The International Violence Against Women Act presents a critical opportunity for the United States to protect, defend, and empower the world’s women. This comprehensive piece of legislation, long-supported by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the U.S., will integrate violence prevention in U.S. foreign policy and support innovative programs that have been shown to effectively reduce violence against women and girls.

In the coming weeks, Members of Congress will review this groundbreaking legislation--H.R. 4594 in the House and S. 2982 in the Senate--in preparation for a vote. Between now and July 29, individual Baha'is in the United States are encouraged to participate in a social media campaign led by Women Thrive Worldwide to encourage further congressional support of this bi-partisan initiative to advance the status of women globally.

Below, those who wish to participate will find sample messages for distribution via their Twitter and Facebook networks, as well as a calendar for directing their efforts toward specific Members of Congress during each day of the campaign. Any questions about the campaign can be directed to the Office of External Affairs at (202) 833-8990 or BahaisUS@usbnc.org. 

Learn more about I-VAWA.

Sample FB message (to post on personal FB page):

Help pass the International Violence Against Women Act as it comes up for a vote in Congress this month! Urge Rep. Shelley Capito to support and vote for the bill by leaving a meassage on her facebook wall:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelley-Moore-Capito/8057864757?ref=ts

Sample FB message (to post on Congressperson's page):

One out of every three women worldwide will be physically, sexually, or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Please be a leader in helping end violence against women globally! Support and vote for the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) this month!

Sample Twitter messages:

Help end violence against women globally! Ask Rep. Connie Mack @conniemackiv to vote for #IVAWA this month! Pls RT! http://bit.ly/92i5w8

Help end violence against women globally! Ask Sen. Shelley Capito to vote for #IVAWA this month by posting on her FB wall! Pls RT!

Date                   Member Facebook           House/Senate           Twitter  

Wed July 14     Capito (R-WV)                        House                   N/A                            

Thu July 15       Reichert (R-WA)                    House                 @davereichert             

Friday July 16   Connie Mack (R-FL)             House                  @conniemackiv           

Mon July 19      Ros Lehtinen (R-FL)             House                  @IRL                           

Tues July 20    Lugar (R-IN)                            Senate                 @senatorlugar            

Wed July 21     Webb (D-VA)                           Senate                  N/A                           

Thu July 22       Corker (R-TN)                        Senate                 @SenBobCorker         

Fri July 23        Murkowski (R-AK)                  Senate                 @lisamurkowski          

Mon July 26     Burton (R-IN)                           House                 @repdanburton          

Tues July 27     Rohrabacher (R-CA)            House                 @DanaRohrabacher    

Wed July 28     Granger (R-TX)                       House                 @RepKayGranger (note: Facebook page doesn’t allow public comments)

Thu July 29       Brown-Waite (R-FL)              House                 N/A