Category

California

Nov 11 2019
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CWA of California November Legislative Recap

By | California | No Comments

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4

That’s it for this year.  The California legislature has adjourned until January 6, when the 2019-20 session will reconvene in Sacramento. In the meantime, you may wish to seek opportunities to meet your state assembly member and senator at local events or visit their district offices. Whether they share your values or not, it is important to let your representatives in Sacramento know you are praying for them and to share your views on legislation and issues in your area as well.

Last month, we asked you to request vetoes on several bills. Gov. Gavin Newsom (Democrat) signed the bills that Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California opposed with one exception – AB 624. We are so grateful for this victory.

VETOED: AB 624 – Student ID’s to Contain Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Numbers
As mentioned, Gov. Newsom vetoed Asm. Jesse Gabriel’s (D-L.A.) troubling bill, AB 624, requiring all public and charter school identification cards for students in grades 7-12 and post-secondary institutions to include a resource number for “sexual and reproductive health care information” consistent with requirements of the CA Healthy Youth Act. Read the Governor’s veto message here. The Governor was not pleased that the bill left the choice of the hotline number up to the individual school or district, stating, “There are many agencies across this state that refuse to give women information about all of their reproductive health care options.” Presumably, because AB 624 did not specify the agency, schools could choose a pro-life pregnancy clinic rather than, or in addition to Planned Parenthood, or the like. The Governor did not feel the schools had the “appropriate expertise” to make this decision. We may see a similar bill introduced next year and will be watching as new measures are introduced.

SIGNED: SB 24 – Medical Abortions on Public University Campuses
By 2023, all of California’s public university campus health clinics will be required to provide medication abortions. SB 24 (Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino) will be expensive, deadly for unborn babies, and dangerous to the physical and emotional health of young college women. Please pray that the Lord will speak to the hearts of our college students so that they will act responsibly in relationships. Pray for women facing unplanned pregnancies to choose life.

SIGNED: AB 175 – Children’s Rights in Foster Care
AB 175 (Asm. Mike Gipson, D-Compton) gives foster children as young as ten years old prompt access to “reproductive and sexual health care, including gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care.” These at-risk children will now have the right “[a]t any age, to consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including, but not limited to, abortion services and health care services for sexual assault without the knowledge or consent of any adult.” New requirements will be placed on foster parents that may conflict with their religious beliefs, such as using the names and pronouns of the child’s choice contrary to their biological sex.

Thank you for making a difference with your prayers, action, and tax-deductible donations to our work in California!

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Sep 20 2019
0

Action Alert: It’s Time to Ask for Vetoes

By | California | No Comments

CWA of California September Legislative Update

The 2019 state legislative session is now over, and the news is mixed. A few bad bills are being held over until next year, though, several dangerous measures are now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. It’s Time to Ask for Vetoes!

Please read more about these egregious bills below and contact the governor asking for his veto. He has until October 13 to sign or veto bills. If he does nothing, they will automatically become law without his signature. So, we MUST ask for vetoes – and soon. He could act on these any day.

To contact Gov. Newsom, call 916-445-2841 or go to his contact page and fill out the online form here.

SB 24 – Medical Abortions on Public University Campuses
Early abortions should not be part of the mission of California’s public universities. SB 24 (Sen. Connie Leyva’s, D-Chino) will require campus clinics to provide chemical abortions up to 10 weeks of pregnancy to college students on the University of California and California State University campuses. This bill is deadly to tiny preborn babies, dangerous for the mothers, and unnecessary. There are already abortion clinics near every one of these campuses. Further, the California Department of Finance issued its review of this bill after Gov. Newsom promised to sign it. That review shows significant costs over and above the “private” funding called for in the bill. For the UC system alone, the report lists $7.8 million in start-up costs and millions more annually – at taxpayer expense! Please ask the governor to veto SB 24.

AB 175 – Children’s Rights in Foster Care
Asm. Mike Gipson’s (D-Compton) foster care bill, AB 175, would allow 10-year-olds to review their foster care plans and require that all foster kids have prompt access to “reproductive and sexual health care,” including “gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care.” It also gives these at-risk children the right “[a]t any age, to consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including, but not limited to, abortion services and health care services for sexual assault without the knowledge or consent of any adult.” The bill also requires foster parents to participate in training for cultural competency and sensitivity involving LGBTQ issues and to use names and pronouns preferred by the child – regardless of how it may conflict with their closely held religious beliefs or conscience. Help protect foster kids AND foster parents by asking Gov. Newsom to veto AB 175.

AB 624 – Student ID’s to Contain Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Numbers
Jesse Gabriel’s (D-L.A.) troubling bill requires that all public and charter school identification cards for students in grades 7-12 include a resource number for “sexual and reproductive health care information” that is “comprehensive and medically accurate” and consistent with requirements of the CA Healthy Youth Act. It is anticipated that most schools will use hotlines for Planned Parenthood or similar organizations. Students should not be forced to advertise for Planned Parenthood. Please ask Gov. Newsom to veto AB 624.

Please pray with me!  Prayer is a powerful force!
Lord, please bless us as we raise up our voices in California. May Your Biblical standards set the morality of our state.  In Your Word, Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Empower us, Lord, with the courage to speak up for what is right, according to your Word. Lord, we ask that Your will be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for making a difference with your prayers, action, and donations to our work in California! You are both needed and appreciated.

