Women’s Policy Institute Trains Advocates

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is now accepting applications to train women as advocacy leaders in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 13, 2020) – Women’s Fund of Rhode Island has begun accepting applications for its Women’s Policy Institute (WPI). WPI was launched in 2008 to build a progressive movement in Rhode Island that focuses on a broad range of women’s issues, fostering opportunities for cross-issue learning during sessions, and encouraging participants to work in coalition. The program focuses on supporting a culture and agenda of policy advocacy within participants’ home organizations and communities, thereby expanding the program’s reach beyond those who directly participate.

Women and people who identify as female are invited to apply. Applicants will go through an interview process designed to ensure commitment to the program and that the class of 2020/2021 will reflect the diversity of our community. An information session will be held on June 16 at 8:30am via Zoom. Registration for the session is at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpf-CtrT4vH9fHjFmawLUpPu4Yw6gUYfXG.

The program will meet monthly for nine sessions beginning in late August. Sessions will be held virtually or in person as social distancing guidelines evolve. Led by facilitator Paula Hodges of Anchor Strategies, topics covered include policy formation, community organizing, and testifying. Programming includes guest presenters and community leaders involved in policy and advocacy.

During WPI, fellows work on drafting and introducing their own legislation, while creating a strategic campaign plan to guide them through the legislative session. Graduates of the program have gone on to successfully run for office; others have stayed involved in advocating for community change through a variety of organizations and coalitions.

This program is free of charge and made possible by donors and sponsors, including the Rhode Island Foundation, the Otto H. York Foundation, and generous donations by individuals. Applications are being accepted through June 30, 2020. More information and a downloadable application can be found at www.wfri.org/leadership.

About Women’s Fund of Rhode Island 

Founded in 2001, the mission of the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is to invest in women and girls through research, advocacy, grant making and strategic partnerships designed to achieve gender equity through systemic change. As a leader in the movement to improve policies that impact women and girls in Rhode Island, the work of WFRI is focused on economic security for women and girls, as well as increasing political participation and representation. The organization also conducts research on the specific challenges facing women and girls in Rhode Island.

More about Women’s Fund of Rhode Island can be found at www.wfri.org.

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