The Time to Take Action is Now: A Note From Kathleen's Desk

Dear Friends,YWCA’s commitment to racial justice and civil rights runs deep. For over 130 years, we have been a pioneer in standing against all forms of racism and oppression by promoting racial equity and equality.While we remain committed to providing racial justice training, education and professional development, voter registration drives, and civic participation training, racial justice is a guiding philosophy and practice that is incorporated into all of the work that we do.

• Instilling anti-racism in our youngest community members: Our Early Learning Center guides young children in being open to newcomers and to take initiative to include them in play activities. Children develop empathy for others and can place themselves in the shoes of another.
• Raising awareness on policies that disproportionately affect people of color: by partnering with local organizations to increase access to voting and census participation, which are crucial to representing communities of color. We are also doing the work of justice by calling for an end to racial profiling, and many other legislative efforts outlined on our advocacy agenda. Take action with us now!
• Removing barriers to and expanding opportunities for women’s successful workplace participation: from testifying in support of protections against race-based hair discrimination to creating opportunities for women to be recognized in their organizations.

Racial justice remains a priority in all of our programs, which also means confronting our own biases and prejudices every single day that we unlock the doors and turn on the lights and get to work. We are committed to doing the work of justice until the world sees all people of color the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.Only by standing together and amplifying Black voices will we make sure that our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all is realized. Will you take action and join us?Thank you for standing in solidarity for a strengthened community, Kathleen MarkerCEO, YWCA Northeast Kansas 

Newsworthy

Topeka YWCA carries out a mission: eliminate racism, empower womenWIBW viewers raise over $18K for United Way day of Giving13 NEWS raises $1,500 for YWCA, Wheat to cut his own hair on Facebook LIVE TODAYTopeka police see ‘small spike’ in domestic violence related calls 

Noteworthy

JUNELGBTQIA+ Pride MonthWEDNESDAYSYWednesdays: Join us every week on Facebook LIVE for a short, informal discussion with our very own Public Education Coordinator, Cam Cameron3:30 PM on FacebookTUESDAY, JUNE 23June YWCA Empower Hour5:30 - 6:30 PMSATURDAY, JUNE 27Women's Table TalkRegister Here2:00 PMTUESDAY, JUNE 30Racism 1015:30 - 7:30 PM

UNTIL JULY 10Nominations open for the 32nd Annual Women of Excellence Awards: A Leadership Event to benefit YWCA Northeast KansasNominate Today!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1632nd Annual Women of Excellence AwardsTicket Information ForthcomingSATURDAY, OCTOBER 3Concealed Revealed Art Auction