Goal-Oriented. Passion-Oriented. Justice-Oriented: A Note from Kathleen's Desk

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! What are your top priorities for this new year? What about this next decade?

As we plan for this year, I’m reminded of a quote by film director Greta Gerwig. She says, “I’m not goal-oriented so much as I’m constantly aware of what I’m passionate about, and I’m constantly updating the list. I envision many possible futures for myself where I could be happy, so I just try to keep my passions alive.”

Women in Topeka are leading the way in 2020

Every day, we help shape new futures for the people we serve: safety and support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, decision-making skills for children at the Early Learning Center, academic and social-emotional tools for Kids Quest students, tangible change across the Greater Topeka community through voter-led action, and vast opportunities for women on their leadership journey. This year is not just about staying true to our mission, but also a year for following our passions of promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

In 2020, while we are driven to meet our community’s needs and our agency’s goals, we will keep in mind where our passions lie: fighting for gender equality and racial justice using a combination of advocacy, programming, and direct services.

Wherever you are on your journey, make us part of your list of passions for this year. Here are some dates to keep in mind:

Wednesday, January 22: Winter Network Lunch featuring Joan Wagnon on the League of Women Voters and 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration
Saturday, April 11: Concealed Revealed Art Auction to benefit survivors of sexual assault
April 25 – 28: Stand Against Racism
Tuesday, June 6: Leadership Luncheon, promoting women of excellence in our community
Wednesday, September 16: That’s What She Said

Thank you for standing in solidarity for a strengthened community,

Kathleen Marker

CEO, YWCA Northeast Kansas

Announcements:

We are starting a book club! Our first book is White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. Click here for more information.
Check out our full annual report from 2019, detailing our work in direct service, advocacy, and issue education campaigns from this past year.
The Early Learning Center (ELC) will have upcoming openings in the Toddler room starting in February 2020. For more information or to start the enrollment process, please visit our Youth Services website.
Thank you again to those who contributed items to the Center for Safety and Empowerment Holiday Store. Do you have some post-holiday items you would like to donate? Take a look at our Wish List, now updated to include items for our Early Learning Center.
It’s been another successful year of the Canned Good War on 24! This year, Rossville, Silver Lake, and St Mary’s were able to donate over 40 grocery carts-full of canned goods through some friendly competition and incredible generosity. Thanks again!

Keep these on your calendar:

JANUARY
National Stalking Awareness Month

Governor Laura Kelly signing a proclamation for National Stalking Awareness Month

TUESDAYS, JANUARY 7 & 21
Racial Justice Book Club
Discussing White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
7:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
Winter Network Lunch: 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration
With guest speaker Joan Wagnon and the League of Women Voters
YWCA Dining Room
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Save the Date!
Concealed Revealed Art Auction
Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka
Details TBA

APRIL 23-26
Stand Against Racism Campaign