Eliminating racism. Empowering Women.
YWCA York is not just an organization…we are a mission-driven collective, ready to serve our community with open minds and hearts. Using an intersectional approach and mindfulness techniques, the goal of our work is to eliminate racism and empower women. This demands that we show up to advocate for the end of inequities and oppression that many groups and individuals experience in our community.
YWCA York has been leading change since 1891. JOIN US. Your voice is critical. We cannot do this work alone. We invite the community to engage in an exchange of ideas with us and be part of the solutions we generate together.
Pledge to End Racism
The pledge is taken each year by over 1,000 people who are dedicated to an equitable and inclusive community! Take our pledge to END racism with your family, friends and contacts: Click HERE
- Dorrie Leader Award
- Community Engagement
- Race Against Racism
- Racial Justice
- Leadership Summit
- Assessment Report
Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award
In 1995, YWCA York created the Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award to recognize women advocates for their work on social issues. The award honors community volunteer achievement and celebrates women who are champions for equity, and embody YWCA’s mission of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
2022 Award Recipient Lizaida Morales
Lizaida Morales embodies the spirit of the Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award. Currently, she is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit organization, Unstoppable You Ministries, Inc. whose mission includes providing emergency services and supportive resources to the community and especially those affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness.
“I am beyond honored to be chosen as this year’s Dorrie Leader Advocacy Award recipient. I work hard for things I care about and I never dreamed I would be nominated, much less be chosen for this recognition. Thank you to YWCA York. Advocacy work is what I do and I appreciate the YWCA York for choosing me,” said Morales.
Read more about this year’s recipient: Click here
Past Honorees
Meg Brubaker, Ophelia Chambliss, Carla Christopher, Rev., Ruthe Craley, Cynthia Dixon, Helen Elfner, Traci Foster, Deborah Gable, Ramona Kinard, Rev., Dorrie Leader, Genevieve Ray, Delma Rivera-Lytle, Stephanie Seaton, Doris Sweeney, Jane Tucker, Jane Zarfoss, and Jerri Zimmerman.
Creating a Better York
YWCA York offers deep and meaningful discussions led by skilled facilitators using the Courageous Conversations model. Everyone is invited to share in respectful and candid conversations that benefit our community. It is through dialogue, even when it’s uncomfortable, that healing and change can take root. Monthly offerings are highlighted in the Events section of the website.
YWCA York takes an interactive and reflective approach to teaching about bias, oppression, privilege, and the “isms” that exist in our society today. Our programs are designed to equip participants with the tools they need to create a more inclusive environment.
Be a part of the change you want to see in the world! Contact us at info@ywcayork.org to learn about the options for conversations and presentations.
Download YWCA’s racial justice overview that includes our theory of change and civil rights legacy. Click here.
EQUAL, POWERFUL, UNSTOPPABLE
YWCA York Race Against Racism is a 5K event that unites our community as we run, walk, or stroll, in support of our mission of advancing racial justice in York County and promoting PEACE, JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ALL.
The proceeds from this event will support the important work we do in our community to create change and allow us to offer much of our programming for free.
Invite your family, friends and coworkers to JOIN you! Registration is now open: Click Here
Promoting Justice and Freedom
The important mission of YWCA York’s Racial Justice Committee is accomplished through a collaborative approach that seeks to create bridges between individuals, community organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, schools and colleges.
Activities in the community focus on a range of topics pertaining to race, privilege, equality, and civil rights. This committee meets every other month throughout this year. Contact us at info@ywcayork.org if you would like information about joining this committee.
YWCA York is a proud participating organization of the Confronting Racism Coalition (CRC), a community action group of people looking to create a more equitable York County. For more information on the CRC, visit www.confrontingracism.org
Emerging Leaders
YWCA York holds a county-wide Leadership Summit: Dialogues on Race with student leaders in grades 8-12 with an interest in making changes in their schools and communities.
This program will return in the fall of 2022 for an in-person gathering.
Five student leaders are selected by each school district to engage in deep conversations about race, culture, and justice at a 4 1/2 hour training held at York College of Pennsylvania. Our talented and motivated volunteers help facilitate these meaningful experiences. Schools provide transportation to the college.
If you are interested in learning more about our racial and social justice work with schools, contact us at info@ywcayork.org
Collective Impact
The Racial Justice Community Assessment (RJCA) is a questionnaire designed by YWCA York to understand the current, racial justice services available, where there are gaps, and opportunities to enhance coordination and effectiveness among organizations doing racial justice work in York, Pennsylvania. The RJCA was also designed to strengthen unity and collaboration among organizations involved in racial justice work; therefore, this report was written to share the information collected with the York community.
A special thank you to the York County Community Foundation for their support of this project! YWCA York Racial Justice Assessment Report 2019: Click HERE
We are currently gathering information on organizations and individuals offering racial equity programs and services through the month of March. Add your information: Click HERE