A critical aspect of our work is serving as advocates to influence public policy. Inspired by the bold leadership of Ms. Evelyn Reid Syphax, we continue her legacy as leaders in the community on issues that will positively impact Black women and girls. We meet regularly with our federal and state legislators, mobilize voter registrations, prepare our members for appointed and elected leadership, educate the broader community on priority issues, and build relationships with thought leaders and elected officials. Examples of our work include:

• Participate regularly in NCBW Legislative Day meeting with our congressional delegation and being prepared for advocacy.
• Create white papers on priority issues to share with legislators.
• Partner with leading organizations who share our mission to raise awareness about issues impacting Black women and girls. 
• Hold trainings on civic leadership, appointments on boards and commissions, and running for public office.
• Participate in voter registration and “Get Out The Vote” initiatives including sending postcards to Black women who are new and inconsistent voters.
• Lead webinars and awareness events on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day.
• Submit op-eds on the importance of power of Black women voters. 
• Network with and recognize Black women leaders and discuss policies important to Black women and girls. 

Annual Advocacy and Public Policy Forum

The Annual Advocacy and Public Policy Forum is our signature event which occurs in November each year. The programmatic focus is on local and national issues relevant to Northern Virginia with an emphasis in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. Our aim is to drive policy changes that will positively impact in the lives of Black women and girls. Promoting leadership development and gender equity as core values of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. 

The purpose of the Forum is to facilitate discussions with thought-provoking leaders and trailblazers across an array of civic and community issues to generates a dialogue among our participants so they leave with information to equip their efforts in making a difference within their local communities. More importantly, the Forum is designed to engage with other advocacy organizations, community partners, businesses and individuals who serve as advocates ensuring public policies can eradicate the systemic issues in the areas of income inequality, education, employment, community safety and social support.

We have hosted nationally recognized leaders such as Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Ms. Cora Masters Barry, Dr. Marian Wright Edelman and Ms. Michelle Singletary who have participated in the Forum over the past 40 years to discuss solutions to issues facing Black women and girls.