racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity DearYWCACommunity,
Marchisatimetoreflect,tohonor,andtocarryforwardthepowerfullegacyofthewomen whocamebeforeus DuringWomen’sHistoryMonth,weareremindedthattheprogress wecontinuetofightfortodayisbuiltonthecourage,resilience,andunwavering determinationofthosewhopavedtheway.
AttheYWCA,ourworkeachdayisrootedintheseverypathways-pathwaysforgedby womenwhodaredtochallengeinjustice,toliftuptheircommunities,andtocreateamore equitablefutureforall Wearenotjustbeneficiariesoftheirlegacy;wearecalledtobuild uponit
AswelookaheadtocelebratingthebirthdayofDr.DorothyHeightnextweek,wehonora womanwhoseleadershipandvisionhelpedshapethecourseofthecivilrightsand women’smovements Knownasthe“godmotherofthecivilrightsmovement,”Dr Height embodiedwhatitmeanstoleadwithbothstrengthandgrace Hervoice,hercourage,and hersteadfastcommitmenttojusticecontinuetoinspireus
Herlegacychallengeseachofustoask: How will we lead? How will we lift others? How will we move the mission forward?
AtYWCAPrinceton,weremaindeeplycommittedtoadvancingequity,empowering women,andeliminatingracismensuringthatthepathwayswebuildtodaycreate opportunitiesforgenerationstocome
Thismonth,andeverymonth,letushonorthepastbytakingactioninthepresent-by beingbold,bystandingup,andbycontinuingthework.
Together,wearethenextchapterofthislegacy
Withgratitudeandpurpose,
R
ChiefExecutiveOfficer
Primary Season Updates
State of the Budget Your Guide to the SAVE Act
Election season is heating up! Here are the races we’re following and the info you need to know.
Princeton Town Council Withonlyoneweekleftuntilthedeclarationdeadline, therearefiveconfirmedcandidatesrunningfortwo openTownCouncilseats Oneincumbent,three councilnewcomers,andthefirstrepublicanrunningin eightyearsareallfightingfortheirnamestoappearon theballot Merolliunanimouslywonthesupportofthe PrincetonMunicipalCommitteeattheMercerCounty Republicanconvention DavidCohenreceivedan endorsementfromthePrincetonCountyDemocratic OrganizationwhileMarinaRubinaandJonDurbin receivedtheirsupport.Thefivecandidatesrunningfor PrincetonTownCouncilare:
DavidF Cohen(D),incumbent
JonDurbin(D)
LeannaJahnke(D)
AntonioMerolli(R)
MarinaRubina(D)
Early National Primaries Primariesarehappeningacrossthecountryleading uptomidtermelectionsandearlypollingresults aregivingusapreviewofwhatwecanexpectthis November.Takealookatthehighlightsfromthe TexasandNorthCarolinaprimaries:
Primaryparticipationandenthusiasmisway up Texashadhistoricvoterparticipationin theirprimaryexceedingrecentprimaryturnout numbers
EarlyvotinginTexasdoubledfromthe2022 midtermprimariesandnearlyhalfofallvotes castintheNorthCarolinaprimarywereearly votes
InTexas,Democratscastedmorevotedthan Republicans,specificallyintheirhigh-profile Senaterace
NJ 11 Special Election AfteraverycloseFebruaryprimary,anelection dateforNJ11hasbeensetandthechallengeis underwaytonameasuccessortoMikieSherrill’s Congressionalseat.Sincethisspecialelectionis onlyfillingavacancy,therewillbeanotherelection forthisseatinNovember Herearethecandidates askingforyourvoteonApril16 :th
AlanBond(I)- BondisaformerWallStreetmoney managerrunningasanindependentonthe“Hope forTomorrow!”partylabel
JoeHathaway(R)-ARandolphCouncilmanand formermayor,HathawaywastheonlyRepublican candidaterunninginhisprimary
AnaliliaMejia(D)-anactivistandco-Executive DirectoroftheCenterforPopularDemocracy,Mejia beatout10otherdemocratstowintheprimary nomination
NJ 12 Primary Race AlleyesareonCentralNewJersey’s12 CongressionalDistrictandthe17candidates hopingtosucceedBonnieWatsonColeman From professorstoestablishedpoliticians,veterans,and physicians,thisisoneofthemostcrowded primariesinthestate.Thenextcandidateforum willbeheldonSaturdayApril11 ,attheFirst BaptistChurchofLincolnGardensinSomerset RepublicanGreggMelewillnotfaceanyprimary competitionasthesolecandidateforhisparty The 16Democrats,listedinalphabeticalorder,are: MattAdams,SusanAltman,MikeAnderson,Brad Cohen,ElijahDixon,AdamHamawy,Raymond Heck,KyleLittle,AdrianMapp,RickMorales, VerlinaReynolds-Jackson,ShanelRobinson,Squire Servance,SujitSingh,IziahThompson,Jay Vaingankar,andSamuelWang
th
The State of the Budget Lastweek,GovernorSherrilldeliveredherfirstbudgetaddressasGovernorofNew Jerseyoutliningastatebudgetfocusedonaffordability,fiscaldiscipline,and targetedinvestmentsinschoolandservices.Herearesomehighlightsoftheplan:
1. AddressingtheStructuralDeficit-GovernorMikieSherrillpresentedabudget thatisslightlylargerthanlastyear’swhileattemptingtoconfrontaroughly$3 billionstructuraldeficitthathasbeenbuildingoverseveralfiscalcycles.Rather thanrelyingonlargenewrevenuestreams,theproposalfocusesonbalancing spendingprioritieswithtargetedreductionsandlong-termfiscalplanning.
