Celebrating YWCA City Shift and the Power of Advocacy Alongside Community
At YWCA BC, we know that creating lasting change for women and families means more than advocating on their behalf. Real systems change happens when we advocate alongside them.
“If I can be a voice for somebody, if one idea I have helps make any kind of change, (that would be worth it)," says one Advocacy Council Member.
On March 12, community partners, decision-makers, staff and supporters gathered at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre to celebrate the conclusion of this current phase of City Shift, YWCA BC’s initiative to help build a more equitable, prosperous and just region. The evening was a chance to reflect on the project’s milestones, honour the relationships built along the way, and look ahead to the work still to come.
A highlight of the event was celebrating YWCA BC’s first Peer-Centred Advocacy Council, made up of alumni from YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Services. Over 15 months, council members came together to build advocacy skills, share their lived expertise, and help shape strategies on issues affecting their lives, including gender-based violence and access to justice. The council was designed as a pilot model that could inform future advocacy efforts at YWCA BC and beyond.
The wrap-up event featured remarks from YWCA leadership, a look back at key City Shift milestones, a screening of the trailer for our documentary produced with 3 Crows Productions, and a moving panel discussion with council members. Together, these moments illustrated the power of peer-centred advocacy: when women most affected by inequity are supported to lead, their voices can shape stronger, more responsive systems.
While the Peer-Centred Advocacy Council may have concluded, the message of the evening was clear: this work does not end here.
The Peer-Centred Advocacy Council was created as part of YWCA BC’s City Shift project to empower participants with the skills, knowledge and support needed to influence policy, raise awareness and advocate for systemic change. As a pilot initiative, the council brought together alumni from YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Services to help shape advocacy priorities grounded in lived experience.
From the beginning, the council was intentionally designed to reduce barriers to participation. Planning included considerations such as child care, honoraria, transit support, scheduling and staff support, helping ensure members could participate fully. The council also combined advocacy training, strategy development and community-building, creating space for members to strengthen their skills while shaping collective goals.
YWCA City Shift is generously funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.
For more information about our advocacy work, contact Shauna Shortt at sshortt@ywcabc.org or 604 613 2485.
