Equity and Justice
YWCA has a deep-seated commitment to racial justice and civil rights. Since the 1800s, Black and Native American women have championed our movement. The leadership of these women of color paved the way for YWCA to begin working for integration throughout the organization, adopting an “interracial charter” in 1946.
This charter established that “wherever there is injustice on the basis of race, whether in the community, the nation, or the world, our protest must be clear and our labor for its removal, vigorous, and steady.” That work culminated in the creation of YWCA’s One Imperative in 1970: To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.
Today, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone is afforded equal protection under the law. Our intersectional mission to eliminate racism and empower women demands that we show up to advocate against the oppression that many groups and individuals endure.
Every day, communities of color face the threat of violence and injustice. We must recognize that recent events are a tangible illustration of daily fears for many in our country. Amidst the tragedy and unrest, we must be even more resolute that justice and equity cannot wait.
YWCA South Hampton Roads continues to call for the dismantling of systemic racism and equal protection and opportunity under the law through its public policy and advocacy work.
Too often, stereotypes, biases, and racial power dynamics are embedded in our laws and public policies. They are also reflected in the use of racial profiling, heightened surveillance tactics, targeted enforcement strategies, and other practices that increase policing of certain racial and ethnic communities – leading to criminalization and often the death of people of color.
At YWCA South Hampton Roads, we demand a world of equity and human decency. We envision a world of opportunity for all. We commit ourselves to the work of racial justice. We will get up and work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, and until the world sees women and people of color the way we do:
Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
Until Justice Just Is
Each April, we join our sister associations nationwide in the movement to eliminate racism through our annual Until Justice Just Is campaign.
Conference on Racial Equity & Social Transformation (R.E.S.T.)
Our annual training ground that aims to advance Racial justice and Equity in our region, centered around the Juneteenth holiday.
AMEND Together
A prevention initiative dedicated to ending violence against women & girls by engaging men and boys to be a part of the solution.
Equity & Justice Work Groups
A tailored Equity & Justice facilitation and technical assistance for organizations and businesses that are expanding their DEI efforts.
Until Justice, Just Is Workshop Series
A series of introductory and advanced Racial & Equity Justice activating workshops. Designed for nonprofit organizations, corporations, faith groups, and more. Learn about our complimentary one-hour training!
Conversations that Matter
Listen, Engage, and activate with YWCA South Hampton Roads staff and experts as we discuss important social justice issues, current events, and more in this town hall series.
Advocacy
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities.
Resources
Want to learn more? Use our resources to educate your family and friends.
The Racial Justice Toolkit serves as an educational tool to support conversations about equity, inclusion, and systemic change.
The Racial Justice Glossary defines key terms, fosters understanding, and encourages meaningful dialogue.
This report translates the DOJ Ferguson Report into a useful tool for everyday citizens and community organizations that want to take action and eliminate racism in their community.
This guide offers practical steps for individuals and organizations to take action against racism and promote equity in their communities.
This statement honors Indigenous peoples, recognizing their enduring connection to the land and reaffirming our commitment to respect and equity.
This overview highlights programs dedicated to advancing equity and justice, empowering individuals and communities to create lasting change.
Interested in learning more about the Equity & Justice work at YWCA South Hampton Roads?