CALCASA Announces National E-Lobbying Campaign for VAWA Funding

April 8, 2008 |
Valor

Beginning April 21st, CALCASA will be unveiling a week-long E-Lobbying effort along with the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) urging Congress to fully fund the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and to raise the cap on the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The NAESV has chosen to partner CALCASA in an effort to create a National grassroots effort, raising critical awareness amongst members of Congress regarding just how vital these funds are to Rape Crisis Centers.
In California, the state budget deficit of $16 billion has limited effects on rape crisis centers because in the entire state, only $50k from State General Fund goes to rape crisis centers. That relative safety is not present when considering the Federal funds that rape crisis centers receive. Nearly $20 million each year comes directly from VAWA and VOCA to rape crisis centers, and current estimates range from 5-10% possible rescissions in those funds. After several years of such rescissions, California’s rape crisis centers, like those across the country have seen the need for mounting a National campaign.
From April 21st-25th, CALCASA’s Online Grassroots Advocacy Center will allow people to send letters to all of their Congressional representatives with the click of a button. For most people the process takes less than a minute from start-to-finish, and their voice will be heard in Washington D.C.
In order to participate in the campaign, please register here.
After registering, you will receive an email as soon as the campaign begins directing you to the website to send your letter. Participation is free, and an important way to let Congress know just how important Federal funding is for California’s rape crisis centers.