TO: YWCA Leaders
FROM: Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D.
DATE: November 9, 2016
SUBJECT: 2016 Presidential Election
Dear YWCA Leaders,
This election season and outcome has been a stark indicator that our work is as relevant and necessary as ever. We must and will continue to eliminate racism and empower women, and fight for peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Going forward, YWCA will continue to be aggressive, strategic, and bold in countering judicial, executive, and legislative changes that impact women, girls, and communities of color.
Our country’s divisiveness today impacts not just the families we serve, but our own families. Take care of yourselves and each other, and know that together, we will keep fighting for women and girls.
In solidarity.
As you continue the work today and going forward, here are some tools and resources that may be helpful. Our advocacy team is working on a full election analysis and will be in touch with more information as it becomes available.
Press Statement: YWCA USA has issued this statement this morning. Please feel free to use it in its entirety or as a template for a more localized statement. Our main message? YWCA is here, standing up for women and girls, as we have always done.
Nonpartisan Communications: We understand that this election and its outcome has incredible potential to impact our communities. However, it is critical that we remain nonpartisan and focused on our mission and public policy priorities. For further guidance, please review these recent past-communications:
Caring for Yourself and Your Team: In July we released this memo of resources for YWCAs as you respond to and experience the trauma of violence in your communities. We are sad to say that the information in this memo is as relevant today as it was a few months ago, but we hope that you find these tools and resources helpful.
We will continue to be in touch with resources to support you and your incredible work for our mission. Please continue to utilize the affinity group Facebook pages as a space to share information about how your YWCA is responding.
Sincerely,
YWCA USA Communications
#NationalCommunications