NOW AVAILABLE!

The Women’s Policy Institute: A Resource Guide for Launching a Public Policy Training Program     

Request a copy of the full document.

Since 2003, the Women’s Policy Institute has trained over 130 women community and non-profit leaders from across the state of California in policy advocacy.  The only program of its kind in the nation, the Institute was developed by the Women’s Foundation of California to increase the number of community-based women leaders in California who are actively involved in shaping and implementing policies that affect the health and wellbeing of women and girls. 

Through the Women’s Policy Institute, fellows have advocated for more than 20 new pieces of legislation, addressing issues such as human trafficking, childcare and public assistance.  Their efforts have yielded tremendous success. In the first four years of the Institute, fellows contributed significantly to the passage of nine new laws that are improving the lives of California’s women and girls.

As the Institute’s success has grown, so has its reputation within California and beyond. The Women’s Foundation of California has received numerous requests from women’s funds across the country interested in replicating the Women’s Policy Institute model in their own states.

This document provides a framework for others seeking to replicate the Women’s Policy Institute. The Resource Guide:

* Explains the background, philosophy, goals, structure, process  
and accomplishments of the Women’s Policy Institute;

* Details the content and rationale for the Institute’s training  
curriculum; and

* Outlines specific considerations and offer guidelines for others  
interested in implementing a similar program.

Request a copy of the full document.

For more information about the Women’s Policy Institute, or if you are interested in creating a similar program in your state, contact Amanda Cassel at amandac@womensfoundca.org.