YWCA Evanston/North Shore works to change hearts, minds, and systems that restrict access to opportunities and resources, based on race and gender. Advancing racial and gender equity is embedded in all their work, including their domestic violence services, economic advancement and racial justice programs, and youth and adult aquatics. Their mission, eliminating racism and empowering women, is rooted in examining, challenging, and dismantling systemic racism and sexism throughout our communities.
YWCA’s Equity Institute focuses on creating more equitable communities by helping individuals and organizations examine personal, interpersonal, and systemic biases that can lead to inequity and injustice. These facilitated workshops, trainings and assessments are offered throughout the Chicagoland area.
Because of COVID-19, this year they had to cancel their largest fundraiser for equity work, the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. Each year, the Race Against Hate draws over 5,000 runners and walkers and raises over $300,000 for YWCA’s racial justice and violence prevention programs. Without the Race this year, they are faced with a significant loss of revenue for YWCA programs.
Additionally, the COVID-19 crisis has laid bare longstanding racial, economic, and healthcare inequities faced by Black Americans and other people of color. Mass protests in response to police brutality have magnified these injustices. YWCA is committed to making our communities more just and equitable. This work has never been more important.
How can you help? First, we invite you to join the reimagined Race Against Hate … in place and attend virtual YWCA equity events throughout the month of June. You can find a list of these events here.
Most importantly however, we ask that you donate to help support YWCA’s equity work. Become a Race Hero and support YWCA’s critical work to create more equitable communities. And when you give now, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Donations can be made here and will be matched through July 31.
A special thanks to our major donors who have enabled the matching grant: Catherine Carpenter, Mary Pierson, and Roshni Flynn.
And another thank you to Susan and Nick Noyes for nominating YWCA Evanston/North Shore to be featured, and for their generous gift towards reaching the YWCA’s $10,000 goal.
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