Racial & Gender Equity

What We Do

Eliminating Racism. Empowering Women.

YWCA York is not just an organization…we are a mission-driven collective, ready to serve our community with open minds and hearts.

Using an intersectional approach and mindfulness techniques, the goal of our work is to eliminate racism and empower women. This goal demands that we show up to advocate for the end of inequities and oppression that many groups and individuals experience in our community.

Join us in advancing justice.

Our Approach

Educating & Connecting

YWCA York takes an interactive and reflective approach to teaching about bias, oppression, privilege, and the “isms” that exist in our society today. Our programs are designed to equip participants with the tools they need to create a more inclusive environment. YWCA’s Racial Justice Overview shares more about our focus, theory of change, and civil rights legacy.

Creating a Better York

Community Engagement

Courageous Conversations

YWCA York offers deep and meaningful discussions led by skilled facilitators using the Courageous Conversations model. Everyone is invited to share in respectful and candid conversations that benefit our community. It is through dialogue, even when it’s uncomfortable, that healing and change can take root.

Racial Justice Committee

YWCA York’s Racial Justice Committee uses a collaborative approach to create bridges between individuals, community organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, schools and colleges. Community activities focus on a range of topics pertaining to race, privilege, equality, and civil rights.

Confronting Racism Coalition

YWCA York is a proud participating organization of the Confronting Racism Coalition, a community action group of people looking to create a more equitable York County by promoting healing, equity, and inclusion for all.

EQUAL. POWERFUL. UNSTOPPABLE.

Race Against Racism

Invite your family, friends, and coworkers to join you!

YWCA York’s Race Against Racism is a 5K event that unites our community as we run, walk, or stroll in support of our mission of eliminating racism in York County and promoting PEACE, JUSTICE, FREEDOM, AND DIGNITY FOR ALL. The proceeds from this event support the important work we do in our community surrounding racial justice.

Emerging Leaders

Leadership Summit

YWCA York holds a county-wide Leadership Summit, “Dialogues on Race,” with student leaders in grades 8-12 with an interest in making changes in their schools and communities.

Five student leaders are selected by each school district to engage in deep conversations about race, culture, and justice at a 4 ½ hour training held at York College of Pennsylvania. Our talented and motivated volunteers help facilitate these meaningful experiences. Schools provide transportation to the college. Contact us to learn more about our racial and social justice work with schools.

Pledge To End Racism

Take our pledge to END racism with your family, friends, and contacts.

The pledge is taken each year by over 1,000 people who are dedicated to an equitable and inclusive community.

Strengthening Community Collaboration

Racial Justice Community Assessment

The RJCA was designed by YWCA York to understand the current, racial justice services available, where there are gaps, and opportunities to enhance coordination and effectiveness among organizations doing racial justice work in York, Pennsylvania.

The RJCA was also designed to strengthen unity and collaboration among organizations involved in racial justice work; therefore, this report was written to share the information collected with the York community. A special thank you to the York County Community Foundation for their support of this project!

Everyone deserves to feel

Be a part of the change. Together, we can make a difference for the most vulnerable in our community and beyond.