What Can I Do? - YWCA Evanston/North Shore

ENSURE schools comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act.
EXPAND community collaboration to improve effectiveness of local prevention and intervention efforts.
CONNECT community members to local anti-violence programs and resources.
REVIEW your company’s healthcare plan and employee usage to identify and remove any barriers to coverage.
ENSURE your company has a domestic violence prevention policy, and has provided training on how to identify signs of gender violence and refer staff to supportive services.
TRAIN first responders, criminal justice professionals, social service workers and school personnel on how to respond to gender-based violence.
LEARN HOW you can counter gender violence & support a family member, friend, or neighbor who is experiencing it.

SUPPORT state legislation to raise the age of juvenile delinquency from 18 to 21 for misdemeanors.
ADOPT policies at law enforcement agencies to eliminate racial profiling and enforce disciplinary measures.
WORK to eliminate disproportionate discipline for students and girls of color.
PROVIDE bias and equity training for all school personnel and law enforcement interacting with students.
REGULARLY REVIEW and revise disciplinary policies; include mechanisms for collecting and incorporating community input.
COLLECT and report data on disciplinary actions taken by the school, broken down by race and other protected characteristics.

SUPPORT Illinois’ No Salary History Act.
SUPPORT women and minority-owned businesses and provide resources to help them succeed.
ANNUALLY ASSESS pay structure and offer equitable pay rates and paid sick and family leave across race and gender.
BECOME a YWCA financial coach and help women achieve financial stability and independence.
SEEK OUT and frequent local businesses owned by women and people of color.
ENSURE that the City of Evanston’s new Affordable Housing Plan prioritizes the needs of people of color, survivors of domestic violence, and women-headed households.
ADVOCATE for affordable housing to be protected and expanded in your community.

Actions you can take to promote racial and gender equity and help ensure financial stability for all:

SUPPORT legislation like the federal FAMILY Act.
NURTURE a strong network of local childcare providers to provide quality, affordable care.
ENSURE working parents understand their rights and any childcare tax credits for which they may be eligible.
VOLUNTEER with organizations working to advance racial and gender equity.
SIGN UP for YWCA’s Act Now alerts to receive updates on state and federal laws responding to gender-based violence. TEXT YWCAEVANSTON TO 22828 to get started!