Over the last three years, YWCA City Shift has partnered with local governments across Metro Vancouver and beyond to prioritize equity in decision-making, programming and policy development.
Driven by our commitment to bold, transformative change through education and advocacy, YWCA City Shift is excited to announce the launch of its Peer-Centered Advocacy Council. This initiative, made possible thanks to funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada, reflects the YWCA’s focus on advocacy and systems change, emphasizing knowledge sharing, capacity building and empowering council members to advocate both individually and collectively on issues that impact their lives.
The first cohort is comprised of 19 graduates from the YWCA’s Single Mothers programs. The first council meeting took place in January 2025 and over the course of 15 months, members will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to influence public policy, drive awareness and shape public opinion on a specific issue.
Members will participate in sharing circles and thoughtful group activities to set the council’s advocacy goals, develop strategies and define measurable outcomes with support from YWCA staff and government relations experts. Additionally, members will attend workshops covering topics surrounding advocacy skills, understanding how government works, community organizing and more.
City Shift will also collaborate with 3 Crows Productions to create a documentary that showcases the progress and impact of the Peer-Centered Advocacy Council. This short film will not only tell powerful stories from council members but also serve as a practical tool and source of inspiration for others looking to adopt or replicate this model in their own advocacy efforts.
The YWCA City Shift Team is truly honoured to work alongside the exceptional members of the Peer-Centered Advocacy Council and looks forward to seeing the meaningful impact and lasting change that they will achieve.
For more information about City Shift, contact Leah Rambally at lrambally@ywcavan.org.