2.FocusonMiddle-ClassPropertyTaxRelief-Amajorthemeoftheaddresswas reliefformiddle-classfamiliesstrugglingwiththestate’shighcostofliving, particularlypropertytaxes.Thebudgetproposesadjustmentsandexpansionsto severalexistingprograms,includingtheANCHORProgram,theSeniorFreeze Program,andtheStayNJProgram.
3.HistoricInvestmentinK-12andPreschoolEducation-Educationreceivedthe largestshareofthebudget,reflectingakeycampaignpromisefromSherrill.The proposalallocatesarecord$12.4billionforK-12publicschoolsandanadditional $1.4billioninpreschooleducationaid thelargestcombinedinvestmentinstate history.Theadministrationarguesthattheseinvestmentsarecriticalfor stabilizingschoolfunding,expandingaccesstohigh-qualityearlychildhood education,andensuringstudentsacrossNewJerseyhavetheresourcesthey needtosucceedregardlessoftheirzipcode.
4.ExpandingMaternalandPostpartumSupport-Anothersignificantinvestment is$12.8milliontoexpandtheFamilyConnectsNJinitiative.Theprogram providesvoluntaryhomevisitsbytrainednursesorhealthprofessionalsshortly afterchildbirth,connectingfamilieswithmedicalcare,mentalhealthsupport, andcommunityresources.Withthisnewfunding,theadministrationplansto expandtheprogramstatewidesothatall21countieswillbecoveredby2027.
5.ReproductiveHealthandFamilyPlanningFunding-Thebudgetalsoallocates $52millionforfamilyplanningandreproductivehealthservices,including supportforreproductivehealthclinicsacrossthestate.Thefundingisintended toensurecontinuedaccesstocontraception,cancerscreenings,andother reproductivehealthservices,whilereinforcingNewJersey’spositionasa nationalleaderinprotectingreproductivefreedomandaccesstocare These investmentsaimtostrengthenthestate’shealthcaresafetynetandensurethat residentscanaccessessentialservicesregardlessofincomeorinsurancestatus
AtYWCAPrin toexercise theirrighttovo munitywith candidateinfor seriously.So whenfederalle othepoll,we mustact.Let’stakealookattheproposedfederallegislationandwhatyoucandoaboutit.
TheSafeguardAmericanVoterEligibilityAct(SAVE)wasintroducedintheHouseof RepresentativesinMayof2024 ThoughitpassedCongress,itdidnotpasstheSenate Since theSAVEActwasstruckdown,twopiecesoflegislationhavebeenintroducedinthecurrent sessionofCongressthatarejustasharmful.
TheSaveAmericaAct(SAA)createssignificantbarriersforwomenandmarginalizedgroups tobothregisterandcasttheirvotes.Thisbillwouldrequireallnewregisteringvotersto registerinpersonpresentingseriouschallengesformanydisabled,rural,tribal,working voters,andotherswhomaynothaveaccesstojob-protectedorpaidtimeofftovisitphysical sitesduringbusinesshours.Undertheproposedlegislation,voterregistrantswouldalsohave toprovideoriginalproofofU.S.citizenshipandimposeanationwidephotoIDrequirement thatgoesbeyondexistinglawsinmanystatesmakingitmorechallengingandexpensivefor certaincommunitiestoexercisetheircivilrights,especiallylow-incomeindividualsand peopleofcolor Thislegislationrisksdisenfranchisingthosewhoarealready underrepresentedinthepoliticalprocessandunderminestheinclusive,equitabledemocracy thatYWCAPrincetonstrivestosupport.ThisbillpassedintheHouseofRepresentativesin FebruaryanddiscussionhasbegunontheSenatefloor.
