Read the definitions adopted with the policy framework.
Feminist Public Policy
Our Positions
Read the adopted feminist positions that provide the policy foundation for the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee’s advocacy, public education and candidate engagement.
Feminist Approach to Public Policy
Our policy foundation
Inclusive, intersectional, progressive feminist values shape all our positions and drive our strategies.
We acknowledge that Black women, Indigenous women and Women of Color have historically been
disproportionately impacted by misogyny, sexism, racism and other systems of oppression.
Read the organization’s adopted strategy for advancing a feminist society.
Our Values
Three principles at the center of the framework
These value statements are reproduced from the adopted policy document.
Human Rights
We believe in and promote basic human rights for all, locally and globally, including safety; bodily
autonomy; freedom from violence; fair, equitable, and compassionate immigration policies; access to
food, shelter and healthcare; reproductive self-determination; and a healthy and just environment.
Civil Rights
We believe in and promote full and equal rights for all. We advocate for legislation advancing equity in
areas such as voting access, employment, finances, child custody, housing, healthcare, and public
accommodation. We are committed to creating a society in which every person has access, voice, and
power in the community.
Equal Opportunity
We believe in and promote equal opportunity in all spheres of society, such as housing, education,
employment, policy-making, and the justice system. This requires eliminating institutional barriers to
equality, including racist, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, religious, ageist, and all
other discriminatory policies and practices.
Adopted July 8, 2020
Position library
Select any position to read the complete adopted language. The pop-outs reproduce the original position text rather than summaries.
01
Anti-Racism
Official adopted position
02
Childcare and Early Childhood Education
Official adopted position
03
Crimes Against Women
Official adopted position
04
Educational Equity
Official adopted position
05
The Environment
Official adopted position
06
Equal Rights (ERA & CEDAW)
Official adopted position
07
Gender Identity
Official adopted position
08
Gun Violence
Official adopted position
09
Healthcare
Official adopted position
10
Housing
Official adopted position
11
Immigration
Official adopted position
12
International Peace and Security
Official adopted position
13
Reproductive Justice
Official adopted position
14
Sexual Orientation
Official adopted position
15
Women in the Workplace
Official adopted position
Positions Into Action
See how adopted positions guide current advocacy
Advocacy priorities translate the organization’s adopted policy framework into current public education, legislative engagement and community action.
Adopted Framework
Definitions
Approved July 8, 2020
“Feminism”- the doctrine advocating that social, political, racial, economic, and all other rights of women
be equal to those of men
“Women”- those who self-identify as “woman”
“Progressive”- advocating progress, change, improvement, justice, transformation, or reform
“Black, Indigenous, and People of Color”- any person not considered white including people of African
descent, Asian, Indigenous, Latino/Latina/LatinX, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander and other
communities of color
“Intersectional”- the complex cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination
(such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine in the experiences of marginalized individuals or
groups
“Non-binary”- having a gender identity not exclusively masculine or feminine
Adopted Framework
Our Strategy
Approved July 8, 2020
Historically and currently, our diverse communities are predominantly represented by heterosexual and
cisgender, white men. We are committed to achieving a truly representative government that reflects
the diversity of the local, regional, and national constituencies.
We will achieve our vision of a feminist society by demanding political representation that truly reflects
the diversity of our communities; by influencing legislation at all levels of policy-making; by collaborating
with other progressive communities; and by promoting political engagement and participation by all
people.
Adopted Position
Anti-Racism
Approved July 8, 2020
Intersectional feminism requires a commitment to be anti-racist. We must identify, confront and
eliminate racism in all its forms – systemic, individual, interpersonal, institutional and structural -- to
achieve racial equity and justice. We must not only communicate anti-racist values, but hold our own
organization, ourselves and other institutions accountable for past and present injustices toward Black,
Indigenous, and People of Color. We believe that reparations and reconciliation are integral to
achieving racial justice. SBWPC will work with coalitions, organizations, individuals, and elected officials
to achieve these goals.
Our country was founded on the colonization of the stolen land of Indigenous people and built by the
systematic enslavement, oppression and exploitation of African people under a white supremacist
ideology. Structural and systemic racism informs present day policing, the criminal justice system and
mass incarceration. We advocate for the demilitarization of law enforcement, and demand that law
enforcement be held accountable for their misconduct and brutality.
The codification of white supremacy also results in unearned privileges and unequal distribution of
power, wealth and opportunity. Examples of this include gentrification, limited land rights and
self-determination of indigenous peoples, targeted policing and incarceration, inadequate rights for
agricultural workers, and unequal representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in all
spheres of civil society.