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Sep 18 2019
0

Praying for California’s Students

By | California | No Comments

California’s children are now back in school. Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California  is praying for California’s students and stands with you in concern for the declining quality of education, the deterioration of parental rights, the increasing emphasis on sex education, and the godless philosophies being taught. We are concerned for the children who must attend schools that denigrate their beliefs and their values. Please join us in praying for the children of California.

As parents of a first-grader, sixth-grader, and eighth-grader, my husband and I expect a standard of excellence for our children’s education – a stirred passion for learning, mastery of subjects to reason clearly, and the ability to speak and write convincingly.  We expect schools to partner with parents to prepare our children to be productive members in society, yet according to U.S. News, our great state of California ranks near the bottom of the nation in math and reading scores and 44th in the nation for pre-K-12 education.

Now more than ever, prayer is needed to plead the blessing of protection and deliverance from evil in our California schools.  CWA  of California joins with Pray for Safe Schools (P4SS) to pray for our children.  We recommend using P4SS’s eight prayer points as you pray for California’s students.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or a community member, please lift up our students regularly.  California’s children are our future leaders.

United with you in prayer,

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Aug 04 2019
0

CWA of California August Legislative Update

By | California | No Comments

FAITH Can Move MOUNTAINS
Matthew 17:20

We pray you are having a wonderful summer. Perhaps a family vacation or getaway to refresh!

Speaking of vacation, the California legislature began its summer recess on July 12 and will reconvene on August 12 to complete the year’s legislative business. Right now, is a great time to visit your assembly member or state senator in his or her district office or at local events. You may wish to share your concerns about the pending bills that they will be voting on next month. Let them know you are a Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California member and are praying for them.

Here is the updated status of several bills we have been actively opposing, with current action:

SB 24 – Medical Abortions on Public University Campuses
Early abortions should not be part of the mission of California’s public universities. SB 24 (Sen. Connie Leyva’s, D-Chino) will require campus clinics to provide chemical abortions up to 10 weeks of pregnancy to college students on the University of California and California State University campuses. Then-Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the previous version of this bill as unnecessary. It still is, but Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to sign it. Help us stand for life!

SB 132 – Transgender Prison Bill
Under SB 132, inmates could be moved from men’s to women’s detention facilities based on their desired “identity” and “with or without a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or any other physical or mental health diagnosis, and regardless of anatomy.” The text states, “At any time, [an inmate] may inform facility staff of their gender identity, and facility staff shall promptly repeat the process of offering the individual an opportunity to specify the gender pronoun and honorific most appropriate for staff to use in reference to that individual.” They may then be housed in a single or double cell, dorm, in protective custody, or the general population based on that individual’s perception of health and safety.

SB 132’s author, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), says this law is required for safety. We, too, believe it is important that no one be harmed in the course of his or her incarceration, but that safety should extend to women in female facilities who may be at risk when forced to share facilities with biological males who perceive themselves to be women – and without diagnosis or surgery.

Please Take Action: SB 24 and SB 132 will both be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee in August, and then likely head to the Assembly floor. Call your assembly member and ask a “no” vote on both bills. Be sure to let him/her know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California. Find your Assembly member here.

AB 175 – Children’s Rights in Foster Care
Asm. Mike Gipson’s (D-Compton) foster care bill, AB 175, would allow 10-year-olds to review their foster care plans and require that all foster kids have prompt access to “reproductive and sexual health care,” including “gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care.” It also gives these at-risk children the right “[a]t any age, to consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including, but not limited to, abortion services and health care services for sexual assault without the knowledge or consent of any adult.” The bill also requires foster parents to participate in training for cultural competency and sensitivity involving LGBTQ issues and to use names and pronouns preferred by the child – regardless of how it may conflict with their closely held religious beliefs or conscience.

AB 493 – LGBTQ Teacher In-Service Training
California schools are already required to have anti-bullying policies in place to respect all students.  Teachers are currently receiving such training. AB 493, sponsored by Sen. Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), requires all California public schools, including charter schools, to provide online in-service training to all teachers and certificated staff in grades 7-12, and adopt strategies to increase support for LGBTQ students. This will likely become on-site training if funding is provided for grants outlined in the bill and many schools are already implementing such training K-12.

The California Department of Education will develop the training materials, and active participation is required. Staff attendance will be tracked by the state. Teacher testimonies of their experiences in the training that is already occurring include shaming of traditional beliefs regarding sexuality and gender by the instructors. How pervasive this is will depend upon the school district.

CWA of California does not support the bullying of any student for any reason, and, we do not support requirements that teachers participate in training that conflicts with their closely-held religious beliefs or conscience and requires them to affirm such behavior. These two are not at odds, nor should they be seen as such.

ACR 99 – Resolution Denying Change Is Possible
Last year, CWA of California opposed AB 2943, which would have prohibited “sexual orientation change efforts” (SOCE) for adults (such therapy for minors was banned here in 2012 by SB 1172.) AB 2943 was pulled from consideration by the author, Asm. Even Low (D-San Francisco), before its final floor vote. He indicated he wanted to work with pastors and other members of the faith community who objected to the bill’s premise that counseling for unwanted same-sex attraction is deceptive or even harmful and hoped to find “common ground.”

This year, Asm. Low has introduced a resolution, ACR 99, that does not have the force of law, but makes untruthful claims—and may pave the way for stronger legislation next year. SOCE, or restorative therapy, generally involves talk therapy for unwanted desires, yet ACR 99 makes broad statements about the pejorative term “conversion therapy” being “ineffective, unethical and harmful.” Practices associated with that term have not been utilized by any professionals for decades. ACR 99 denies that thousands have experienced change using restorative therapy, essentially denying the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives.

