Social and Racial Justice
The YWCA’s commitment to racial and social justice is one of the common threads that unites YWCAs across the country. Eliminating racism is one of the two central principles of the YWCA mission, along with the empowerment of women. And, at the core of the YWCA’s work, is the recognition that not all women, or all people, are treated equally.
Nationally, YWCA’s commitment to racial justice and civil rights runs deep. Since the 1800s, Black and Native women have been providing leadership in YWCA’s movement.
In 1946, YWCA began working for integration throughout the organization, adopting an “interracial charter” that established that “wherever there is injustice on the basis of race, whether in the community, the nation, or the world, our protest must be clear and our labor for its removal, vigorous, and steady.”
That work culminated in the creation of YWCA’s One Imperative in 1970: To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.
Unique Challenges for Women of Color and Indigenous Women in Montana
-Direct Impact on racism in the Helena Community
-What specifically is YWCA doing to raise awareness?
-Director's Statement on Black Lives Matter
-The Native American Community in Montana and the struggles of Indigenous Women in Helena.
Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic
-General ways we can contribute to the fight for equal rights for all.
-Stand Against Racism
-Institutional Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic
-Specific ways in which Montanans can contribute to the fights against racism.
Local Data and Research
-Health Dept Data
-Montana reports
-Upcoming legislation on key issues for women and people of color.