We are committed to the eradication of racism, racial and religious discrimination, xenophobia, and
related violence in order to create genuine equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Adopted Position
Childcare and Early Childhood Education
Approved July 8, 2020
Families must have access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education. We
support a universal childcare policy. The lack of affordable, quality childcare and early education
disproportionately impacts women, who are often the primary caregivers. This results in reduced
employment options and professional advancement, leading to family economic instability. A robust
childcare policy also requires that care providers, who are primarily women and disproportionately
Women of Color, be paid a living wage.
Adopted Position
Crimes Against Women
Approved July 8, 2020
The crimes that have been perpetrated against women throughout the course of history must be
stopped. These unconscionable crimes include interpersonal violence, stalking, human trafficking,
sexual harassment, exploitation, molestation, incest, rape, battery, assault, genital mutilation, and
murder. Crimes against women have at their root an intersection between sexism and other forms of
oppression. Therefore, we oppose all forms of violence and prejudice which oppress women,
transgender and gender non-conforming people, Black, Indigenous and People of Color and those who
have been targets of ethnic, racial and other systems of oppression.
We recognize that survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence need a safe environment in which
to speak out. We support funding for and implementation of comprehensive, culturally-competent
intervention and educational programs to address crimes against women. We demand legislation which
clarifies and broadens the definitions of crimes against women, positively impacts survivor rights,
addresses gun regulations, assists in creating a more sensitive and survivor-responsive criminal justice
system, and permanently enacts and implements the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Adopted Position
Educational Equity
Approved July 8, 2020
All individuals have the right to a quality, accessible, equitable public education. The experiences,
strengths, and needs of girls and women from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, class,
sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and ability, must be included and celebrated to
promote excellence and equity for all students. All students must see themselves reflected and valued
in teaching and learning. We support ethnic studies curricula for all students and the inclusion of
contributions of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Education at all levels must be accessible, equitable, and free from bias, censorship and discrimination,
including discrimination based on hair styles and religious/faith dress. We demand equitable and
responsible funding for all levels of education. Students of color experience institutional barriers
resulting in the continuing achievement/opportunity gap. These barriers include insufficient public
school resources, lowered academic expectations, and disproportionate discipline. We are committed
to the elimination of obstacles that impede anyone from obtaining a quality public education, including
systemic racism, sexism or income inequality. We oppose the use of public funds for non-public
education.
Adopted Position
The Environment
Approved July 8, 2020
A feminist approach to public policy requires strong stewardship and nurturing of our environment. The
right to a clean and safe environment is the right of all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status.
People who have been targets of ethnic, racial and other systems of oppression have traditionally
inhabited environments which have affected their health and well-being. We demand that
environmental public policy be based on environmental justice for all peoples, protecting all
communities from any form of environmental racism, discrimination, or bias.
There is an immediate need for strong, comprehensive, science-based measures to address global
climate change, to reverse effects of and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, and to protect open and
public spaces that support wildlife habitat, local food production, and recreational opportunities for all.
Adopted Position
Equal Rights (ERA & CEDAW)
Approved July 8, 2020
Women are not explicitly accorded equal rights and protections in the United States Constitution. The
United States is the only developed nation that has not ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly
in 1979.
We demand the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and of CEDAW by the United States.
Adopted Position
Gender Identity
Approved July 8, 2020
We advocate for full equity and equality for all people of all gender identities. A fundamental component
of that advocacy is a commitment to the respect, welfare, and inclusion of transgender and non-binary
people in all spheres of life, including, but not limited to, healthcare, education, employment, and
government.
We support policies and programs that ensure the safety of and community support for transgender and
non-binary children, adults, and families. In particular, training of health care providers, educators, and
law enforcement personnel is crucial in promoting and safeguarding health and safety.
Adopted Position
Gun Violence
Approved July 8, 2020
The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee is a member of the Santa Barbara Coalition Against
Gun Violence, whose principles are as follows:
“People of all races, classes, ages, and sexual orientation and in all communities have
the right to be free from gun violence in homes, schools, workplaces, and on the streets.
Gun violence must be addressed as a health, safety, social, and economic problem. It
costs our nation thousands of lives and billions of dollars every year.
The unacceptable levels of gun violence require a public health approach to education
and prevention, including addressing the easy availability of handguns, assault
weapons, and ammunition.”
We are committed to furthering and strengthening these principles through legislation and advocacy at
the local, state and national levels.
