YEO Policy Books 2015 Policy Book | Page 4

Defending Workers and Families YEOs’ dedication to advocating for and defending working families will never wane. This year, YEOs recommitted themselves to addressing threats to working families, including growing income gaps and deteriorating benefits and rights. This policy council’s agenda centers on reforms to create shared prosperity in a 21st century workforce, looking at both basic wages and protections and innovative benefits. Ensuring a Sustainable Future At this year’s Convening, we sought to address sustainable and livable development, exploring ways infrastructure and the built environment shape our communities, impact our natural environment, and affect public health in disparate ways. In the coming year, we will look at defensive strategies to protect our natural resources, as well as innovative solutions for smart growth. With 2015 coming to a close, it is our hope that the momentum generated by the 10th annual National Convening continues to ignite each and every member of this dynamic network. The policies in this book can also be found in our revamped online legislative exchange, and as always, we encourage you to contact our team if we can be of support. We look forward to seeing the impact we can make when we harness the collective energy of YEOs across the country. Yours in service and solidarity, Jenalyn D. Sotto YEO Policy Coordinator Dawn Huckelbridge YEO Managing DIrector 2015 POLICY BOOK INTRO PAGE 4