Please Take Action: AB 175 and AB 493 will be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee in August, and then likely head to the Assembly floor. Call your state senator and ask for a “no” vote on AB 175 and AB 493. Be sure to let him/her know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California. Find your state senator here.

ACR 99 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on August 12. Please contact members of the committee (find them here) and ask them to oppose ACR 99. If passed, it will proceed to the Senate floor, so please also call your state senator and ask him or her to oppose the resolution.

Please pray with me!  We know prayer is a powerful force!
Please pray that the hearts of our California lawmakers would be open to Biblical truth, that they would vote not to further these efforts, but to stop them in their tracks. In so doing, they would save lives, protect precious children, preserve rights of conscience, and not oppose the work of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives.

Thank you for making a difference with your prayers, action, and donations to our work in California!

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Jun 29 2019
0

Thank You from CWA of California!

By | California | No Comments

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

To all who have joined in the work of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California to protect and promote Biblical values in all levels of public policy, we send a heartfelt THANK YOU!  Your membership and donations are so appreciated as we use these funds for Christian advocacy at the state legislature, in our correspondence with local leaders, and supporting our Prayer/Action Chapters across the state with training, educational materials, and encouragement. May the Lord bless you and your family as we join our efforts to influence California for Christ!

In her book, Feisty and Feminine, CEO and President of CWA Penny Nance, calls women “to step forward as this generation’s Esthers, speaking the truth in love to a troubled nation.”

CWA of California’s goal is to establish Prayer/Action Chapters in every city across the state. Our chapters educate members on how to discuss the tough issues we are facing in today’s society; they equip our members to be influential in Christian advocacy, bringing Biblical principles to all levels of public policy. Most importantly, they pray and intercede for our national, state, and local officials to make wise decisions that reflect Godly principles, and to speak courageously in support of the sanctity of life, religious freedom, Biblical design of marriage, the gift of children, and more.

Please contact me if you would like to join or lead a Prayer/Action Chapter in your area. Don’t miss out on the joy of meeting with like-minded women and making a difference through prayer and action.

If you have friends you would like to introduce to CWA of California, consider hosting a Coffee Talk in your area. Our Coffee Talk events are a great way to learn more about CWA of California and the work we do here in the state. We talk about:

  • Current state and national legislation that relates to CWA’s seven core issues
  • Praise reports at the state and national level
  • Issues to pray about at the local, state and national level
  • Upcoming events
  • Public policy focused initiatives
  • Steps to join or lead a Prayer/Action Chapter

We have had multiple Coffee Talks this year, and the events been met with great enthusiasm. Last Thursday’s Coffee Talk event in Orange County was no exception. The event had an incredible impact on newcomers. All thanks go to CWA’s Southern Area Director Ruth Smith, host Sheri Miller, and other Orange County Prayer/Action Leaders, and to Amy West and CJ Moon for the important information and rich discussion about the current issues.  The Coffee Talk event brought a refreshing and encouraging understanding of hope in the midst of chaotic news headlines – equipping attendees with proactive ways to influence public policy.

Contact me if you would like more information about hosting a Coffee Talk in your area.

United with you in prayer and thanksgiving,

Marlo Tucker
California State Director
Concerned Women for America

Jun 18 2019
0

California Bill is a Threat to Women

By | California | No Comments

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

In yet another attempt to erase the protected class of sex as male and female in the Golden State, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has proposed that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation segregate prisoners not based on their biological sex, but their perceived gender identity.

SB 132 states, “At any time, a person under the jurisdiction of the department may inform facility staff of their gender identity, and facility staff shall promptly repeat the process of offering the individual an opportunity to specify the gender pronoun and honorific most appropriate for staff to use in reference to that individual.” Did you notice the reference to “at any time?” Yes. Inmates could be moved from men’s to women’s detention facilities based on their desired “identity” and “with or without a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or any other physical or mental health diagnosis, and regardless of anatomy.”

The inmate will also determine whether “he,” “she” or “they” would be housed in a single or double cell, dorm, in protective custody or the general population based on that individual’s perception of health and safety. It is the safety issue – to protect transgender individuals from violence – that the author declares is the purpose of the bill. To be clear, we wish no one to be harmed in the course of his or her incarceration, but one must also consider the health and safety of the primary population, in particular women being forced to share facilities with a biological male who perceives himself to be a woman – and without diagnosis or surgery.

SB 132 will be heard in the Assembly Public Safety Committee on June 25. Women in prison are already a vulnerable population, and we request your assistance in helping ensure their safety by asking the members of the committee and your assembly member to oppose SB 132.

Please Take Action:

Call your assembly member and ask for a “no” vote on SB 132. If you have time, please also share your concerns about SB 132 with the members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee before June 25. Be sure to let him/her know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California. Find your state senator here.

Please pray with me!  We know prayer is a powerful force!

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are the Creator of all things seen and unseen.  You created man male and female. We stand today and ask for protection for women in the California prison system. Provide wisdom to every one of our California state senators, today.  May they vote to protect women from being harm and against SB 132.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons for our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Thank you for making a difference with your prayers and action!

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/CWAofCalifornia/
ca.cwfa.org

 

Jun 14 2019
0

June 14 – CWA of California Halfway Point Legislative Update

By | California | No Comments

The 2019 California legislative session has reached its halfway point. The deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin was May 31. Those measures that did not make it to the floor of their first house have another chance at passage beginning in January 2020, the second year of the 2019-20 session.