AlsointroducedintheHouseofRepresentativesistheMakeElectionsGreatAgain(MEGA) Act.Thisbillaimstoreshapefederalelectionadministrationnationwide.Itwouldrequirethat allmail-inballotsbereceivedbythecloseofthepollsonElectionDay,ratherthanpostmarkedasmailedbytheendofElectionDay,andwouldrequirestatestoverifycitizenshipof voterswithoutanyadditionalfundingorinfrastructuresupport.Italsoimposesauniform photoIDrequirementtocastaballotinfederalelectionsandseekstoendranked-choice votingonfederalballotscontinuingtodisenfranchisevoters
ThoughtheM assedchamber yet,thatdoesn ericaActand theMakeElecti ceton.These lawscontradict bersto participatefullyinciviclife,andthreatentosilencethevoicesofthosewhoseperspectivesare essentialforbuildinganinclusiveandequitablesociety.Theyareparticularlyharmfulto women,immigrants,andsurvivorsofdomesticviolencecreatingbarriersthatmakeitharder forthesegroupstohavetheirvoiceshearandexercisetheirfundamentalrights However, therearestepsthatyoucantaketoensureyourvoiceisheardandyourcommunityis represented:
1.Encouragethoseinyourlifetoregistertovotebeforethesepotentiallawsgointo effect.InNewJersey, eligiblevotersdonotneedtoprovidedocumentationorproofof US citizenshipwhenregisteringorcastingavote
2.Calloremailyourrepresentativeaskingthemtovoteagainstthelegislation.5Calls hasascriptandtalkingpointsforyoutocallyourSenatorandpushthemtoopposethe SaveAmericaAct.
3 Voteinthemidtermelection IfyourCongressionalrepresentativevotedinsupportof legislationthatyouoppose,exerciseyourrightvoiceatthepollsandvotethemout! RememberyourrepresentativeisinCongresstobeYOURadvocate,iftheyaren’tdoing that:votethemout!
4.DemandyourstaterepresentativepasstheVoterEmpowermentAct.TheJohnR. LewisVoterEmpowermentActofNewJersey(NJVEA)isproposedlegislationdesignedto strengthenvotingrightsandexpandaccesstotheballotbyestablishingnewprotections andstandardforhowelectionsareadministeredinNJ.ItwouldestablishaDivisionof VotingRights,preventdiscriminatorypractices,encourageparticipationbyalleligible voters,andexpandlanguageassistanceforvoterswithlimitedEnglishproficiency.Our friendsattheLeagueofWomenVotersNJhaveaformtodirectlycontactyour representativeintheNewJerseyStateAssemblyandaskthemtosupportNJVEA!
Bonnie W Pass OnThursday,Marc WatsonColemanw
1MonumentDrive
pm.Thisconvenie y g makethepassportprocessfastandstress-freefor individualsandfamily.Representativeswillbeon sitetoassistwithnewUS passportapplications, passportrenewals,passportphotos,andhelpwith applicationguidelinesanddocumentchecks Asthe pushforidentificationbecomesstronger,itismore importantthaneverthatcitizenshaveanactive passport.Interestedattendeesshouldbringa currentdriver’slicenseandagovernmentissues birthcertificateandonlychecksormoneyorders willbeaccepted Pleasecall609-883-0026to scheduleyourappointment!
Updates shiptesthave ngevenmore hip.AsofOctober wandadditional cknowledge, expandingthescopeofinformationapplicantsare expectedtomaster Thenumberofquestions participantsmustanswercorrectlyhasalso doubled,raisingthestakesforthosehopingto completethenaturalizationprocess.Whilethetest ismeanttomeasureanapplicant’sunderstanding ofthecountrytheyhopetocallhome,these changesriskmakinganalreadycomplexprocess evenmoredaunting Ifyouareinterestedin enrollinginYWCAPrinceton’scitizenshiptestprep course,pleasecontactourESLDepartmentat609865-7244.
