First Training Session for the 2024-2025 GWPI Cohort 

YWCA Greater Atlanta has held the first training session for our 2024-2025 Georgia Women's Policy Institute (GWPI) cohort. This year, our cohort consists of 24 remarkable women from across the state, bringing diverse experiences and backgrounds to the table. Eighty-seven percent of the participants identify as women of color, and 13% identify as white women. 

These fellows embarked on their advocacy training journey by learning about the policy change process and their role in it as citizens and advocates. They also had the valuable opportunity to connect with one another and hear inspiring insights from State Representative Lydia Glaize. We look forward to their second training session, scheduled for August 21, when the cohort will continue to build on this foundation. 

Spelman GWPI Cohort: A New Beginning 

Aligned with Spelman College’s academic calendar, our Spelman GWPI cohort began in August. This group includes 15 dedicated fellows, supplemented by six additional students participating in an auxiliary capacity. The 2024-2025 Spelman Cohort of GWPI marks our fourth year of GWPI at Spelman College, where the next generation of women leaders is equipped with the tools and knowledge to advocate for meaningful policy changes with a focus on racial justice. 

Advocacy in Action: Our Ongoing Efforts 

Our advocacy manager, Elle Knott, remains deeply involved with several key coalitions, furthering our mission at YWCA Greater Atlanta. Elle’s work with the Georgia Coalition for Paid Leave saw the successful hosting of a “Know Your Rights” webinar on July 15. This event educated the public about HB 1010, which doubled the paid leave benefit from three weeks to six weeks for public-sector workers. Attendees gained valuable information regarding their rights as part of this event. 

Elle also represents us in the "Cover Georgia" coalition, advocating for Medicaid expansion, and Georgia STOMP, pushing for the exemption of sales tax on period products and addressing period poverty. Her involvement extends to the Reproductive Justice Coalition and the Childcare Advocacy Task Force. On each of these coalitions, YWCA Greater Atlanta is working to create policies that would improve the lives of women and families in Georgia. In July, Elle represented YWCA Greater Atlanta at the Boys & Girls Clubs National Keystone Conference as a panelist, encouraging youth to become advocates and leaders in their communities. Elle, we are grateful for your ongoing civic engagement on behalf of YWCA Greater Atlanta!