Through our Amazing Women in eCommerce program, we’ve been able to amplify and support the work of Girls Inc., the organization that inspires all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. Through long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming, Girls Inc. enables girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Girls Inc. also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities and rights for all girls.
As we continue to navigate the shifting environment of COVID-19, we wanted to highlight some of the work Girls Inc. is doing to advocate for local affiliates, girls, and families affected by COVID-19.
Girls Inc. collaborated with leading organizations like the YMCA, YWCA, and United Way to advocate that the latest Congressional stimulus packages include relief for nonprofits, families, and marginalized communities. Using emails, phone calls, and social media, Girls Inc. and its local affiliates asked Congress to:
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- Ensure that nonprofits are included in relief for small businesses in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (also known as the “third relief package”), the historic $2 trillion economic stimulus law
- Include important modifications in the “fourth package” to address current issues with implementation, such as (1) Expressly provide charitable nonprofits with $60 billion in emergency funding; and (2) Broaden the charitable giving deduction to encourage individuals to donate to nonprofits even during this economic downturn
Girls Inc. also has called on federal agencies to protect the civil rights of survivors of sexual harassment, children and families affected by poverty, and students with disabilities, and has advocated that communications for low-income families are protected from telephone and Internet service interruptions during the outbreak. Additionally, they have opposed discrimination and called on national, state, and local leadership to:
- Denounce the increasing racist attacks and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs)
- Ensure communities have the resources necessary to combat the rise in hate and xenophobia
- Restore healthcare protections to DACA recipients under the Affordable Care Act
Finally, Girls Inc. continues to prioritize civic engagement by:
- Urging Congress and all state elections officials to adopt and fund voter-inclusive policies and practices, such as mail-in voting
- Educating communities about the importance of the Census and mobilizing the Girls Inc. network in the #CensusChallenge
- Reminding eligible voters to register
You can learn more about Girls Inc. here and our Amazing Women in eCommerce program here. If you’re able, please consider donating directly to Girls Inc. here. To learn more about Yotpo’s response to COVID-19 and resources for navigating this time, please visit our COVID-19 Resources page.
