Stand Against Racism Challenge
YWCA Central Maine
Monday, April 4, 2022 – Monday, May 2, 2022
9:00am
Virtual
YWCA is on a mission to Stand Against Racism!
We take a Stand Against Racism every day by raising awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism and by building community among those who work for racial justice.
This year, the annual Stand Against Racism campaign will take place April 28 – May 1, 2022. We invite YWCA Local Associations, allied groups, and individuals to focus their events and organizing on the myriad of racial justice issues that impact the quality of life for communities of color. Most importantly, we invite you to join us by rallying to make change for communities of color and telling the world We Can’t Wait: Equity and Justice Now!
Our collective efforts can root out injustice, transform institutions, and create a world that sees women, girls, and people of color the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
This year, our theme is led by the Stand Against Racism Challenge, which offers anyone the chance to participate in and help foster a virtual community of growth and learning around social, systemic, and institutional racial inequity.
The deep-seated systemic racism and inequities that disadvantage communities of color are still woven into the fabric of our institutions today—from civic engagement to economic opportunity and security, from education to health care, and even the way people of color are portrayed in the media. We must work collectively to root out inequity in our communities and in the institutions that compose our society, and demand justice and equity.
Take the Stand Against Racism Pledge
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.
YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. I join YWCA in taking a stand against racism today and every day.
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.
YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. I join YWCA in taking a stand against racism today and every day.
ACT NOW
At YWCA, we are doing the work of justice everyday – through our advocacy, our leadership, and our work in communities. Our collective advocacy is only made powerful when you add your voice to the chorus and call on Congress and the Administration to take action on the three key issues: voting rights, declaring racism a public health crisis, and equitable access to abortion.
Events
Stand Against Racism provides the opportunity for communities across the United States to find an issue or cause that inspires them to take a #StandAgainstRacism and to unite their voices to educate, advocate, and promote racial justice.
A Celebration of Hope & Healing with author Dellenna Harper
YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County
Thursday, March 24, 2022
7:00pm
Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual)
A Conversation about Critical Race Theory with YWCA Columbus Leadership & Social Justice Team
YWCA Columbus
Friday, April 8, 2022
12:30pm
Virtual
The YWCA USA would like to thank the Bath and Body Works Foundation for sponsoring the 2022 Stand Against Racism
