by Shamere McKenzie Slavery survivor I remember sitting in church on New Year’s Eve, hearing my Pastor say, “It was on this night, 150 years ago, that slaves sat patiently waiting to hear the verdict of their freedom.” I immediately started to think about when I was enslaved. Enslaved, in 2005, in an America that… Continue Reading Knowledge is Power: Modern Day Slavery in America
by Efrain Arias Youth Outreach Coordinator, YWCA Boston We who live in Boston are fortunate to live in a city with relatively low crime rates. Most of us walk the city streets with little fear, regardless of what time of day or night it may be. This, of course, is not the reality for all residents… Continue Reading Preventing Violence Before It Happens: Bringing Youth and Law Enforcement Together
by Anna Thompson Communications and Development, YWCA Northcentral Pennsylvania In this age of information and awareness, domestic violence and sexual assault are still topics that make people uncomfortable, often to the point where they cannot approach them seriously or honestly. Being uncomfortable is also (and unfortunately) an indication of fear, which can breed violence. When people come face-to-face… Continue Reading When Discomfort Leads to Violence: Options for Survivors
by Deby Ziesmer Vice President, Early Childhood Education YWCA of Minneapolis Mahatma Gandhi said that, if we are to have real peace in the world, we need to begin with the children. Sowing the seeds for peace and justice in classrooms allows us to nurture a new generation of leaders and ordinary citizens who have a… Continue Reading Teaching Children about Peace and Tolerance Results in Strong, Caring Adults
By Marianne Schild National YWCA DNC Correspondent When I met with Sister Simone Campbell, I asked her what she thinks are the most important issues at stake. She replied democracy is at stake. We must work together and be responsible for each other, and that must be at the heart of our policy. I told… Continue Reading Sister Simone Campbell and “The Game”