RIGHT TO - YWCA USA

14
empowering
communities
and racial justice
Racial Justice
Issues of race and ethnicity continue to impede our ability to live in a multiethnic,
multicultural society that respects others’ differences. YWCA is committed to eliminating
the systemic and institutional barriers to race equity and the oppression of
individuals through anti-racism and anti-oppression instruction. The commitment
to this mission area extends to all program areas, as well as throughout the organization’s
structure. More than 2,200 people were touched by racial justice programming
in 2010, an increase of almost 50 percent over the previous year.
The So Reel Racial Justice Speaker’s Series experienced massive growth in
2010. Its interactive format, which incorporates a video, guest speaker and audience
engagements, ignited in 2010. It has grown to become well received and well
attended. In 2010, a daytime speaker’s series was piloted. Daytime and evening
topics included, Men Unlearning Sexism; Executive Order 9066; Understanding
the Hispanic Culture in the Workplace; Out of Darkness - Overcoming the Stigma
of Mental Health; Race and Education; White Privilege; The Women’s Suffrage
Movement; Racism and Social Workers and our first YWCA Poetry SLAM, which
included young and seasoned poets.
empowering
communities
and raceial
j ustice
Racial Justice initiatives were conducted communitywide, delivering more than
175 hours of training in 2010. Presentations and trainings were customized to meet
the needs of each organization. They broadened awareness and provided a greater
understanding of how racism affects everyone. Last year we were also strategic in
extending our efforts through collaborations and partnerships with many organizations.
Some of the training topics included: Cross Cultural Communication, Cultural
Considerations in the Interview Process, Understanding Race and The Intersection
of Race and Gender. YWCA provided external seminars and trainings to numerous
organizations, including MODOT’s first Diversity Conference, the St. Louis County
Juvenile Detention Center, Epworth, the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge
and other organizations.
The Racial Justice Web page was modified and is a resource that consists of
suggested videos, books and literature recommendations for parents, teachers, community
members and anyone seeking additional information about inclusion and
race equity issues.
Poetry Slam pays homage to women’s voting rights and power.