Nonprofit Talk: Women Creating Change expands civic engagement during lockdown
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Carole Wacey is president & CEO of Women Creating Change. Photo courtesy of WCC
By Carole J. Wacey, as told to the Eagle
Carole J. Wacey of Forest Hills is the president & CEO of Women Creating Change, formerly Women’s City Club of New York. WCC is an inclusive community that partners with organizations and underserved women to develop and strengthen the skills and resources needed to effectively advocate for New York’s diverse communities.
How has your organization navigated the pandemic?
Women Creating Change (WCC) started over 100 years ago in anticipation of women’s suffrage. Last spring, we adopted a new name, vision, and mission, shifting our focus towards expanding opportunities for all women to be civically engaged changemakers. We’ve had to reassess our plans, but we are doubling down on our planning efforts by using this time to lay the groundwork for our robust new programming. It can be tough to stay focused when our city is being devastated by this virus, but we are helping how we can by supporting our frontline partners and moving our program and policy work forward.
How are you now serving your participants?
We developed a phone tree for board members and volunteers to call and check in on our community members to see how they are doing and what they might need. We are remaining connected virtually by hosting monthly “Table Talk” events with experts, covering topics like the impact of COVID on gender equity and civic engagement. We are also advocating for policies that keep NYC residents safe and promote civic engagement, like voting by mail.
How are you balancing the needs of your participants with the level of risk to your employees?
We are finding creative ways to further our mission to expand civic engagement while staying home. Our policy agenda is focused on the 2020 Census and expanding voting rights. The census is vital to securing funding for our communities, especially as COVID exposes our vulnerabilities and disparities. We are promoting census ambassador training events and amplifying census information and FAQs on social media to increase response rates, which are lagging behind in New York. As part of the Our City, Our Vote Coalition, WCC is dedicated to expanding democracy to those who are currently excluded. We’re also raising awareness of the election process in New York as it adapts amid the pandemic.
What types of support do you most need now?
Of course we always welcome new supporters to join us in advancing our mission. As this crisis evolves, it will be more important than ever for all women to be heard and have a seat at the table. At the same time, we are also encouraging folks who can to consider supporting our longtime partners who are on the front lines or supporting frontline work, including The New York Immigration Coalition, The New York Women's Foundation, and The New York Community Trust.
What programs/services have you had to cut or scale back on?
WCC is fortunate that we haven’t had to scale back. We have always tried to be lean and efficient so that as many of our resources as possible go towards our work. We are saving funds by not holding events in person, and we are pleased to see the high levels of engagement in the online environment. People are seeking out new ways to stay connected—and we are working hard to deliver important conversations to them at home.
What do you think the future holds for your sector as a result of the pandemic?
WCC is inspired by nonprofit organizations that are continuing their work amid the coronavirus crisis, particularly those helping vulnerable New Yorkers. We have called for local and federal support for our sector during these unprecedented times. We need nonprofits, now more than ever.
This crisis has also shown how vital it is to ensure women’s voices are heard. Women hold the majority of essential roles, but they're also being disproportionately affected economically by the crisis, and shoulder more caregiving responsibilities. We need to make sure the people who are holding our city together through this crisis get to have their voices heard in all aspects of civic life—this will make NYC stronger for all of us!
Carole Wacey is president & CEO of Women Creating Change.
