NCNW's Commitment to Social Justice

Social Justice is one of the core foundations of NCNW. It consists of the following programs.

Caregiving

NCNW is committed to advocating for policies that support Black women caregivers and their families. Black women disproportionately serve as caregivers, balancing the demands of their own lives with the needs of their loved ones and others. This role often includes caring for children, elderly family members, and individuals with disabilities.

The NCNW aims to address the unique challenges faced by Black women caregivers and to promote policies that provide the necessary support and resources for them to thrive. This includes:

• Advocating for an increase in funding and resources for caregivers and their families

• Increased resources for senior and early child care facilities

• Additional resources for individuals with disabilities and other special needs

  
  

Gun Violence

NCNW is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of gun violence, which disproportionately affects Black women and their families. Gun violence is a public health crisis that demands comprehensive and effective policy solutions.

Our policy platform for gun violence prevention aims to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Including:

• Proactive measures to address gun and community violence through common sense gun laws

• The prevention of gun access to individuals with a history of domestic violence

• Regulations of gun sellers who sell from private collections and an expansion to background check requirements for the purchase of fire arms

  
  

Human Trafficking

NCNW is committed to addressing the grave issue of human trafficking, which disproportionately affects Black women and black youth. Human trafficking is a violation of human rights and a form of modern-day slavery that must be eradicated.

Our policy platform on human trafficking aims to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and prosecute traffickers, while addressing the systemic factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Black women and black youth. We advocate for:

• Increased resources for law enforcement and communities to prevent human trafficking

• Increased education around human trafficking and prevention

• Resources for survivors of human trafficking including housing access, healthcare, and trauma informed care

  
  

Missing and Murdered African American Women

NCNW is committed to addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls. This issue represents a violation of human rights and a significant public safety concern.

Our policy platform aims to advocate for the prevention of disappearances, improve response protocols, support affected families, and ensure justice for victims. Including:

• Improving the collection of data around missing and murdered Black women and girls

• The establishment of special taskforce aimed at investigating and preventing violence against Black women and girls in the Department of Justice

  
  

Veterans Affairs

NCNW is dedicated to supporting Black women veterans and their families. Black women serve in the military with honor and distinction, yet they often face unique challenges during and after their service.

We aim to address these challenges, ensuring that Black women veterans receive the recognition, support, and resources they deserve. This includes:

• Resources to provide housing for veterans to address the homelessness crisis among veterans

• Job and educational opportunities for veterans who transition into civilian life

• Access to healthcare resources including mental health and resources to address chronic diseases veterans may have contracted while serving

  
  

Voting Rights

NCNW is dedicated to ensuring that Black women and their families have access to voting is an aspect of our democracy and it is one of our primary objectives.

Our policy initiatives, in the realm of voting rights, aim to eliminate barriers, promote access, and safeguard the integrity of the system. This includes:

• Support for the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to address voter suppression

• Increase in the registration of eligible voters

• An increase in polling places

  
  

Civil Rights Protections in Online and AI Environments

NCNW recognizes the instant and urgent need for protecting civil rights in the online and now AI environments. These technologies encompass more and more aspects of life. As such, NCNW understands that education for our community on the issues of AI and digital technologies' impact on civil rights is paramount.

We are supportive of:

• Awareness campaigns and education programs that keep Black women informed about their rights in the digital spaces and provide resources to navigate issues arising out of AI and technology

• A proactive approach in ensuring that policies are adopted as they affect and protect civil rights in the digital age and also to save communities from being victims of misinformation and disinformation

• Civil rights protections and will work to ensure that Black women are not disproportionately affected by bias and inequities in digital and AI spaces

  
  

Algorithmic Bias – Fairness and Transparency

NCNW encourages regular auditing and review of algorithms currently in use and in development in decision-making in order to ensure that there is no bias incorporation and to ensure equity of outcome.

We support:

• Regulation that combats artificial intelligence bias, particularly against Black women in the workforce, criminal justice, healthcare, and housing

• AI transparency: Persons have the right to be told when and how an AI system is going to be used within a decision-making process

  
  

Surveillance and Privacy Protections

We understand the importance of protecting the privacy and civil rights of Black women and their communities in digital spaces.

NCNW supports:

• Strong oversight and regulations that limit the use and scope of surveillance technology, including facial recognition technology, so that it does not disproportionately target or harm Black communities

• Strong and comprehensive data privacy legislation to protect the personal information of consumers and bar data brokers from participating in discriminatory practices

• This includes the model civil rights act points of which we believe should feature the American Privacy Rights Act (ARPA)

For questions or to learn more, email socialjustice@cincyncnw.org.