The

Georgia Women’s Policy Institute

Experience

Georgia Women’s Policy Institute (GWPI) is an immersive program that trains women to become state policy advocates. Participants learn the fundamentals of Georgia government as they research, develop, and advocate for state policy to create a more just and equitable Georgia for its women, girls, and families.

“GWPI has demystified the public policy process in Georgia and has shown me how I can use advocacy to make a difference.”

— Betsy, Former GWPI Fellow

Program Overview

Georgia Women’s Policy Institute fellows come from communities throughout the Metro-Atlanta area as well as communities throughout the state of Georgia. Fellows use a variety of intersectional lenses to analyze and develop state-level policies that would positively impact the lives of women and families in Georgia.

Issue areas include but are not limited to:

  • Health and Safety

  • Economic Empowerment

  • Reproductive Justice

  • Racial Justice

Timeframe: The GWPI experience takes place over 10 months.

  • June through December - The first half includes advocacy training and homework to reinforce what is learned through these trainings.

  • January through April - The second half includes a four-month hands-on experience with legislative advocacy during the legislative session.

How to Be an Advocate

Qualifications

  • Passionate about creating systemic change.

  • Willing to work across party lines to make Georgia safer and more equitable for women and families.

  • Self-driven yet able to work collaboratively in groups.

  • Adaptable.

Requirements

  • Willingness to commit the necessary time to attend trainings and complete work outside of trainings.

  • $1150 fee that may be paid in full or in pre-scheduled installments prior to the start of the GWPI program.

    • Applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their employer. Scholarship assistance may be available on a limited basis.

Benefits of the GWPI Experience

  • Learn the fundamentals of the Georgia General Assembly, the policymaking process, and principles of effective advocacy.

  • Hear from legislators, public policy professionals, and subject matter experts.

  • Develop policy proposals that address real-world issues, work with coalitions, and plan and execute advocacy strategy.

  • Connect with more than 190 GWPI alumnae.

  • Develop the skills needed to be a formidable lifelong advocate.

What We’ve Achieved

Over the years, GWPI fellows have played an integral role in the passage of important legislation, including these recent bills:

  • HB 129 (Rep. Hong): Expanded TANF eligibility to pregnant women

  • SB 61 (Sen. Strickland): Allows Georgians to continue using their earned sick days to care for loved ones

  • HR 686 (Rep. Daniel): Commendation of Georgia’s working women for their contributions in Georgia

  •  SB 338 (Sen. Burke): Extended postpartum Medicaid up to 12 months postpartum

  • HB 231 (Rep. Gaines): Creates a protective order for victims of dating violence

  • SB 477 (Sen. Kirkpatrick): Clarified that law enforcement should arrest the “predominant” aggressor in family violence situations.

Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 Georgia Women’s Policy Institute Cohort!

Click the button below to access our application!