Blogs

September 1, 2017

We are pleased to share the following YWCA USA updates:

Welcome Alejandra!

We are excited to welcome our incoming CEO, Alejandra Y. Castillo! We hope you will join us in welcoming her when she officially starts on September 18.

YWCA Houston

As the city of Houston continues crisis management efforts, YWCA Houston is dedicated to continuing to do what YWCA does best: meet the unique and changing needs of its community. That is why YWCA Houston has established the YWCA Houston Hurricane Relief Fund. YWCA Houston is a trusted place to direct assistance for survivors of Hurricane Harvey in the days and months to come.

Defend DACA

President Trump's decision about the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is reported to be imminent, and Congress returns next week. DREAMers need our help to urge the continuation of DACA until a permanent solution – like the DREAM Act – is put in place.

Take action TODAY to Defend DACA and the over 800,000 immigrant youth – two thirds of whom are girls and women -- who could potentially be deported if DACA is eliminated. Show your support for DACA on social media using the hashtag #DefendDACA. Use these sample tweets and graphics, or share our statement.

YWCA USA Statements

In the past week, we have issued statements responding to the pardoning of Joe Arpaio, the killing of Kiwi Herring, militarization of law enforcement, and why DACA matters for young women. To stay up-to-date with all YWCA USA statements, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Read all statements on our website.

World YWCA blog

Stay connected and informed with our global movement by checking out World YWCA's blog, She Speaks, which features submissions from young women and girls around the world. Recent pieces include "Why We Need Young Women in Leadership Positions Within the Movement" and "Girl Power."

YWCA Boston Marched Against Hate

Read this blog from YWCA Boston chief operating officer Beth Chandler about why they showed up to march against hate, participating in a massive counter demonstration in Boston in response to white supremacy and the events in Charlottesville.

March for Black Women

We have received a few inquiries about the March for Back Women. This march and the March for Racial Justice are not in conflict with each other. It is our understanding that the March for Black Women, described as a "March within a March," is a coordinated effort happening in solidarity with the March for Racial Justice. Members of our staff are working closely with the organizers involved with both marches. Sign up to receive updates on the March for Racial Justice.

New from the Resource Library

Seventeen new resources have been posted to the YWCA Online Resource Library, including program profiles of 2017's Association Excellence Award winners, YWCA USA Racial Justice Training Manual, four new mini papers, a self-assessment form for board members, the Biennial Report to Congress on the Effectiveness of VAWA Grant Programs, the Philanthropy Outlook, and Seven Nonprofit Trends. Descriptions and live links for all new resources are in the New Postings Index.

Money Monday

Don't forget to join us for the first Money Monday of FY18. Tycely Williams, YWCA USA VP of Development, will kick off September with Building Your Development Strategy on September 11 at 3 p.m. EST. Register now!

FYI: Youth Grant Opportunity

The Walt Disney Company, through Youth Service America (YSA), will award $500 grants this fall to young changemakers. Kids will have the opportunity to turn their creative ideas into projects that make communities healthier, greener and stronger. Applications are due on September 30!

Important Dates

• September 11: Money Monday
• YWCA 101, an introductory webinar to the YWCA USA, will be offered on September 19, October 24, and November 28. Register your staff, volunteers and board.
• October 16 – 20: 2017 Week Without Violence

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