Blog
by Columbia City of Women on Jul 2, 2021
[Theme music] Welcome to the Columbia City of Women podcast! Columbia City of Women is a joint initiative of Historic Columbia and the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network to put women on the map in Columbia, South Carolina. Our mission is to connect Columbia residents of all backgrounds, and all gender identities, to the
by WREN Staff on Jul 1, 2021
Thanks to a grant from Southern Vision Alliance, WREN launched the Gender Justice Technology Fund (GJTF) in April 2021 to bridge gaps in access to internet connectivity, technology equipment, software, and technological literacy programs for local leaders advancing gender justice. The GJTF centered South Carolina-based organizations with annual budgets under $50,000 and individuals doing critical
Leadership and Civic Engagement
by WREN Staff/Lynn Teague, VP for Issues and Action, League of Women Voters of SC on Jun 25, 2021
On Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 9:00 AM the Ad Hoc Committee on the State Election Commission will hear public input on the State Election Commission’s process for maintaining the accuracy of voter rolls. The current State Election Commission (SEC) processes reflect best practices in maintaining the voter registration rolls and multiple investigations have produced
Health and Education, Policy Updates
by WREN Staff on Jun 22, 2021
As prepared for Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee hearing on June 21, 2021. Thank you, Chairman Martin, and members of the subcommittee, for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Ann Warner and I am the CEO of the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN). WREN is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to build a
Health and Education, Policy Updates
by WREN Staff on Jun 15, 2021
The Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee will hold a hearing on Monday, June 21 at 9:30 am on S.811, a bill to allow for discrimination in healthcare. S. 811, the so-called “Medical Ethics and Diversity Act,” would allow health care professionals to discriminate against their patients and refuse to provide them care. This dangerous and far-reaching
Leadership and Civic Engagement, News
by WREN Staff on Jun 3, 2021
WREN provides Advocacy 101 training to build the strength and knowledge of our network. This training includes information about the legislative process and how individuals can get involved with advocacy at the state house. Check out our latest training below and contact us at info@scwren.org to schedule a training session! If you enjoyed the Advocacy
Advocate Stories, Freedom from Violence, News
May 14, 2021
The following statement is from the ACLU of South Carolina, CAJM, Charleston Activist Network, Charleston Immigrant Coalition, Charleston BLM, Black Liberation Fund, Lowcountry Action Committee, SC4CJ, and WREN regarding the release of video of the death of Jamal Sutherland at the Al Cannon Detention Center: Jamal Sutherland should still be alive today. The killing of
Freedom from Violence, Health and Education, News, Policy Updates
by WREN Staff on May 13, 2021
In a recent vote, the Columbia City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would ban conversion therapy within city limits. The ordinance now moves on to a second reading scheduled for May 18, 2021. Before the vote, we ask that you send the City Council members a message in support of the LGBTQ+ community and
by WREN Staff on May 7, 2021
Sine Die is the day that the South Carolina General Assembly will officially end the legislative session. This year Sine Die will occur at 5 pm on May 13th. Before they adjourn for the year, the legislators will pass a sine die resolution that outlines the things they can take up between May – January. Any bill/ issue not included in
Advocate Stories, Economic Opportunity, Health and Education
by Amanda M. McDougald Scott, MS, PhD on May 3, 2021
Child care professionals are one of the most historically under-appreciated sectors of the workforce and they need us to hear and take action on their needs. Among the contributing factors to why the essential work of caregiving is not valued as an essential part of infrastructure is the fact that this work is historically done
Now is the time to invest in South Carolina’s women, girls, and families. We need people like you joining the movement, speaking out, and leading the way toward positive change.