By Alejandra Y. Castillo, YWCA USA CEO This Saturday, thousands will gather for the March for Racial Justice and the March for Black Women, two marches converging into one to fight for racial equity, to denounce state violence and dismantle all forms of white supremacy. At YWCA, we are committed to eliminating racism by any means necessary and… Continue Reading Why We March
By Samantha Davis, Field Engagement Manager, YWCA USA Voting has always been a memorable experience for me. When I was growing up in Pittsburgh, before I was old enough to cast my own ballot, I’d join my Nana in the voting booth. Later, when I grew up, I celebrated the announcement of the first Black… Continue Reading National Voter Registration Day: Why It Matters
The Senate is back at it again. After failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in July, Senators Cassidy (R-LA) and Graham (R-SC) have introduced another version of repeal and replace and are trying to move it through the Senate before the end of September! This bill is just as bad as the ones… Continue Reading Another Attack on Healthcare!
By Faye Washington, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Los Angeles It is time to RISE: to the aid of those who need us most. It is time to say that these are OUR children. This is OUR citizenry. Because at the very core of our American legal and civil society is the belief in freedom from oppression… Continue Reading Rise Up & DREAM
By Kathy Westra with Cindy Hoffman, VP of Marketing and Communications, YWCA USA Congress has been deep in budget work for fiscal year 2018 since early spring. YWCAs across the country rely on federal funding to support local communities in our important work to empower women and eliminate racism. Magdeline (Maggie) Jensen, CEO of YWCA… Continue Reading Child Care and Development Block Grant: Crucial for working families
By Beth Chandler, YWCA Boston Chief Operating Officer Saturday, August 12, 2017, the unspeakable happened as white supremacists and Neo-Nazis organized around hate and perpetrated violence in Charlottesville, VA. At least 19 counter-protestors were injured, and one, Heather Heyer, was killed. Shortly after we learned about the violence in Charlottesville, news spread of a “Free Speech” rally… Continue Reading Showing Up Against Hate: Why YWCA Boston Marched
By Alicia Sanchez Gill with Luz Maria Marquez Benbow and Lori Robinson This piece was adapted from an op-ed originally published in NBC BLK. People worldwide know and recognize March 8th as International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women and girls, to inspire and remind them of their power and capabilities, and to raise awareness of… Continue Reading Afrodescendientes: Honoring Our Intersections
We are saddened by the passing of Joy T. Hashimoto (1927-2017), a YWCA leader and an inspiration. Born in California to Dr. George Y. and Mary Takeyama, she and her younger brother George had happy childhoods in Los Angeles, and spent summers at her grandparents’ farm. During World War II, her entire family was sent… Continue Reading Joy Hashimoto, A Woman Unafraid
By Caitlin Lowry, Senior Policy Analyst at YWCA USA, with Jessica Pinckney, Government Relations Manager at YWCA USA ***As published in Women’s E-News.*** Like many women and families across the U.S., I was overjoyed when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed. So excited, in fact, that I spent my first wedding anniversary having a picnic on… Continue Reading Lack of Healthcare Limits Women’s Choices
YWCA USA’s recent 2017 National Conference was a busy, inspiring few days filled with advocacy, discussion, and inspiration. From pre-conference sessions and deep-dive workshops, to Capitol Hill Day and the Women of Distinction gala, this year’s conference was a way for YWCA leaders across the country to gather, inspire each other, learn and strategize, and nurture… Continue Reading Bold Mission, Bright Future: Reflecting on the 2017 YWCA USA National Conference