Living Our Mission
Join YWCA Northeast Kansas in our mission to break through the barriers that perpetuate racism.
YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to promoting racial equity by partnering with individuals, organizations, and businesses through racial justice training, advocacy, outreach and education.
Join the Conversation
In partnership with the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, YWCA Northeast Kansas is launching a community book club that will feature books written by Indigenous people and people of color. All are invited to participate in monthly meetings to discuss the books and relevant social issues within our community. Discussions will be guided by YWCA’s volunteer racial justice facilitators.
The book club will meet the first and third Tuesdays in January and February from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library.
January 7th and 21st: “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo
Haven’t read the book yet? That’s ok! Please join us for a viewing and discussion of Robin DiAngelo’s talk “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” during our first session.
February 4th and 18th: “How To Be An Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi’s concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America–but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Instead of working with the policies and system we have in place, Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it.
YWCA’s racial justice work is made possible in part by the generosity of Kansas Gas Service and their commitment to their core value of inclusion and diversity.
As one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations across the nation, YWCA has been at forefront of the most pressing social movements in the Northeast Kansas area for more than 160 years – from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to health care reform.
What sets YWCA Northeast Kansas apart from many other nonprofits is our commitment to comprehensive social services, combined with our dedication to creating a more just world through advocacy and community education.
You can learn more and follow along with actionable steps you can take to stand against racism, empower women, and advocate for the most marginalized by joining our Facebook group: YWCA Northeast Kansas Advocacy Cafecito.
YWCA Facilitators are committed to racial justice work. As an active member of the movement to promote positive race relations, facilitators carry the responsibility of promoting a safe environment for all participants to share personal experiences and opinions regarding the topics of race and racism.
Our next Racial Justice Facilitation training series will be scheduled soon. Check back here or sign up for our E-News for updates. All of the sessions will be held at the YWCA Northeast Kansas.
Time Commitment: 7.5 hours spread over three 2.5-hour sessions with a single cohort, or group of facilitators.
Group Training: It is important for community building and continuity of learning that you complete your training within a single group.
Cost: The training is FREE if you are able to commit to attending all three sessions.
What will you learn?
- Session 1: Getting Together. In the first of the three sessions, we will focus on “getting together,” both literally and figuratively. Get to know one another as individuals and as racial justice advocates. We will also “get together” in terms of our racial justice philosophy. Learn about the philosophy and models used at YWCA Northeast Kansas to talk about racial justice and examine common missing bricks you’ll come across in your facilitation work.
- Session 2: Circle and Facilitation. In the second session, delve into the benefits and origins of circle dialogue. Learn the mechanics of the circle and using the talking piece. Get into the role of the facilitator and learn the traits that are beneficial and detrimental to facilitation.
- Session 3: Practice Makes Practice. So, none of us will ever be perfect, but with practice we get better and better each time we facilitate. This third session is devoted to practicing your new facilitation skills. You will take turns acting as a facilitator and as a participant.
To sign up, contact Kathleen Marker, CEO: kathleenm@ywcaneks.org. This class is limited to 25 attendees.