Racial Justice Initiatives

As the oldest and largest multi-racial women’s organization in the world, the YWCA has taken a leadership role in civil and human rights issues. Formed five years before the abolition of slavery, the YWCA has been engaged in every phase of the Civil Rights Movement. 

It was one of the earliest social justice organizations that staunchly promoted anti-lynching efforts, racial integration, voting rights, and more recently, affirmative action, opposition to hate crimes and racial profiling, and comprehensive immigration reform. 

In addition to public statements about the organization’s stand on civil rights, members have found simple, direct action to be most effective.

Many years ago, YWCA members cancelled plans to hold a Regional YWCA conference here in Lancaster when they learned that local hotels would not accept African American/Black delegates as guests. The action was effective, because three years later, a YWCA conference was held here and African American/Black delegates were housed in hotels with their white colleagues.

Today the YW’s Racial Justice Committee works with the community at large to use our collective power to eliminate racism wherever it exists through a wide variety of activities. For details see the Racial Justice Education & Advocacy brochure and the Racial Justice Initiatives information sheet.

Select a Racial Justice Initiative below:

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Anti-bias Curriculum

A five-session, school-based program for grades K through 8 that breaks the cycle of prejudice, hate and racism by teaching children at their most impressionable age the value of celebrating our ethnic and cultural differences. The hands-on sessions are included in the regular classroom curriculum. For further information click here or contact Empowerment Center Director Mary Ross (717-393-1735 ext. 260).

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Customized Training

These are available to address racism in our schools, businesses and community organizations. For further information contact Assistant Executive Director Dorothy Evans (717-393-1735 ext. 228).

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Day of Commitment - Wednesday November 10, 2010

Groups of three people from diverse backgrounds, who’ve never met before, commit to getting to know one another over a meal. 

Click here for the 2010 Day of Commitment Brochure. 

Click here to send an e-mail requesting a registration form. 

Click here to read City of Lancaster Mayor J. Richard Gray’s Proclamation about this year’s Day of Commitment.

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Race Against Racism – Saturday April 30, 2011

YWCA Lancaster’s commitment to eliminating racism is probably best recognized in its Race Against Racism which began in 1999 and is now the longest-running YW event of its kind in the world.  The 5K/3.1 mile race attracts well over 3,000 runners and walkers on the last Saturday in April each year, and serves as an important fundraiser for the YWCA’s racial justice initiatives.

The YWCA also hosts Humanity Fest, a multi-cultural food and craft fair in Musser Park, on the day of the race. 

Click here to purchase Race Against Racism merchandise online.

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Racial Justice Award

The Racial Justice Award is presented each year at the YWCA Annual Meeting in May to a woman who acts as a leader to identify and work against racism.  The deadline for nominations is the last Friday in March.  Click here for the 2011 Racial Justice Award nomination form.

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Racial Justice Institute – June 21-23, 2011

This three-day workshop each June brings in national trainers to examine the subtle ways racism permeates our society and look at what can be done to counteract them through a series of anti-racism, skill-building exercises. There are up to 35 participants.

We encourage businesses, community groups and government agencies to send along teams of two or more people because we find that’s the most effective way of changing the way their organizations operate. But many individuals come on their own.   The Racial Justice Institute has been approved for 1.825 CEUs from Millersville University. 

Click here for more information about this year’s workshop.  Registrations for the June 2011 Racial Justice Institute will begin in March 2011.

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Study Circles

YWCA Lancaster will be holding several six-week Study Circle discussion groups on “Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation”. The meetings will run in the afternoon or evening hours at the YWCA, 110 N. Lime Street in downtown Lancaster and at other locations in the county.

A Study Circle is comprised of 8 to 12 people from different backgrounds and viewpoints who meet six times in two-hour sessions to talk about an issue, in this case racism. In a Study Circle, people try to understand each other’s views but they do not have to agree. The idea is to explore concerns and look for ways to make things better. A trained facilitator helps the group focus on different aspects of the issue and ensures all voices are heard and options explored.

There is no participation fee. For further information, e-mail Racial Justice and Advocacy Coordinator Lucy Ngokonyo-Weaver or call her at 717-393-1735 ext. 269.