Eliminating Racism

Unpacking our mission: a four-part series

We are positive that on more than one occasion you have seen in bold orange and black letters: “The YWCA is on a mission.“

But, can you recall what that mission is? If not, it’s okay.  Here is a refresher: “The YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and to promote peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.”

We understand that this is a broad statement. That is why  we will take some time this summer to reiterate who we are, what we do, and how we are doing it.

This is the first of a four-part series in which we will unpack each component of our mission statement and explain how we are turning these words into actions within the community.

This week’s focus is “eliminating racism.” This is an issue that the YWCA confronts head-on with our “Stand Against Racism” event.

Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA and is intended to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness of the negative impact that institutional and structural racism perpetuates in our communities.

Our Executive Director, WaTasha Barnes Griffin, says, “This campaign is just one part of our larger national strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism.  More than a once a year event, Stand Against Racism is an awareness campaign that will continue to spark conversation and evoke change within our communities for years to come.  Although our work doesn’t stop here, we feel that the measures we’ve taken thus far are stepping stones to eliminating racism as well as empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.”

We encourage you to raise your voice, and join us on our mission by engaging with us on social media, stopping by for a visit, or by calling us at to chat at 765-284-3345.

Be sure to check back next week as we dive deeper into our mission of “empowering women.” Stay tuned!

Karly Sharp, Development and Marketing Intern