Adopted Position
Healthcare
Approved July 8, 2020
We support comprehensive, universal, and accessible healthcare for all regardless of race, gender,
health status, ability, housing or language. We support local, state and national policies that provide full
and equitable access to affordable, quality healthcare throughout the life cycle, including caregiving,
educational, and preventive programs.
All people have the right to exercise full choice and control over their bodies in making all health and
medical decisions, including all aspects of reproductive health and end-of-life planning.
We support actions to address and eliminate racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination in
health-care and in medical research, planning, and practice. Elimination of structural racism and
discrimination is central to public health.
Adopted Position
Housing
Approved July 8, 2020
All people have the right to affordable, accessible and fair housing free from all discrimination including
that based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, medical condition, religion, race, ancestry,
national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, age, legal source of income, income level, and
family definition/identification.
We support financial assistance and programs for families and individuals experiencing homelessness
which address the need for emergency, transitional, and permanent housing. We also support
mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods to address unreasonable, no-fault evictions
and rent increases. We support the development of affordable housing for all, with accessibility to
schools, jobs, public services, and open spaces, which preserves community character and does not
lead to urban gentrification and dislocation.
Adopted Position
Immigration
Approved July 8, 2020
We support comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform including a path to citizenship. We
are committed to ensuring that no one is excluded from our nation based on ethnicity, race, sexual
orientation, gender identification, refugee status, socioeconomic status, or religious beliefs or practices.
We have a moral and legal imperative to welcome people seeking asylum, especially those fleeing
violence or persecution.
We support the continuation, strengthening, and expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
(DACA). We oppose policies allowing local law enforcement officers to collaborate with Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and the disproportionate targeting of immigrants’ communities.
Immigration policies must ensure that immigrant communities are free from harassment, intimidation,
family separation, inhumane and/or unlawful detainment, and discrimination, as well as receiving equal
protection and due process under the law.
Adopted Position
International Peace and Security
Approved July 8, 2020
Our world calls for a feminist approach to global engagement and international relations in order to
achieve worldwide peace and security. Women are disproportionately affected by war and political
instability, which leads to increased rates of intimate partner violence, child abuse, murder, and suicide.
Additionally, rape and sexual slavery are routinely used as tools of war. The majority of refugees are
women and children.
Respect for the fundamental rights of women and support for their economic and social equality are
crucial to the security of every nation.
We support the resolution of conflicts through diplomacy over military action. We believe that true
security will be achieved by the development of just social systems and not by unrestrained military
spending, which perpetuates the military-industrial complex.
Adopted Position
Reproductive Justice
Approved July 8, 2020
The right to decide whether and when to become a parent is a private and personal matter. It is a
fundamental right of all people to have access to safe, accessible, affordable abortion and
contraception, regardless of age, race, or economic circumstances.
Reproductive rights include access to timely, affordable, and comprehensive reproductive, prenatal,
perinatal, and postnatal care. Reproductive justice requires that all people receive scientifically
accurate, unbiased medical advice, education, and services so that they can make informed decisions
free of coercion. It also requires that pregnant people be afforded the same rights, freedoms, and
protections as all other people.
Adopted Position
Sexual Orientation
Approved July 8, 2020
There must be full equity and equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation. We are committed
to the welfare and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people in all spheres of life, including,
but not limited to, healthcare, education, employment, and government. We support policies and
programs that ensure safety and health of all, regardless of sexual orientation.
Adopted Position
Women in the Workplace
Approved July 8, 2020
Women’s financial independence, socioeconomic mobility, and personal dignity are imperative. Women
of all races must have equitable and equal pay and protection in all aspects of employment. A living
wage is crucial to ensuring a basic level of economic security. We support comprehensive, affordable,
and quality benefits including access to healthcare coverage, retirement plans and family and medical
leave, regardless of family composition or job category.
We support mandatory safety standards to ensure safe and secure working conditions for all, including
historically unrepresented, marginalized and easily exploited workers such as caregivers and sex
workers. A working environment free from discrimination and harassment is fundamental, requiring
training and effective enforcement against sexual, racial and other harassment.
Women deserve equal opportunity to work and advance their careers. We support policies that foster
women’s career growth, leadership development, and full participation and representation in the
workplace, as well as the fulfillment of affirmative action goals addressing women in the workplace. We
promote policies such as flexible hours, telecommuting, job-sharing, child care assistance, and other
support which allow all workers to participate fully in both their work and home environments.
Workers have the right to organize and to form unions free from employer harassment or retaliatory
threats, especially for undervalued and/or essential jobs, held predominantly by women and People of
Color.