Training community-based women to shape public policy through the Women's Policy Institute

In 2003, the Women's Foundation of California launched the Women's Policy Institute (WPI). The only program of its kind in the nation, the vision for the WPI is to increase the number of community-based women leaders who are actively involved in shaping and implementing policies affecting the health and well-being of women and girls. The WPI is a year-long program which includes four three-day training retreats in the state capitol. Fellows work as a member of a self-formed team to develop and implement a policy advocacy project of their choosing. The team projects require participants to exercise their personal resourcefulness as well as provide practice for the policy advocacy and leadership skills taught during the retreats. A core faculty of policy experts provides continuity throughout the program and additional faculty is brought in to teach on particular topics. Teleconferences, emails and an Intranet help to keep team members connected between retreats. To date the WPI has trained almost 100 women and experienced a remarkable 50% success rate with nine bills signed into law, four bills vetoed by the governor, and five failing in committees. Graduates sustain policy work in their communities and agencies after participation in the program. The WPI is a catalyst for effecting fundamental change in policies at the local, state and national level that impact women's and girls' lives and can be replicated in other communities. 207.200.116.138 on 2-13-2007-->