SPAC Facts
•    80 Community Projects
•    1,291 Project Volunteers
•    $1.4 Million in Grant Funding

Key advocacy areas: education, family support, foster care, domestic violence, and health care.

Since 1971, the State Public Affairs Committee of the Junior Leagues of California has represented the interests of its member Leagues and the groups or issue areas addressed by their projects to policy makers at the State and local levels. The collective voice of this non-partisan group represents over 13,500 women in 16 communities across the State. Advocacy efforts are limited to those issue areas that pertain to member projects and focus areas.

This year SPAC is co-sponsoring AB172 Universal Preschool and supporting approximately 40 other bills.  AB172 will mirror a ballot initiative for November 2006.  AB172 can be reviewed by using the California Government website.  www.ca.gov.  Click on the left side government button and then there is a link to see legislation.  Go to that link and enter AB 172.

SPAC Focus Areas
SPAC Delegates from 16 California Junior League Chapters join to sponsor or support legislation relevant to the communities and projects that they support. SPAC’s advocacy work primarily focuses on the following four areas:

Education
SPAC is committed to supporting education and enrichment opportunities for children that are developmentally appropriate, increase achievement and lead to workplace marketability in a safe, nurturing environment. Key areas of interest: AIDS education, the arts, bilingual education, early childhood education, job skills and training, libraries, literacy, mentoring, school violence, tutoring and media violence.

Family Support
SPAC is committed to advocating for programs and policies that promote the physical and emotional well-being of families. To thrive, families need to live without hunger, hopelessness, and lack of resources. Key areas of interest: custody, family resources, foster care, parenting skills, self-esteem and welfare.

Health
SPAC is committed to improving the mental and physical health of our community members through advocacy for improved access to quality health care and prevention programs. Key areas of interest: cancer, HMO coverage, immunization, pediatric health, teen pregnancy and women’s health.

Violence Prevention
SPAC is committed to addressing the impact of violence in our communities through prevention, intervention and education. Key areas of interest: assault weapons, battered women, child abuse and child protective services.