Recently, President Trump announced his Fiscal Year 2018 budget recommendations. According to the recent Presidential Budget, it has been proposed that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau would receive a 75% budget cut, which would take the current staffing levels from 45 to 15. Because women’s commissions share a long history with the Women’s Bureau, the National Association of Commissions for Women are monitoring this issue. We know that women’s commissions depend on the partnerships they have forged with the regional offices of the Women’s Bureau and on the programming opportunities needed to carry out their work.
At the 2017 NACW Conference, two resolutions were passed to support efforts to protect the United States Women's Bureau and all programs, agencies, and bureaus that protect and advance the rights of women. To view these resolutions, click here.
We need your help to voice support for the Women’s Bureau. Are you ready to take action? Here are few things you can do to make a difference right now:
CALL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
Reach out to your congressional representatives. We encourage you to call and speak directly to the office. Phone calls make the most impact. Click here to find out who your U.S. Representative is and how to contact him/her! Click here to find your U.S. Senators and how to contact them!
Not sure what to say? Here are a few examples:
Sample #1: “As you and your colleagues discuss and work on the budget, I want to convey the important role that the (name of women’s commission) plays in our district. Our women’s commission relies on the research and programs the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau provides. Since its inception, the Women’s Bureau has supported innovative policies and programs designed to address emerging issues affecting working women and create a positive environment for working women and their families. Their work provides resources and creates programs that have enhanced the quality of life in of women and their families in my community. Cutting the Women’s Bureau would not significantly trim the federal budget, but it would significantly affect the quality of life for women and their families in states and communities like ours. Help (State and/or District) and our country thrive by providing us with more resources—not less.”
Sample #2: Tell a personal story about how the Women’s Bureau and your local women’s commission have impacted your community—through a joint program, research, or initiative.
Make sure you tell us about that impact, too.
TAKE ACTION In five easy ways you can be an advocate for the Women's Bureau!
Find your representative and their contact information and write a letter to them (Link to sample letters)
Share your story about our impact in your community with us, then share on social media (#SavetheWomensBureau), with friends, to your legislators
Write a letter to the editor, tell your friends on social media (#SavetheWomensBureau) or discuss it over lunch with your colleagues.
Stay informed about advocacy news with us. Sign up to receive info about how you can help advocate for the Women’s Bureau.
Join the National Association of Commissions for Women. Add your voice to our efforts to tell your story on the national level.