What are you grateful for this year? I am grateful for many things, but most of all, I am grateful for the tide that’s turning. On November 6, with the passage of Proposition 30, Californians voted to raise their own taxes in order to protect services that help the most vulnerable among us. At the same time, at the federal level, a record number of women ran for Congress and more women than ever before were elected to the Senate.
I am grateful that we took risks this year. Although we have tended to stay behind the scenes—focusing on strategic grant making and policy training—this year we decided to get out front. We launched an advocacy campaign called Stand with Women to show our legislators and the Governor how important it is to protect critical programs that support women. I am grateful that so many of you joined us and made your voices heard.
I am grateful that we continued doing what we do well. This year we supported 112 grant partners with $2 million in grants. These funds help incredible grassroots organizations grow, prosper and improve the lives of thousands of women and families. A virtuous multiplier effect, indeed.
I am grateful that we were able to right many wrongs. This year our Women’s Policy Institute fellows helped pass two bills into law. Because of their hard work, as well as collaboration with ally organizations, pregnant women will no longer be shackled while being transported, and detained parents will no longer be denied their right to arrange for their children’s safety.
I am grateful for our incredible staff and board. It’s an honor and a pleasure to work every day with such smart, sassy and committed women and men.
Most of all, this year, I am grateful for you. I am grateful for your generosity, your dedication to the cause of women and families and your ability to imagine what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.
Thank you for all you do for California’s women and families.
Judy Patrick
President and CEO
P.S. Our beautiful 2011-12 Annual Report is hot off the presses and features inspiring stories of grant partners and giving.
P.P.S. In celebration of #givingtuesday, check out our blog posts that celebrate a variety of ways to exercise gratitude and generosity.
Four Tips for Raising a Young Philanthropist
If You Want to Give, First Listen
Rediscovering LA Through Photography and Philanthropy