Several bills, Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California is actively opposing, passed the house-of-origin hurdle and are now in their second house. We highlight three of these bills below and ask that you pray and act as noted. (Information who your legislators are and how to contact them are within the Take Action section at the bottom.)

SB 24 – Medical Abortions on Public University Campuses

This bill by Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino) will require campus clinics to provide chemical abortions up to 10 weeks of pregnancy to college students on the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses. Aside from killing an unborn child, this abortion technique is emotionally and physically dangerous to the woman and has even caused fatalities. SB 24 passed the State Senate on May 20. Because this bill will likely pass its assigned committees (Assembly Health and Higher Education), we ask you to begin letting your assembly member know now that UC and CSU campus health centers should not be turned into abortion clinics. This is not the scope of education.

AB 493 – LGBTQ Teacher In-Service Training

While California schools have previously instituted anti-bullying efforts and many are already addressing issues regarding “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning” (LBGTQ) students with teachers, a new bill sets specific requirements and tracking. AB 493, sponsored by Sen. Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), requires all California public schools, including charter schools, to provide online in-service training at least every two years to all teachers and certificated staff and adopt strategies to increase support for LGBTQ students. If funds are appropriated, schools may utilize grants to offer in-person training. For now, the training requirement is limited to grades 7-12, but there is no prohibition against involving teachers in earlier grades, and many schools are already implementing such training K-12.

With this bill, the California Department of Education will develop the training materials and track the attendance of staff. As the bill states, “The training program is interactive, requiring the sustained input and participation of the trainee.” Given the materials already being offered by the department are anti-bullying and sex education resources, this causes great concern. Further, teacher testimonies of their experiences in training already occurring include shaming by the instructors of traditional beliefs regarding sexuality and gender.

CWA of California does not support the bullying of any student for any reason; there are sufficient laws/regulations already in place for this. In addition, we do not support requirements that teachers participate in training that conflicts with their closely held religious beliefs or conscience nor requires them to affirm such behavior. AB 493 has already passed the State Assembly and will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on July 10. Given the make-up of the committee and the likelihood it will pass this bill, we suggest that you begin alerting your state senator now to your concerns about AB 493.

AB 175 – Children’s Rights in Foster Care

California’s foster care system currently allows broad rights to foster children, including the ability to review their own case plan at age 12 and have access to care, treatments, and benefits in accordance to their “actual or perceived” sexual orientation or gender identity. Recent amendments to AB 175 cause us great concern about the effect further expansion of rights will have on an already vulnerable population.

AB 175, authored by Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Compton), lowers that age of foster plan review to 10 and includes prompt access to “reproductive and sexual health care” including “gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care.” Most alarmingly, the bill gives these at-risk children the right “[a]t any age, to consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including, but not limited to, abortion services and health care services for sexual assault without the knowledge or consent of any adult.” Current California law already allows children 12 and above the right to access reproductive health services, including abortion, without parental knowledge or consent. AB 175 makes an already terrible situation even worse.

AB 175 also imposes requirements on foster parents. They must not only abide by all the “rights” offered to their foster children as noted above but must also participate in training for cultural competency and sensitivity involving LGBTQ issues and use names and pronouns preferred by the child – regardless of how it may conflict with their closely held religious beliefs or conscience.

These and other concerns place CWA of California in an opposing position with regard to AB 175. The bill will be before the Senate Human Services Committee on June 24. We ask you to begin now contacting your state senator with your concerns. 

Please Take Action: Call your assembly member and ask a “no” vote on SB 24 and call your state senator and ask for a “no” vote on AB 175 and AB 493. Be sure to let him/her know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California. Find your assembly member and state senator here.

Please Pray that our California lawmakers who know the Lord would seek His wisdom and stand firmly for His tenets as they consider and vote on these and other bills. Pray for those who don’t know Him to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord and follow Him.

Thank you for making a difference with your prayers and action!

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/CWAofCalifornia/
ca.cwfa.org

May 21 2019
0

Another Great Coffee Talk Event

By | California | No Comments

Wonderful Coffee Talk & Fellowship!

We had a wonderful Coffee Talk event in Wildomar last week. We sang, we prayed, and we fellowshipped over delicious and comforting tea, coffee and cakes. Thanks to our Prayer/Action Chapter Leader, Linda Wallace, for organizing the event.

Area Director, Ruth Smith, and I met incredible prayer warriors! A new member of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California proclaimed, “For many years, I was a Christian who was asleep about the issues affecting our community. Now, I’m awake, eager, and engaged – going to town hall meetings and being specific in prayer. Even my husband is speaking up in the workplace for Biblical values!  Praise God!”

Our Coffee Talk events are a great way to learn more about CWA of California and the work we do here in the state. We talk about:

  • Legislation about CWA’s seven core issues
  • Praise reports at the state and national level
  • Issues to pray about at the local, state and national level
  • Upcoming events
  • Public policy focused initiatives

Our next Coffee Talk is Thursday, June 13 in Orange County. Click here for event information. We invite you to join us if you live in or around Irvine. Please contact me if you would like to host a Coffee Talk in your area.

What a blessing to gather with the body of Christ to praise in thanksgiving for God’s love and mercy, to fellowship and encourage one another in the Lord, and be productive and engaged in Christian advocacy for our state and nation.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

United with you in prayer and thanksgiving,
Marlo Tucker
CA State Director
Concerned Women for America

May 13 2019
0

California Legislative Update

By | California | No Comments

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8

Please join me in praying for and taking action on the following California legislative bills.

