Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities.
Social Media Campaign
April 22nd – 25th, 2021
_____________________________________
Panel Discussion
May 27th, 2021 – 9:00 to 10:00 am
The theme for this year’s campaign is Addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis. Structural racism plays a large role in determining the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and affects people’s access to quality housing, education, food, transportation, political power, and other social determinants of health. Understanding and addressing systemic racism from this public health perspective is crucial to eliminating racial and ethnic inequities, and to improving opportunity and well-being across communities.
Our collective efforts can root out injustice, transform institutions, and create a world that sees women, girls and people of color the way we see them: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
STAND AGAINST RACISM SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
We invite you to join us by taking the pledge and deepening the conversation on racism as a public health crisis via social media. Just print out one of our fillable signs, personalize it with your own message and take a selfie. Then share your photos out on social media at the end of April, tagging us to let everyone know why you Stand Against Racism. #StandAgainstRacism #OnAMission
Print and share why YOU Stand Against Racism!
PLEDGE TO STAND AGAINST RACISM
Mindful of the continuing affliction of institutional and structural racism as well as the daily realities of all forms of bias, prejudice and bigotry in my own life, my family, my circle of friends, my co-workers, and the society in which I live, with conviction and hope: I take this pledge, fully aware that the struggle to eliminate racism will not end with a mere pledge but calls for an ongoing transformation within myself and the institutions and structures of our society.
I pledge to look deeply and continuously in my heart and in my mind to identify all signs and vestiges of racism; to rebuke the use of racist language and behavior towards others; to root out such racism in my daily life and in my encounters with persons I know and with strangers I do not know; and to expand my consciousness to be more aware and sensitive to my use of overt and subtle expressions of racism and racial stereotypes.
I pledge to educate myself on racial justice issues and share what I learn in my own communities even if it means challenging my family, my partner, my children, my friends, my co-workers, and those I encounter on a daily basis.
I pledge, within my means, to actively work to support public policy solutions that prominently, openly, and enthusiastically promote racial equity in all aspects of human affairs; and to actively support and devote my time to YWCA, as well as other organizations working to eradicate racism from our society. I join YWCA in taking a stand against racism today and every day.
STAY ENGAGED
Then join us for our Stand Against Racism virtual event on May 27th to hear more about local health disparities, their causes and legislative and policy efforts to address these inequities. Registration opens May 1st.
Sign up to receive our advocacy alerts that include ways you can use your voice to speak out against racism.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ADVOCACY ALERTS
The 2020 Stand Against Racism features a social media campaign to raise awareness of the myriad racial justice issues that pose barriers to civic engagement for communities of color while exploring how the tools of civic engagement can advance the work of justice in your community and empower people of color.
In 2019, YWCA USA hosted a policy briefing on Capitol Hill: “Ensuring Safety and Opportunity for Immigrant Women.” In collaboration with YWCA’s across the country, organizations raised our collective voice around the critical racial justice issue of supporting and protecting immigrant women, children, families, and communities.
The 2018 Stand Against Racism featured the Regional Coalition Against Hate. Representatives from coalition member agencies shared stories and their experiences with having Courage Under Fire. Community members had the opportunity to learn more about the coalition, including how to get involved.
The 2017 event on April 27, 2017, featured spoken word poet Kendall Young, the (CA) ^2Dance Crew and addresses from local community leaders including United Way’s Stephanie Byred, Ashleee Consulting’s Aerierl Ashlee, UC Law’s Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice’s Emily Houh, Santa Maria Community Service’s Luz Elena Schemmel, and Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco
The 2016 theme was On A Mission for Girls of Color! to amplify the national discussion about the impacts of institutional and structural racism on the lives of girls of color.
The YWCA Cincinnati Stand Against Racism included a week-long social media campaign culminating in a May 2, 2016 event on Fountain Square featuring the following speakers: Shakila Ahmad, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati; Dr. Michael Battle, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; David Singleton, Ohio Justice & Policy Center; Karla Boldery, Lulac Cincinnatii; Chara Jackson, Greater Cincinnati Urban League; Dr. Ericka King-Betts, The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission; and Yvette Simpson | President Pro Tem Cincinnati City Council. Mayor John Cranley proclaimed May 2, 2016, as Stand Against Racism Day.
Listen: WVXU “Cincinnati Edition”, April 25, 2016 featuring Barbara Perez & Shakila Ahmad