June 2009
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June 2009 |
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Eliminating Racism & Empowering Women in the United States Supreme Court
by Sandra Davis Houston In 1858, the YWCA USA began its mission to eliminate racism and empower women, hallmarks of the organization. Since that time, we have seen the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves; the federal Woman Suffrage Amendment giving women the right to vote; the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed discrimination and other federal protections for women and people of color. And yet, our struggle continues. We know there is a presence of both people of color and women in the business community and boardrooms, leading educational institutions and in the legislative arena at the state and national level. And yet, there remains a glass ceiling in the workplace. All children are not provided quality education throughout However, we see evidence of change in the future and hope on the horizon. We see people coming from the very communities where the YWCA has provided service over the past 150 years reaching the highest offices in the With the election of President Barack Obama as the first African American President of the We must celebrate the gains we have made as women and people of color! Just imagine how delighted the women who established the YWCA in 1858 would be to witness the milestones accomplished in 2009 in “eliminating racism and empowering women.” I challenge each us of to the following actions:
"The YWCA will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary." - One Imperative
Programs Throughout the Summer  We have new cycles of dance and financial literacy classes available, starting June 1st. Learn more about the new programs HERE and enroll today! Also, we continue to offer Pilates Mat Classes, Parent Education classes as well as "Grandparents as Parents" support groups. |
An Afternoon of Excellence
On May 9, we honored Suzy Welch at the Spring installment of our 2009 Women of Excellence Leadership Speaker Series. Suzy is a journalist, management consultant and columnist for Oprah's O and BussinessWeek magazines. The event was held in The Forum at All Saints Church, where she gave a dynamic and personable message about balancing work and life issues and personal decision-making strategies, a topic also addressed in her just published book 10-10-10, A Life Transforming Idea. Welch was awarded the Women of Excellence Leadership Award, joining former awardees: California Secretary of State, Debra Bowen; Labor Union leader, Maria Elena Durazo; and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. The series attracts Pasadena's business, civic and philanthropic communities and is created to inspire while cultivating future women of excellence. The May 9 event, sponsored by Glendale Memorial Hospital, Citizen's Business Bank and Barclays Capital, raised funds for the YWCA's programs including "Just for Girls," summer empowerment camp, financial literacy, dance, parenting and other programs for girls and women.
 Partner with us for our annual Week Without Violence Retired Los Angeles County Chief of Police Margaret York will chair the 2009 Week Without Violence for the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley. York, a former member of the Los Angeles YWCA board of directors, is a 27-year resident of Pasadena. With an impressive list of community partners already on the calendar, the committee invites you and your organization or business to join in the week-long event that will run from October 19 to October 23. Introduced by the YWCA in 1995, this year's Week Without Violence will be an educational campaign that showcases and activates practical and sustainable ways to combat violence on our streets, in our homes, in our schools and in our workplaces. Its goal is to provide continuing awareness of the many opportunities there are to take direct action. To be involved, call Ayana Rose at 626-296-8433. Remember to join us on Thanks for helping us get the word out |
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You Decide.
The YWCA Racial Justice Committee invites you to make nominations for the 2009 Racial Justice Award. This is your opportunity to nominate for recognition, a person, corporation or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to eliminating racism and promoting racial equity. Download the Nomination Form here. 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!
More Ways to Get Involved
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2009 Girl's Empowerment Camp
For Ages: 10-14yrs 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, field trips and explores real-world applications. Cost: $60 per week or $200 for all four weeks! Space is limited! Sign up before June 8 to make your reservation. There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee that will be credited to the camp fee once the participant is accepted. For more information and to enroll contact: Thank You Congressman Schiff In February of this year, we highlighted and celebrated the signing into law of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in our Newsletter. This is a huge victory for us as a country and we want to acknowledge and thank Adam Schiff, our Congressional representative for actively supporting this bill. "In tough economic times like these every penny counts, and it is a sad fact that women far too often are shortchanged on payday, " said Representative Schiff. We are grateful for Schiff's representation and his advocacy towards closing the gender pay-gap. |