SB 24 will be on the state Senate floor for a vote soon. This bill will require campus clinics to provide chemical abortions up to 10 weeks of pregnancy to college students on the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses. This abortion technique is terribly dangerous and has caused fatalities. Abortion clinics are within six miles of every UC/CSU campus, which is why former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill last year. This bill is harmful and completely unnecessary. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would sign the bill into law if it gets to his desk. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. Let your state senator know that UC / CSU health centers on campus should not be turned into abortion clinics.

AB 624 promotes abortion services to students who are underage in public schools (6th – 12th grade), including charter schools by advertising a sexual or reproductive hotline on the back of student IDs.  In other words, students could be carrying Planned Parenthood’s number right on their school ID!  An amendment was made so the bill will no longer apply to private schools, but all other schools are included. Sadly, AB 624 passed the State Assembly on May 9. It now moves to the state Senate. Contact your senator and encourage him/her to vote no on AB 624.

SB 673, Sen. Mike Morrell’s (R-District 23) excellent bill has been sidelined until January 2020. The measure will require that sex education be an “opt-in” for grades six and under and will bring transparency by requiring the curriculum to be fully available to parents online. Committee members wanted to make significant changes, so Sen. Morrell pulled the bill to gain more public support between now and January when it will be presented again.  No action is needed except to bring awareness that this bill is good for the community.

Take Action:

  1. Please call your state Senator and urge them to oppose SB 24 and AB 624. You can find your state senator here. Be sure to let him/her know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California.
  1. Send this e-alert to friends and family.

God is good!  He is on the throne!  It’s encouraging to see in the state of Georgia that the heartbeat bill to protect babies from abortion once a heartbeat was detected became law!  Join me in prayer for our California legislators and governor to follow suit and pass bills that protect the sanctity of life!

Thank you for your prayers and action in bringing Biblical values into public policy.

In grace and truth,

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Apr 17 2019
0

Easter Blessings and Legislative Update

By | California | No Comments

“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered,
they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus…
‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here; he has risen!’”
Luke 24:2-3, 5-6
Indeed, the power of the Lord’s resurrection power is being proclaimed all across California as Easter approaches. May you be refreshed this week as you meditate on all God has done through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Standing for Life
Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California joined with 40 Days for Life to pray and fast for the protection of the unborn. Praise the Lord, 475 lives were saved across the country during this 40-day prayer vigil, March 6 to April 14.  God is faithful and is answering our prayers.March for Life in Orange County brought an astounding number of concerned women to pray and speak up for the unborn! I was invited to begin the March with encouraging words and prayer! Let me tell you, the sidewalks in front of Planned Parenthood were filled with men and women who were on fire to protect the rights of the unborn. A young gentleman introduced his wife to me and said, “Her mom wanted to abort her, but it went wrong. So, thankfully, she is here today, alive and well – and my wife!” Abortion takes away the rights of these little humans to grow up and pursue happiness and opportunity. The wife fervently told me how thankful she was for her own life spared.Help Us Oppose Pro-Abortion Bill SB 24
CWA of California is committed to protecting the unborn. The California legislature is again considering a requirement that all public university campuses provide medication abortion (RU-486) in their campus clinics. Former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the same bill last year as unnecessary, but its author, Connie Leyva (D-Chino) has reintroduced this dangerous mandate as SB 24. Medication abortions, which can be performed up to 10 weeks’ gestation, carry physical and emotional consequences – and this is not the mission of our Cal State and UC schools.SB 24 has already passed the Senate Health Committee by a 7-2 party-line vote. It now moves to the Senate Education Committee where passage is expected.

Regardless of the outcome, we must not be on record before God or man as being silent on this issue.

Take Action: Please contact the members of the Senate Education Committee and ask them to oppose SB 24. Also, please call your own state senator and ask him or her to oppose SB 24 should the bill come to the floor for a vote. Find your senator here. Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California.

Rallying for Our Children
God is great!  His power is rising among the body of Christ in California!  I have seen the power of the Lord move in concerned parents opposing the proposed inappropriate and destructive curriculum frameworks.  The Sacramento Bee reported, “More than 200 protesters gathered at the Capitol on Thursday, March 28, 2019, to oppose the state’s plan for comprehensive sex education and lessons on gender fluidity in California public schools.” I was honored to be one of the speakers at the rally and included in a video clip within that rally.

Parents Should Have the Right to Access Any of Their Child’s Curriculum. Support SB 673!
We are so thankful to have a bill that we can SUPPORT that protects the rights of parents in education.

The author, Sen. Mike Morell (R-District 23), says this of the bill: “SB 673 is a simple and straightforward fix to current law that empowers parents of elementary age children to be actively engaged in their child’s instruction. It is needed because parents should have easy access to any curriculum – particularly on sensitive issues like sexual health – that their children may be taught in the classroom.”

Take Action:
SB 673 will be heard in committee on Wednesday, April 24, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 4203 of the State Capitol building located at 1315 10th St Room B-27, Sacramento, CA 95814. If you live in or around the Sacramento area, please consider attending the hearing and speaking in support of the bill. All you will need to do is wait for the supporters to line up at the end of Sen. Morrell’s remarks, state your name and that you support the bill. Simple!

CWA of California’s Quarterly Conference Call
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Conference call number: 712-770-5253. Access code: 680147

Please join the call! We want to hear from you and to pray together over key cultural issues.

