YWCA at 2025 MCSW Advocacy Day

Staff and Board Members YWCA, along with nearly 60 students and their chaperones from Global Learning Public Charter School, Our Sisters’ School, and New Bedford High School attended Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) Advocacy Day on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Every other year, aligned with the state’s legislative cycle, MCSW welcomes over 300 hundred community activists to the State House to rally behind priority legislation that increases access to opportunities and equality for all women and girls of the Commonwealth.

After check in and registration, attendees enjoyed a light breakfast and heard from speakers including MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio.

After the speakers, attendees visited offices and met with staffers for Sen. Mark Montigny, Rep. Antonio Cabral, Rep. Michael Roderiques, and Rep. Chris Hendricks, among other Southcoast Representatives. Students had previously completed research and attended advocacy trainings to prepare them to speak on their issues. State House staffers and YW staff and board were impressed and proud of the students for the skill and knowledge they demonstrated while advocating for issues such as menstrual access, affordable public transportation, access to age appropriate reproductive education, and environmental initiatives.  They also learned more about the legislative process and civic engagement.

Including and empowering the community and the next generation in advocacy is at the heart of the mission of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, when we work together, we can make the South Coast a better place to work, live, and play for everyone.

See all  images from the event here.