Legislation
BPW/WA Legislative Platform
The Equal Rights Amendment, as authored by Alice Paul, shall stand first, foremost and above all other items which may appear on the platform of this Federation until equal legal rights for women and men become guaranteed in the United States Constitution, because all statutory law derives there-from.
What’s Happening with Legislation at the State Level?
BPW/WA PAC was established as a Political Action Committee (BPW/PAC) to assist women and pro-women candidates who support BPW’s Legislative Platform by providing campaign contributions and endorsements. As the financial muscle behind BPW’s state legislative agenda, individual members can contribute to BPW/WA PAC to show a collective force of BPW members in the Washington political process.
State Legislative Platform
Civil Rights
Support equal rights and remedies for women in all phases of their lives; support affirmative action; eliminate sexual harassment and violence against women.
Health
Support full access to all women’s health services and education, including reproductive choice; support funds for research into and protections for women’s health care needs; and support the national health care policy sections specifically recognizing the special health care needs of women.
Economic Equity
Support pay equity, equal educational and economic opportunities at all stages of life; and promote affordable, quality dependent care to help support economic self-sufficiency for women and their dependents.
Lobby Day in Olympia
This year BPW/WA joined AAUW along with other similar groups for Lobby Day via Zoom. In the afternoon members can meet with their legislators via Zoom, making their appointments 2-3 weeks ahead of time.
Lobby Day occurs once a year in January. In the past Lobby Day has been in Olympia where you can meet with your legislators, tour the Capital or sit in on a committee session. We hope to enact this again in the future.
What’s Happening with Legislation at the National Level?
The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC) has a history and shared commitment to advocating for and allying with working women for over 100 years at the state and national level.
The Alice Paul Equal Rights Amendment shall stand first and foremost above all other items of the advocacy platform until Equal Rights have been guaranteed in the United States Constitution - i.e. "Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."
March 8 – 9, 2024
Attend the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
Priority theme: Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective
Review theme: Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-third session)
November 17-20, 2024
BPW International Congress in St. Kitts
BPW International Congress in St. Kitts event is sure to be a blast. The event will be held on November 17-20, 2024 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino. To learn more about Congress and the program head over to the BPW International website.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
BPW/WA PAC
The BPWWA PAC plays a vital role in shaping the future of Washington State for the better. Through a collaborative effort, individuals within the organization work towards common goals outlined in a legislative platform. This platform champions fairness, opportunity, and progress for everyone, regardless of background or affiliation. By carefully evaluating lawmakers and strategically directing resources, the BPWWA PAC empowers voices that align with their vision.
Note: only BPW Members can donate to BPW/WA PAC and donations are not tax deductible.
Endorsement Request
The BPW/WA Political Action Committee (PAC) is proud to support candidates who champion equity, economic security, and opportunity for all Washingtonians. If you are a candidate that aligns with our values we'd be happy to have a conversation.