Dear Community Friend,

A new chapter has begun for SVP Cleveland!

I’m excited to share SVP’s new vision, why we’re changing, and what’s next. This is, essentially, an invitation to join us on this journey.

Moving forward, we’re working towards a vision, shared by many, of a Greater Cleveland where all women are valued and cared for and gender justice is centered in our systems and policies. We will align our time, energy, and resources to support, convene, and amplify community members, current and emerging leaders, and organizations focused on realizing this vision.

Why is SVP changing? Our evolution began several years ago, and, in 2021, we came together to clearly express our organizational values and commitment to letting those values guide us. At the same time, it was impossible to ignore the harsh realities of the pandemic, available research, and ongoing conversations about the deep seeded inequities faced by women, especially women of color, in our region. And so, we began exploring the potential for an organizational evolution to focus our work on women and gender justice. You can read more about our why here.

How will we do it? Our goal is to be additive to the work already happening. To ensure we are responsive and contributing towards the actual needs of women in Greater Cleveland, SVP’s next chapter will be co-created with local leaders, organizations, and, hopefully, also with you. 

The first half of this year, we’re convening an advisory committee and a series of community conversations to understand how to best shape this work. Please keep an eye out for upcoming letters sharing more about the advisory committee members and community conversations, focus groups, and ways you could participate.

We are whole-heartedly committed to this process being multiracial, multigenerational, and transparent. We want to include all voices at the table to help advise and guide our work ahead. We’re also committed to acting on the feedback and insights we hear, as well as building open lines of communication and accountability throughout the process.

We know trust is no small thing and takes time. Only through our actions can we demonstrate our willingness to reliably show up, speak up, step back, humbly learn, and actively strive to bring together a diverse and inclusive community working towards this common goal.

As we kick off this next chapter, we will partner and unite with community members, visionaries, believers, leaders, and organizations to transform our region into a place that embraces justice for women and all most harmed by gender inequity. Does this inspire you? I hope so! Here are some ways to stay connected and in the know about our changes:

• Keep an eye out! Our monthly email updates will keep you up-to-date, and connect with us on social for more news.

• Share your voice! We welcome your questions and feedback. Email us

• Donate! Support the next chapter of SVP Cleveland and our mission to focus on women and gender justice. Donate

With excitement for the future,

Abby Westbrook