“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Mar 29 2019
0

‘Too much, too soon.’ Families rally at Capitol against sex education and LGBT curriculum

By | California | No Comments

The Sacramento Bee reports, “More than 200 protesters gathered at the Capitol on Thursday, March 28, 2019, to oppose the state’s plan for comprehensive sex education and lessons on gender fluidity in California public schools.

Check out CWA of California’s State Director Marlo Tucker in video clip included in the article.  Click here to read the article and view the video.

Mar 25 2019
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CWA of California Issue Updates

By | California | No Comments

Together We Can Make an Even Greater Impact

PRAYER/ACTION CHAPTERS
Prayer/Action Chapters are booming statewide! Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) Prayer/Action Chapters are the backbone of our organization. Undergirded with the power of prayer, members are united and mobilized to influence policy that affects faith and family throughout our state. Would you like to learn more about the issues that are impacting the culture, and then take that knowledge and put it into action? If so, a CWA Prayer/Action Chapter is the perfect place for you to get involved. If you are not currently involved in one of our chapters, I encourage you to contact me to join one in your area or to start one.

COFFEE TALKS
Dozens of women have gathered for our Coffee Talk events in Northern California and Southern California – both inland and coastal. CWA leaders talk about the tough issues related to current events and how they relate to the Word of God, equipping members with specific prayers and calls to action.  If we don’t speak up, who will?  Contact us if you’d like a Coffee Talk hosted in your area.

LIFE
On March 6, CWA of California joined in prayer vigils with 40 Days for Life at three abortion clinics. Prayers and songs were lifted up with Jeremiah 29:11 in mind, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Prayer is making a difference! Shortly after a prayer vigil near Sacramento, an abortion clinic closed.  A woman was counseled not to have an abortion in Orange County.  God is a God of healing.  He brings wholeness and peace to the pain of abortion.  The intercessory prayers of many, including those bearing the scars of abortion, covered abortion clinics in San Diego County.

The 40 Days for Life campaign continues through April 14 so consider joining one of the many prayer vigils.

EDUCATION
Over 2,000 comments were received by the California Department of Education regarding the health curriculum frameworks to be finalized in May 2019. A heartfelt thank-you to all who participated in the open comment period to oppose the proposed framework.

CWA of California joined with Informed Parents of California in the Sexxx Ed SitOut.  We helped mobilize thousands, resulting in empty classrooms, alerting school districts of parents’ opposition to such harmful sex ed curriculums pervaded with controversial information on sexual practices.

Stand Strong and Speak up for Biblical Values!
America is at a crossroads, and the morality of society hangs in the balance. As secular thought threatens the values we hold dear, we must stand for what’s right. CWA of California is on the front lines in the cultural war, but we cannot do it without your financial support.

Please consider giving to the work of CWA of California today. Click here to give to CWA of California online or you can send a check to CWA Records Correspondent, Tracey Beck

PO Box 1323, Borrego Springs, CA 92004.  Be sure to make your check payable to Concerned Women for America and write “California” in the memo line.

CWA of California appreciates your support. Thank you for standing strong for the values that are so quickly eroding across our state. It’s great to partner with you!

Marlo Tucker
State Director

Mar 25 2019
0

Join us at the rally in Sacramento on March 28

By | California | No Comments

“… always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Dear Friends,

I am heading to the State Capitol in Sacramento this week to speak out against the dangerous and inappropriate proposed Health Education Framework for K-12th graders and address legislation on sexual education. I am honored to represent the thousands of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California members across this great state.

If you live in the Sacramento area, we would love to see you at the rally!  Be sure to let your family and friends know about the rally, too.  

Event details:
Date: March 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: South Steps of the State Capitol
10th and L Streets, Sacramento, CA 95814

Please pray for me and all those attending the rally for God’s will to be done through this event.  May the Holy Spirit soften minds and hearts of parents and guardians to receive the message and take courage to be involved in their children’s education, to speak life to their children, to affirm them in their identity in Christ Jesus, and to hold school districts accountable to represent our values.  Please pray for state officials’ eyes to be open to the detriment of our children’s future if harmful legislation prevails.  Finally, please pray for the Lord’s protection and peace as we boldly speak truth to power.  Thank you, friends.

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California

Feb 18 2019
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CWA of California Recommends – SeXXX Ed Sit Out – February 19

By | California | No Comments

Are you concerned about the state mandated sex education programs in California’s public schools? Are you opposed to the radical “gender identity” lessons now being taught in your public schools? If you are, Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California encourages you and your school age child/children to participate in SeXXX Ed Sit Out, sponsored by Informed Parents of California (IPOCA).

The SeXXX Ed Sit Out is a response to the so called “California Healthy Youth Act” (2015) and the proposed Health Education Framework that the State Board of Education is set to adopt in May of this year. These programs indoctrinate our public-school children by teaching them in direct opposition to Biblical principles. They teach them about “gender identity” and “gender expression.” Instruction must recognize, in a positive light, the different “sexual orientations,” including same-sex relationships when providing examples of couples or relationships. Controversial sexual practices are taught while abstinence-only instruction is not permitted.

SeXXX Ed Sit Out
Tuesday, February 19

  • To participate in the Sit Out, IPOCA is asking parents to:
  • Submit the Letter to the Principal to explain their child’s absence on February 19. You can fax, email or hand-deliver this letter to the principal on February 19.

Pull their children from school with an unexcused absence so their school does not receive federal average daily attendance dollars.

Click here for more information (WARNING: graphic information about the sex education program content included.)

