What are you thankful for this year?
For most of us, this year has sometimes felt like a repeat of 2020; there have been setbacks and concerns as we continue to navigate a pandemic, find our country divided on key issues, and address the challenges that disproportionately affect women.
However, as we enter the holiday season, it is important to pause and acknowledge our gratitudes and our triumphs. There have been hardships, but this year has provided us with opportunities to plan for future generations while acknowledging the current needs of women and their families. We have taken time to listen, learn, and act as we move forward, paving the path for how we want future generations of women and girls to thrive. I am thankful for all that you have done to further our mission and advance gender equity through your support and involvement, particularly:
Women’s Economic Development Task Force: A First-of-its-Kind Initiative to Provoke Change
Between July and October, we spoke with hundreds of women from all backgrounds across the state of Missouri about the issues surrounding their participation and advancement in the workforce. We had candid conversations, uncovered new insights, and are currently developing actionable and necessary policy recommendations to improve the conditions that hold women back. And Missouri is just a starting point; we have plans to expand our task forces to additional states in 2022 to continue hearing and understanding the challenges affecting women across our nation. We are grateful for the honesty of our participants and the generous support of our partners.
Key Policy Expansions
We supported multiple policy updates that impact women’s wellbeing this year. We are grateful to the political leaders on both sides of the party lines who support the advancement of women through multiple changes, including:
Medicaid Expansion in Missouri: 275K more Missourians now have access to health insurance, including pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities and children.
Occupational Licensing Support for Women-Led Jobs: House Bills 273 and 476 were signed into law in Missouri, providing broader licensure reforms for shampooing and occupational therapy.
Occupational Licensing Support for Military Reciprocity in Kansas. HB 2066, signed into law, expands the existing law to make it easier for military spouses from other states to use their professional licenses in Kansas by expediting key elements of the licensing process.
Expanded Paid Family Leave for Kansas state employees: The Judicial Branch now provides eight weeks of leave for both parents, an increase of just four weeks for the secondary parent, and the Board of Regents requires a shorter employment time to qualify for leave.
As I reflect on 2021, I see that we have been busy at work, and I am grateful for that. I’m also thankful to the many stakeholders that support, elevate and advocate for our work.
Thank you to the civic leaders who listen to our feedback to improve policies for women and families.
Thank you to the community partners who support the Appointments Project, and to the women who trust us with their journey to seek positions on boards and commissions.
Thank you to the generous donors who make our work possible.
Thank you to the generous volunteers who give of their time to advance women, from our board of directors to advisors to numerous committees, task force and coalition members, and of course, United WE Ambassadors and Groundbreakers.
Thank you for being a supporter of United WE; we are grateful for the time, talent and treasure that countless women and men have donated to our organization since 1991.
I have been so inspired this year by the groundbreaking women and men who support United WE and our efforts. During this season of gratitude, I encourage you to thank the people in your life who support and acknowledge you. Our work is far from done, but we are making progress together, and that is worth celebrating. United WE are thankful.
Kindly,
Wendy