet via Zoom on first Mondays (odd-numbered months, 6 pm) or in person/hybrid on first Sundays (even-numbered months, 11:30 am) to plan and reconnect. Check our calendar or email Advocates For Women for the latest details. We work collaboratively in standing groups (such as those that organize our book discussions or state lobbying efforts) and in planning groups that are dedicated to a single project, so there is room for participation by all who are interested. We use a democratic decision making model and follow the EUUC Covenant of Healthy Relations.
Throughout the year we gather (on Zoom or in person) for some fun times together, such as “Whatever Makes You Happy” happy hours and lunch together. Although we don’t have business meetings In July and August, we do have one or two social events. Community is important to our success!
News
- Advocates for Women EventsUpcoming For more information contact Advocates for Women September and October 2024 9/7 Saturday, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm Annual A4W Potluck and Retreat RE1/2 and via Zoom 10/6 ...Read more
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women workshop Saturday April 13, 11 am – 3 pm at EUUCWe are pleased to present Carolyn DeFord, a member of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, at a Faceless Dolls workshop. This workshop will connect us ...Read more
- Multigenerational Service Project for Women’s Health: March 16, 2-4 pm in Chapman HallImagine what an unhoused girl or woman goes through for several days every month during her period – when she has limited access to toilets, ...Read more
- Social Justice Council Advocates for a Ceasefire in the Middle EastThe Social Justice Council urges EUUC community members to support an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel/Palestine to prevent the ongoing inhumane loss of life. ...Read more
- The Lobby Room Re-Opens for Justice in Washington State!The Lobby Room puts our faith into action by helping you support bills that align with our Social Justice Priorities. This is our opportunity to ...Read more
- Vocal Concert and Farewell to Susan Fundraising successSongs for a Summer Day: Dave and The Dalmatians join Otto Cantanti held July 22nd in Chapman Hall We’re sending a big Thank You to Otto ...Read more
- Congregational Stand on Reproductive JusticeUPDATE: The proposed Stand was approved at the May 2023 Congregational Meeting! Advocates for Women is looking forward to providing you opportunities to promote Reproductive Justice ...Read more
- The Lobby Room: Our Best Year Yet!Thanks to the congregation, we had a great year in the Lobby Room with over 3100 legislative contacts reported! Some highlights of the legislation are ...Read more
- Secular Healthcare Preserves Reproductive JusticeWritten By: Deb Bauder – 3/15/2023 (updated 4/24/2023) Imagine having a niece who is 3 months pregnant going to her obstetrician due to bleeding and being ...Read more
- The pre-Roe Struggle and its Lessons for Today: Film DiscussionJoin Advocates for a discussion of “Abortion and Women’s Rights 1970” As a part of our congregational education program on Reproductive Justice, we look back to ...Read more
For More Information
Contact: Advocates For Women