Women In NAACP (WIN) 2020 Accomplishments and Invitation to Join The Women In NAACP (WIN) had a very fulfilling and productive year, serving as an advocacy vehicle for social economic, political education, health, and welfare issues affecting women, girls, and advocate for the positive development of children. The COVID-19 Pandemic during the beginning of 2020 and its unprecedented and unpredictable health challenges for individuals and organizations, resulted in changes in how the WIN Committee proceeded with bringing members together as well as accomplishing WIN goals while complying with national and health safety precautions. The first and remaining meetings of 2020 were held virtually. WIN initiatives primarily focused on economic development and community engagement targeting Foster Care Awareness and Black families were either delivered virtually or in an environment following CDC procedures to ensure the safety and health of all concerned. As we reflect on the past year, there are many WIN accomplishments to celebrate, in spite of obstacles presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Throughout the community, Women in NAACP advocated the power of the vote collaborating with Des Moines Branch Political Action Committee and community partners, Urban Dreams and Creative Visions. Partnering with the League of Women Voters and their Voter Mobile GOTV and 2020 census campaign along with the Black Women’s Vote Rally, many first time voters were registered. A virtual community conversation engaging foster parents, children and family practitioners, educators, and community members, in a discussion emphasizing the critical need for more Black families for children who need temporary placement. Much of what was learned will be a part of the content of the guide being compiled as a resource for foster care families and advocates for foster care children. Four Oaks Family Connection Outreach staff have been valuable as a resource and assisting with coordinating family participation. During November, National Adoption Awareness Month, a Bundle Up Our Children Campaign was initiated, collecting winter wear (mittens, hats, gloves, scarves) for children in foster care. WIN members and community volunteers assisted with the collection, Nov. 16-Nov 28. Community Businesses and organizations volunteered as collection sites, ( Zumi, Children and Families of Iowa, Plymouth Church, Corinthian Baptist Church, Mickle Center, Oakridge Neighborhood, Temple B’Nai Jeshrun, and Willkie House) WIN members and volunteers assisted with the collection of the items and Four Oaks Family Connection Outreach assisted with distribution. There were 556 items collected. December was the kickoff month for spotlighting local African American owned businesses, specifically women owned businesses, at each monthly WIN meeting. Chellie’s Sugar Shack owner, Rachelle Long, was the December spotlight. The January 2021 business spotlight featured Tami Harris Brantley and her business, Tiger Martin Collection DM. Women In NAACP joined Iowa Citizens Action Network and several other organizations which included National Association of Social Workers-Iowa Chapter, Interfaith Alliance, LULAC, Iowa State Education Association, and Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in sponsoring a webinar to hear what Iowa
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