Until Justice Just Is Competition YWCAPrinceton’ssecondannualUntilJusticeJustIsStudentCompetitionisofficiallyopenforsubmissions!Thisyear’s themewillcenteraroundthe250 anniversaryoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaandasksareayouthwhattheyfeelshouldbe honored Newthisyear,thecompetitionisopentohighschoolstudentsattendingschoolorresidinginCentralNewJersey (Hunterdon,Mercer,Middlesex,Monmouth,andSomersetCounties).Studentshavetheoptionofsubmittinganessay, video,artwork,orphotographythattheyfeelbestanswerstheprompt.Winnerswillbeselectedbasedonthecreativity, thoughtfulness,andoriginalityoftheirsubmission SubmissionsareduebymidnightonSundayApril19 . Finalistswillbe notifiedbyTuesdayApril22 andwinnerswillbeannouncedduringStandAgainstRacismonThursdayApril23rd,6:30pm atYWCAPrinceton Allparticipantsofthiscompetitionandtheirfamiliesareencouragedtoattendtheawardceremony, winnerswillbeexpectedtopresenttheirwork Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorissuessubmitting,pleasereachouttoDarlene Nawuridam,EquityandOutreachCoordinatoratDNawuridam@ywcaprincetonorg Thisyear’spromptis: th th nd
“AstheUnitedStatesmarksits250thanniversary,imagineyouaretaskedwithrewritingtheDeclarationof Independencefortoday OR designingamonumenttocommemoratethismoment.Whattruthsaboutracialjustice, equity,andinclusionmustbeincludedinamoderndeclarationoffreedom?Whoorwhatwouldyourmonument honor,andwhatwoulditlookliketotrulyreflecttheAmericaweaspiretobecome?”
Celebrating Women’s History Month YWCA Princeton’s 42 Tribute nd to Women EachMarch,YWCAPrincetonhonorstheincredible womenandmaleallieslivingourmissioninthegreater MercerCountyarea Thisyear’shonoreesgivevoiceto marginalizedgroups,educateouryouth,uplift nonprofits,andmakesurethehistoryofthe Witherspoon-Jacksoncommunityisneverforgotten We hopeyoucanjoinusat8:30amonThursday,March26 , atTheBoathouseatMercerLakeaswecelebratethe accomplishmentsofthehonorees: th
ShirleySatterfield–TheSusieWaxwoodLifetimeAchievement Award
DeeGoldstein–BusinessLeader/CommunityAdvocate AllisonHowe–CommunityLeader LeannaJahnke–Educator NiaSharif–YoungAdvocate GETYOURTICKETTODAY
Free Screening of Raising Aniya JointhePrincetonPublicLibraryonSundayMarch29 at1PMintheirCommunityRoomforaspecialscreening ofRaisingAniya,adocumentarychroniclingyoung danceartistAniyahWingate’sjourneytohealherspirit andfindhervoiceafterbeingdisplacedbyaHurricane Harvey.PresentedinpartnershipwithThePaulRobeson House,BrigitteJean-Louis,YWCAPrinceton’sDirectorof MissionAdvancement,willserveasapost-filmpanelist todiscussAniya’sjourneytoempowermentandhow communitiescopewithinequality Thescreeningispart oftheannualPrincetonEnvironmentalFilmFestival programmingmeanttoengagethecommunityin exploringenvironmentalsustainabilityfromawide rangeofperspectives Ticketsarefreeandlimitedona firstcomefirstservedbasis Youdon’twanttomissit!
LearnMore
Women’s History Month Videos ThoughwedosoeverydayatYWCAPrinceton, MarchisNationalWomen’sHistoryMonth celebratingthecontributionsandsacrificeof womeninourcountry The2026theme,“Leading theChange,WomenShapingaSustainableFuture,” seekstoexpandourunderstandingof sustainabilitybeyondjustenvironmentalconcerns andfocusesonfinancialsustainability,community resilience,leadershipsuccession,and intergenerationalequity Weareembracingthis themebysharingvideosandprofilesonoursocial mediachannelshighlightingthewomenleading thecharge.Checkoutourfirsttwovideos!
WatchtheVideos https://wwwyoutubecom/playlist? list=PLUE8GD4qP6PeAVPlEW78XUeqJf2MbM63E
WNBA’s Record Breaking Contract IncelebrationofWomen’sHistoryMonth,the WNBA’snewlyapprovedcontractmarksahistoric milestoneforwomeninprofessionalsports The WNBAanditsplayer’sunionreachedatentative agreementthatincludessignificantsalary increasesandrevenuesharingforitsplayers.After morethanayearofnegotiations,theminimum salaryjumpsfromabout$66,000to$300,000and eliteplayersareeligibleforcontractsashighas $14million Theagreementrepresentsmorethan justfinancialgrowth,itisarecognitionofthe value,talent,andleadershipoffemaleathletes. Playerswillalsoreceivearound20%ofleague revenuemarkingthefirsttimeplayersintheWNBA willdirectlybenefitfromtheleague’sgrowthand popularity