CWA of California is concerned with a variety of issues within the education system, such as the declining quality of education, deterioration of parental rights and authority, unbalanced presentation of America’s founding, the teaching of evolution and radical sex education.  With your help, we will continue to combat these Godless philosophies.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Please pray with us for the quality of education to be restored to a level of excellence in academic achievement without governmental mandates that are detrimental to our children and in direct opposition to the Word of God.

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California
[email protected]
ca.cwfa.org

Feb 06 2019
0

Prayer Volunteers Needed! Join the Encourage-A-Legislator Program!

By | California | No Comments

Dear Friend,

We are excited to continue our Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) program!

Our EAL program is one of our most important programs. When fully implemented, each member of our California state legislature will be lifted in prayer each month and receive an encouraging postcard.  The EAL program is not an expression of political or public policy views. It is a program for encouragement and prayer for our state legislators. The goal is to simply uplift the legislator and to remind him or her that they are being prayed for regularly.

It’s easy! You commit to adopting a legislator and praying for him or her each month. After praying for your adopted legislator, you will mail the CWA of California provided postcard that is pre-printed with a meaningful quote and a corresponding Scripture verse. Simply write a few encouraging words on the card or just sign it, affix a first-class stamp and mail the card.

Are you interested? Now more than ever our state leaders need our prayers and encouragement.

Prayer moves the hand of God in the affairs of this state and nation!  I Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray for those in authority, “I urge, then, first, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior …”

We are looking for your commitment today! Please reply by calling me at 760-825-9351 or emailing me with your name, physical mailing address, email, and phone number. I will then send you postcards and instructions.

Also, please visit our webpage to find out how you can become more involved in CWA of California.

Tracey Beck
EAL Coordinator
CWA of California
ca.cwfa.org
Facebook: Concerned Women for America of California
Instagram: CWA_ofCA
Twitter: @CWAofCA

Jan 23 2019
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By | California | No Comments

You Can Oppose the Horrible Health Framework – in Sacramento and/or Right from Home!

A heartfelt thank you to all of those who responded to our last e-alert on the California Health Education Curriculum Framework by sending your opposing comments to the California Department of Education.

As I mentioned before, this framework indoctrinates our public-school children on gender ideology and gratuitous, controversial sexual practices information, and more, in direct opposition to the Bible’s principles. It is our civic and Christian duty to speak up. We must continue to maintain the pressure.

Please take action now!

  1. Video Lobbying: We have joined with other pro-family groups in a video project. Families opposed to the proposed Health Education Curriculum Framework across the state are uniting together in a video effort this week (January 21-25). The goal is to inundate lawmakers with heartfelt, informal, brief videos from parents, grandparents and concerned Californians expressing their opposition to the California Health Education Curriculum Framework. It’s easy! Using your mobile phone, laptop or tablet, simply record a 30–second to two-minute video expressing your opposition in your own words. You can use the previous alert for talking points to assist you. Please do not hesitate to take this action, and ask others to do the same. Time is of the essence.

IMPORTANT FOR YOUR RECORDING: After you introduce yourself, state you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California and then complete your brief recording. Once complete, email your video to me by this Friday, January 25, at [email protected].

  1. Rally: CWA of California is joining with Informed Parents of California, along with several like-minded groups, for a rally day to oppose the appalling framework. Join us this Friday, January 25 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the State Capitol to oppose the proposed Health Curriculum Framework and the Healthy Youth Act. 

We must step up NOW to stop this very dangerous curriculum framework and protect our children.  Help us show “strength in numbers” by attending the rally.

  1. Spread the Word: Please pass this e-alert on to others. Encourage them to both pray and act immediately.

Please continue to pray against this horrendous assault on our children’s innocence. Pray for you school board members and local communities to awaken and oppose the California Health Education Curriculum Framework.

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California
[email protected]
ca.cwfa.org

Jan 09 2019
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Calling All Concerned About the Sexual Content of Proposed “Health” Education. Your Response is Needed by This Friday!

By | California | No Comments

We have a battle on our hands and just a few short days to do something about it. The California Department of Education is in the midst of revising the 2019 Health Education Curriculum Framework for California Public Schools, Transitional Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (Health Education Framework).

Urgent: The Instructional Quality Commission will consider our comments about the framework IF we voice them by the end of this Friday, January 11.

We reviewed the framework, and we are very concerned to say the least! The framework indoctrinates our public-school children on gender ideology and gratuitous, controversial sexual practices information, and more, in direct opposition to the Bible’s principles. It is our civic and Christian duty to speak up.

Join with thousands of concerned citizens in a united voice against this anti-Biblical curriculum.

How to submit comments:

  1. Fill out the template document with your comments (found here under the “Revised Draft Health Education Framework” heading labeled “Public Input Template.”) Note: Though they ask for what school your child attends, know that they are taking comments from all California citizens. At the website link above they state, “The public review and comment period is an opportunity for any interested individuals or organizations to provide comments …” Therefore, if you do not have children in public school, simply state your name.
  2. Save the document.
  3. Email it to [email protected].

How to review document:

  • Go here and view it under the “Revised Draft Health Education Framework” heading.
  • Or, because it is 1,000 pages long, which makes it easy to overlook propaganda, I suggest you view these helpful sample comments. They were put together by a wonderful group of informed parents. You can simply copy and paste what you prefer. Note: Do not get overwhelmed by all the suggested comments. Simply pick and chose the ones you have time to copy and paste into your template. It is better that you do some than none.

