We See You Awards International
The Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy
CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP:
EMPOWERING MINDS AND HONORING LEGACY
Public Policy and Organizing, Activism, and Campaigns
At the Academy, we ensure all our sessions are focused on preparing Black women for life in Public Policy.
This article is based on our last session on preparing our leaders to understand what it means to be an ally, activist, or advocate. The session also emphasized the different local and international leaders and their influence on society and looked at how to organize and prepare for a campaign.
Public policy significantly influences the effectiveness of organizing, activism, and campaigns, which are crucial for democratic engagement and social change. These collective actions often target public policy to address injustices and advocate for legislative reforms.
Activism seeks to bring about social, political, or environmental changes by influencing public policy. Policies that protect freedoms, such as the right to protest and access to information, empower activists. These policies enable activists to expose issues, rally support, and push for change without fear of undue reprisal. Conversely, restrictive policies can hinder activism by limiting freedoms of assembly and expression.
Organizing involves bringing people together around common concerns to effect change, often targeting public policy. Community organizers build power through coalition-building, public education, and direct action. Historical examples like the Civil Rights Movement demonstrate how organized efforts can lead to significant policy reforms, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which dismantled legal segregation in the United States.
Campaigns are structured to achieve specific goals, often involving significant public engagement and media attention. Successful campaigns use lobbying, public relations, and grassroots mobilization to influence policymakers.
Public policy and collective action are interconnected. Policies supporting civic engagement, such as voting rights and freedom of assembly, are vital for enabling organizing and activism. Effective public policies create an environment where citizens can advocate for change and hold the government accountable. However, policies restricting these freedoms can undermine democratic processes and limit the impact of collective action.
At the Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy, we understand that public policy plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of organizing, activism, and campaigns. Understanding and navigating this landscape is essential for effective advocacy and driving social progress. The dynamic interaction between public policy and collective action is key to advancing democratic values, protecting human rights, and promoting social justice.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Save the Dates
Seat at The Table – June 21, 2024: Mark your calendars for an unforgettable event as we prepare to host “Seat at The Table” on June 21, 2024. This special event provides graduate students from our Leadership Academy with an invaluable opportunity to meet with high-ranking leaders and policymakers. It is a platform for exchanging ideas, broadening perspectives, and promoting constructive change on a worldwide scale.
Commencement – June 22, 2024: Graduation is a significant milestone for our students as it culminates months of hard work and growth. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and empowering them to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As we come together for this hybrid event, let us embrace the human stories behind the graduates. Let us honor the tears shed, the triumphs celebrated, and the many moments of growth that shaped our journey.Join in the celebration
Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, in Washington, DC. Or Virtually
Save the dates and join us for these enlightening experiences that represent IBWPPI’s values of empowerment, knowledge, and community. For more information and inquiries, please contact us at dean@ibwppi.org
Together, let us continue to inspire, educate, and elevate leaders who will construct a better future for future generations.
Membership Updates And Announcements
LET’S TALK About Black Women’s Maternal Health Event
THANK YOU to everyone who joined us on Thursday, May 23rd for our monthly Happy Hour on Black Women’s Maternal Health, including our two amazing speakers: Teshieka Curtis-Pugh, Executive Director of the South Carolina Nurses Association, and Adjoa Jones, Director of African-American Infant/Maternal Mortality Prevention Programs at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Both speakers provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges and potential solutions in Black women’s maternal health. If you are interested in learning more or receiving their PowerPoint presentations, please contact us at membership@ibwppi.org.
Please SAVE the DATE for our June Happy Hour
June 27th at 5:00 PM EST
LET’S TALK about Black Women in Leadership
Welcome our Newest Members!
Rachelle Smith
Martine Wilson
Annie McDaniel
Shundra Thomas
Brianna Smith
Kysha Brown
Nayila Moore
Cortney Walters
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Leadership Opportunities
Our signature leadership program, the Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy, prepares women for leadership on the global stage. We provide additional leadership development opportunities through mentorship initiatives, committees, and leadership roles within the organization.
Community Engagement
Through our virtual programming and Happy Hours, Membership connects you to a community of like-minded advocates and activists who work to advance the interests of Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. Members can engage in community-building activities, philanthropy, policy forums, and discussions to exchange ideas and experiences.
For more information on membership benefits, please contact us at membership@ibwppi.org
With Love and Gratitude,
Shelley M. Henderson
Director
Membership Engagement, International Partnerships & Affiliates
Renew or Join our Membership
Who Are We?
Our Vision is to connect and advocate for Black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy. Our Mission is to work in the US and internationally to convene hearings and discussions to evaluate the impact of current public policies and to initiate new policies that address the major threats to the well-being of Black women and our families.
Our programs reflect the policy work we are engaged in daily. We believe that our policy focus informs our programs.
Where can you see yourself?
The Birthing Initiative aims to reduce maternal deaths and address Period Poverty, ensuring girls can participate in daily activities without hindrance. Being strong advocates for birthing centers and birthing services in the rural south and on the continent of Africa.
The Boots on the Ground Initiative provides essential foot covering to communities affected by hurricanes and floods preventing waterborne diseases. Also, provide footwear for women who farm and provide food for their families. We also provide disaster relief and resources to families negatively impacted by natural disasters both at home in the US and abroad.
Women’s Economic Empowerment Micro Loan Program supports entrepreneurs in Haiti and Ghana, supporting local businesses and creating a sustainable system of economic empowerment for rural communities.
The Reading Room Initiative establishes spaces for children to read and dream, with centers in the Bahamas, Kumasi, Ghana, and Belize. We provide inspiring books, for example, Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” adapted for children, and introductory educational materials on Climate Change.
Dorothy I. Height Global Leadership Academy prepares the next generation of global leaders and advocates for their deployment into non-traditional spaces. The world needs prepared leaders more than ever and our six-month global leadership development program answers the call. In less than four years we have trained over sixty new international leaders and have facilitated their international engagement.
Want to be featured in IBWPPI’s monthly newsletter? We want to celebrate you! All members now have the opportunity to be highlighted, all you have to do is be financially active, and send us your short bio and a photo. Be on the lookout for your feature in future issues!
