Volume 12: June 2008
pasadena-foothill valley
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Volume 12: June 2008 |
pasadena-foothill valley |
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"We talk too much and don't act enough." "There is too much conversation and not enough change." "We need more action, not more conversation." These are the phrases and frustrations that one may hear at community meetings in Pasadena where issues of equity and bias are discussed as part of the context of our community. The desire is to begin to minimize and even ELIMINATE these issues that hold us back, yet some feel we are just treading water. Underneath these declarations of frustration, I see declarations of longing and even honorable discontent for the way things are. The YWCA is an organization that declared decades ago to "thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary," and today this imperative is still as relevant as ever. Yes, we need more action. Yes, conversations cannot exist one their own. No, we have not made enough progress. So the question is, "Should we continue to spend our time on all this talking?" Yes. But this time, let's have conversations that aren't scheduled on a community agenda. Instead, let's have some conversations around the kitchen table, where we can actually be transformed by the forging of an informal relationship with someone whose life experience has been affected differently from yours because of their race. Around the kitchen table we have the opportunity to build a relationship that is transformative to our soul. This is where we can unlearn bias and racism, this is where transformation truly begins. Equity does not begin in the changing of laws (though this is an absolutely necessary piece). It begins in the transformation of hearts. Law and legislation can never grow values in us for one another; only our intentional and personal effort will do that. So let's do this. Moving forward, the YWCA is planning to resurrect a program that has transformation at its heart. Living Tapestries is a program that helps facilitate the building of transformative relationships between people of different cultural backgrounds. The idea is to invite 2 to 4 people in your community from various backgrounds to come together for dinner once or twice a month to begin to share our stories and lives with one another while learning about each other's collective and personal history, from pain endured to triumphs achieved. The commitment is for at least a year, yet the hope is that friendships evolve, deepen and continue indefinitely. You don't have to wait on us to begin having kitchen table transformation, but for now, as we plan and prepare we would love to hear from you if you begin such an endeavor. We would love to hear stories of transformation. Comments, questions or stories - Email us at ashley@ywca-pasadena.org with the subject "Living Tapestries."
Do you know "What's the Difference?" Please read and comment on the new posts on our blog, "What's the Difference?" at www.ywcapasadena.blogspot.com.
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Just for Girls News:
 Recently, we hosted our bi-annual Mother - Daughter Night for our Just For Girls participants and their moms. As an empowerment program for young girls, the YWCA believes strongly in supporting the formation of healthy family relationships. A supportive family relationship is one asset that can not be taught yet is irreplaceable in its importance. The YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley strives to support health in family relationships by providing space for communication, connection and shared experience among the daughters and their mothers. Our hope is that this night can be a starting point or a night of positive connection that will allow the mother - daughter relationship to grow. We are indebted to the service of Planned Parenthood for assisting us on this night and facilitating an activity focusing on "Opening the lines of Communication between Mothers and Daughters."
Just for Girls partnered with On the evening of May 27, 2008, two of our Just for Girls, Amanda and Jessica, were selected to present at the Junior League's Annual Meeting. Both girls were asked to speak about the YWCA's involvement with the Side-By-Side program and its accomplishments this year. The annual meeting took place on the rooftop of the Pasadena Museum of Contemporary Art (PMCA). During the program, the girls enjoyed a nice dinner and ambiance. As the night went on and the time for mingling began, they were not nervous at all. Might I add, both Amanda and Jessica mentioned they felt like "celebrities that night". At the end of the night both girls delivered their speeches and rocked the house in front of more than 100 women. |
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Your contribution to the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley allows us to continue to offer our community:
Your generosity ensures that we cultivate the next entrepreneur, the next engineer, the next scientist, or the next U.S. Speaker of the House!!
How Can I Get Involved?
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The YWCA thanks the Rotary Club of Pasadena for contributing to our Summer Girls Empowerment Camp. Girl's Empowerment Camp Camp Begins: July 14th through August 15th It's all about the possibilities! This day camp for girls focuses on building self-esteem, forming friendships, learning new skills, exploring new ideas, and empowering girls to dream big. Each week incorporates hands-on activities and field trips, and explores real-world applications of a new theme.
Registration begins on April 14th, 2008. Payment in full is required before June 2 to secure your spot. For more information contact: Jasmine Guerrero at (626) 296-8433 ext. 13 or
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YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave. • Pasadena,CA 91103 |
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Phone: 626-296-8433 • Fax: 626-296-8434 |