Please join me in prayer, “Lord, it’s the very beginning of 2019 and the issues are heavy; the war on family, faith and life is ever-present. Please bless our efforts to speak up and take action on this important issue of education to protect the hearts and minds of our children.  We remain vigilant, suited up with the whole armor of Christ and deep in prayer for our children and the moral direction of our state. We love You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Again, the comment deadline is the end of this Friday, January 11.

Please pass this e-alert onto others and encourage them to pray and take action on behalf of California children.

Thank you in advance for your efforts in protecting the children of California.

Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California
[email protected]
ca.cwfa.org

Dec 22 2018
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More Christmas Greetings From the State Steering Committee! (Message 3 of 3)

By | California | No Comments

From Angel Ashbrook, Communications Coordinator

What a great year this has been for CWA of California! Of course, there have been ups and downs, but your faithfulness to God’s calling is how we measure success!

I want to personally thank you for doing everything in your power to effect positive change. You have chosen to support CWA of California and to stay informed and educated about CWA’s core issues through our social media pages, emails, and website. Thank you for sharing what you learn with your community, your friends, and your family. Thank you for praying and seeking God’s direction and God’s will as you contemplate the core issues of CWA and apply your values to the battle for our culture in California. Thank you for putting your prayers into action by following through with calls and emails, and especially with your vote – urging your representatives at the local, state, and federal level to speak up for your values, letting them know for what you stand, and for what you will not stand!

It is easy to become frustrated or discouraged by what you see happening around you. It is particularly so in California. But remember that your prayers move mountains and your actions speak even louder than your words! Most of all, remember Isaiah 40:28-31, “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will never grow faint or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even the youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”

We have fought some heavy battles this year, but we have seen miracles happen because you asked the Lord to intervene. There is so much more still to come! I know you are concerned about the future, the world, and the legacy you are creating for your children. Continue to turn your concern into prayer. Pray unceasingly. Pray with expectation. Pray faithfully. Pray diligently. Turn your prayer into action. Be alert. Be informed. Be equipped. Be ready. Let’s finish this year with joy celebrating all we have accomplished together. Then let’s advance into 2019 on our knees and dressed in our battle gear – the full armor of God – because He isn’t finished yet and neither are we! May God bless and anoint each and every one of you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From Tracey Beck, Encourage-A-Legislator Coordinator and Records Correspondent

Can you believe it is Christmas time again? It’s time to remind ourselves and others of the true meaning of Christmas.

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!” -The Grinch

It’s time to remember that God Himself came into this world to save all those who would believe. And His name was Jesus, meaning Savior because He would save the world from sin. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I could not think of a better (and my favorite) “true meaning of Christmas” speech than that delivered by Linus of Charlie Brown fame.

Charlie Brown: “Isn’t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?!”

Linus: “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights, please? And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.’ That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. Nothing more, nothing less.”

May God richly bless you and yours this Christmas and always!

 

 

 

Dec 21 2018
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Merry Christmas From CWA of California Steering Committee! (Message 2 of 3)

By | California | No Comments

Ruth Smith, Southern California Area Director

What an honor and privilege it is to work with fantastic, Spirit-filled, powerful CWA women!  Although we can get discouraged when we see the direction that California is headed, we can also be encouraged because many more women are joining CWA as either chapter leaders or members. As Hudson Taylor, missionary to China said, “The battle is won on our knees.”  We can be confident that as we address our concerns, first through prayer, God is fighting on our behalf. If you haven’t joined a Prayer/Action Chapter, I encourage you to make that your New Year’s resolution! If there isn’t one in your area, would you consider starting one?

The Scripture that I am meditating on this Christmas season is Philippians 2:6-8, “Jesus Christ, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God, something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” Join me in this meditation, therefore conforming our attitude to that of Christ Jesus!

Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you in 2019!

Sheri Miller, Executive Advisor and Prayer/Action Chapter Leader

I LOVE Christmas! But the joy I have all year is: “Immanuel … God with us” (Matthew 6:23). This year, Americans have been more divided, morally and politically, than we have ever known as a nation. But praise God for His presence with us through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, and Savior!

Praise God for the 40 year heritage of Concerned Women for America with a mission to protect Biblical values and Constitutional freedoms in public policy through prayer, education, and advocacy. I have had the privilege of serving CWA since 1995 in multiple leadership roles including eight years in North Carolina as State Director, and for the past two years, I have been honored to serve as CWA of California’s Executive Advisor and the last year as a Prayer/Action Chapter Leader in Irvine.

What a joy it has been to serve with the State Steering Committee under Marlo’s leadership. I have been privileged to lead the state quarterly prayer conference calls, to speak at some pro-life rallies and local churches about CWA, and to be interviewed on radio on the topic of Awaken Church-Vote Your Values.

CWA of California has been strengthened this year as it has served alongside excellent ministries and their events such as 40 Days for Life’s prayer vigils, Family Research Council’s Bus Tour – Pray Stand Vote, and over 500 Christians, at the Day of Action at the State Capitol to oppose AB 2943 and SB 320, and others.

Do not doubt it; God is with us, and God is with Concerned Women for America as we humbly pray … God will heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Keep the faith!
Carissa Campbell, our beloved Northern Area Director, will be leaving. She blessed our state with diligent efforts at the State Capitol meeting with legislators and staff on policy issues, hosting diaper drives to support pregnant women in need, as well as delivering baked Christmas cookies personally to our 120 legislators’ offices. Thank you, Carissa, for all your service!