Blogs

April 21, 2017

Dear Martha,

We are pleased to share the following YWCA USA updates.

Executive Search Update

The YWCA USA Board has retained executive search and talent firm, Korn Ferry to partner in the recruitment of the next President & CEO. Divina Gamble, Nonprofit Practice leader, and Kristin Mannion, from the firm's Board & CEO Practice, will conduct the search. Their process is designed to be inclusive, incorporating input early in the process from key YWCA stakeholders to ensure a leader is selected who best serves the current and future needs of the organization and our mission. Over the next several weeks, our Korn Ferry consultants will be on an information gathering tour via meetings and surveys to board members, staff, association leaders, and strategic partners. They are also working closely with the Search Committee to develop a timeline for the search to ensure a customized and thorough process. Updates on the search will be provided at key points in the process.

National Conference News

• Conference workshop descriptions are now listed on the Intranet! Take a look and see which topics pique your interest!
• Registration is still open for the 2017 National Conference and Women of Distinction Awards Gala. Don't delay!

Stand Against Racism

• Join us Friday, April 28, for a Stand Against Racism tweet chat focused on this year's theme: Women of Color Leading Change. Review the questions we will cover and download share graphics from this toolkit.
• There is still time to register for Stand Against Racism – don't forget to get your participating sites registered as well! Your event can be big or small, public or private, and in-person or digital.
• Take the Stand Against Racism pledge and invite everyone you know to take it too.

Public Policy & Advocacy: VAWA

We want to ensure that your experiences as service providers are front and center in talks concerning the upcoming reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Over the last two weeks, we hosted a series of VAWA strategy calls to hear from local associations. If you missed these huddles but still want to offer feedback, please email Caitlin Lowry, senior policy analyst and tell her:

• What from VAWA 2013 has been working well?
• What are the barriers to effective and responsive services for survivors?
• What areas still need to be addressed?

Recent Blogs

• Read this Stand Against Racism spotlight on Pauli Murray, a woman ahead of her time.
• In a blog last Friday, the YWCA USA team shared about some of the women of color leaders who have inspired us over the years. Who do you look up to? Tell us at #StandAgainstRacism.
• Want to blog with us? Make a submission! Special consideration will be given to blogs that align with our Mission Impact Framework and policy priorities, and those that highlight personal narratives from staff or YWCA participants.

Important Dates

• April 24: World YWCA Day! YWCAs around the world will observe our common membership and celebrate our achievements in a movement to advance human rights and leadership of women, young women, and girls around the world. For ideas about how to participate, check out the toolkit.
• YWCA 101, an introductory webinar to the YWCA USA, will be offered webinar will now be offered April 25, May 22, and June 27. Register your staff, volunteers and board.
• April 27 – 30: Stand Against Racism takes place. Tweet chat scheduled for Friday, April 28 at 3 p.m. ET.
• June 14 – 17: YWCA USA 2017 National Conference