Blogs

June 23, 2017

We are pleased to share the following YWCA USA updates.

National Conference

It was wonderful to be able to share, advocate, and collaborate together with everyone at last week's 2017 National Conference. From pre-conference sessions and deep-dive workshops, to Capitol Hill Day and the Women of Distinction gala, this year's conference was a way for us to gather, inspire each other, learn and strategize, and nurture the "Bold Mission, Bright Future" of the YWCA movement. You can view a select few photos from the conference online. Please stay tuned for more information and links to videos, presentations, photos, and more, in next week's update! In the meantime, here are just a few highlights from this year's conference:

• We turned Capitol Hill persimmon on Thursday, bringing our mission to the doors of senators and representatives of the communities that we serve.
• The Alford Group presented the findings from the geo-network meetings that took place this past spring.
• Our interim CEO Casey Harden spoke passionately about the future of the YWCA movement, and the necessity of being bold.
• We unveiled our second Persimmon Paper on the YWCA Generational Imperative, as well as our new Racial Justice Training Manual.
• We heard incredible keynote speeches from political and communications strategist Symone Sanders and Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President and CEO of the Victory Fund and Victory Institute.
• During the Women of Distinction Awards Gala, we celebrated the vital, amazing work of local associations, as well as incredible women and organizations that work to bring about racial and social justice.
• We learned about YWCA's global work and relations through presentations from our digital communications coordinator Tiffany Wang, and Dr. Jessica Franklin, a member of the Board of Directors for YWCA Canada. We also watched a video message and participated in a live dialogue with Malayah Harper, General Secretary of World YWCA.

We would like to thank our sponsors Allstate Foundation and Blackbaud, without whom this conference could not have been possible, and we would also like to recognize and extend a warm welcome to our three new board members: Pam Stegora Axberg, Nancy Racette, and Hallie Schneir. And a special shout-out to our two social media ambassadors, Molly Toth from YWCA Warren and Lauren Weldishofer from YWCA of Asheville, for their fantastic work throughout the conference. Don't forget to check your inbox next week for more conference information, photos, and videos!

Public Policy & Advocacy Updates

• This is the week for action to protect our healthcare! The Senate unveiled proposed legislation this week that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. As reflected in the statement issued by YWCA USA interim CEO Casey Harden (you can find a sharegraphic on our Facebook), this legislation would roll back critical health care gains for women that are currently provided under the ACA. The Senate plans to vote on this new bill (called the "Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017" or BCRA) NEXT WEEK before they recess for July 4th. Write or call your Senator TODAY and urge them to protect health care, especially for women and families!
• Thank you to the 260 advocates from 40 states who met with 215 legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill Day—and what a day it was! Senate and House offices got a first-hand look at YWCA's bold leadership and deep community impact as we shared our stories about the tremendous difference federal funding makes in our communities. Please make sure to submit your individual meeting reports and evaluation form through the VoterVoice app.
• Thank you as well to all of our sister YWCA's who weren't able to participate in Capitol Hill Day but still took action through the online action center. You can still take action by joining the YWCA budget petition, and by emailing or calling your legislators!

Introducing the Racial Justice Training Manual: Webinar on June 29, 2017 at 2pm ET

Join Donte Hilliard, Director of Mission Impact, as he provides an introduction to the Racial Justice Training Manual, a resource for both internal and external racial justice training and development that was developed in response to the expressed needs of our network and the 2015 publication of our Mission Impact Framework. This robust tool and resource is a foundational step in increasing our overall capacity by providing the historical context, concepts, guidance, toolkits and other resources. This webinar will be a special meeting of the Racial Justice and Civil Rights Affinity Group, open to all board, staff and volunteers of the YWCA network. Please use this link to register.

Persimmon Paper: YWCA's Generational Imperative

We were thrilled to release our second Persimmon Paper at the National Conference last week. This paper documents YWCA's commitment to young women and young women's contributions to our movement throughout history, and it explores the import of women's leadership development to the progress of our movement. Both the full Persimmon Paper and the executive summary are available on the intranet.

RunJumpThrow

YWCA USA has adopted USATF's RunJumpThrow (RJT) youth activity as a model program. Created in 2014, RunJumpThrow is a hands-on learning program designed to get kids excited about physical activity by introducing them to basic running, jumping and throwing skills that are the foundation of physical literacy. To date, RJT has reached more than 500,000 children. Working with USATF, YWCA associations can now utilize a YWCA customized RunJumpThrow curriculum to focus on YWCA's Health & Safety platform and signature outcome to improve the health of women and girls of color. Over 120,000 children participate in YWCA programs each year, and nearly 75,000 are girls.

Online Resource Library

YWCA Online Resource Library at a glance Index is now available in 8 ½" x 11" format for printing and distribution! This new desk reference has been designed to help YWCA board and staff members find the resources they are looking for–fast. The index is also available online in the YWCA Intranet's Resource Library section along with a complete list of postings and their content.

Development

Register now for July's Money Monday! This month's webinar is titled "Allstate Purple Purse 'Winning Strategy'" and will be presented by Kathy Slaughter of YWCA Evanston/North Shore.

YWCA Blogs

Read "Charleena Lyles: Ableism, Racism, and Gendered Violence" by Alicia Sanchez Gill, director of research and program evaluation.
This blog briefly covers how the health care repeal bill will put millions at risk, and rollback critical gains for women that were made under the ACA.
Want to blog with us? Make a submission!

Important Dates

• YWCA 101, an introductory webinar to the YWCA USA, will be offered on June 27, August 29, September 19, October 24, and November 28. Register your staff, volunteers and board.
• June 29: Introducing the Racial Justice Training Manual webinar
• July 10: Monday Monday webinar
• August 1: Purple Purse Challenge applications close.
• October 16 – 20: 2017 Week Without Violence

Questions about what you read today? Contact communications@ywca.org.