Racial & Social Justice
YWCA Delaware does the work of racial and social justice through a variety of programming focused on awakening individuals and communities and helping them to develop the awareness, willingness and tools to drive change in themselves and the institutions we all share.
DIALOGUE to ACTION 
Antiracist Programming to Eliminate Racism
YWCA Delaware’s Racial & Social Justice program strives to transform communities by changing consciousness, promoting inclusion and solidarity, and cultivating skills in individuals to advocate for justice and inspire a movement.
DTA Programs: Transformational Racial Healing Conversations | Stand Against Racism | White Ally Small Groups | Book Study Groups | Conversations About Racism
TRANSFORMATIONAL RACIAL HEALING CONVERSATIONS
Racism cuts both ways. How do we heal? We believe that engaging in transformational dialog will move us in that direction. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Delaware State University’s Trauma Academy to offer Transformational Racial Healing Conversations. Join us for 6-week consecutive weeks of online group discussions designed to promote ways for all of us to heal from past wounds, establish mutually respectful connections across racial and ethnic lines that honor and value each person’s humanity, and build trusting diverse community ties that better represent our common humanity.
STAND AGAINST RACISM
YWCA’s Stand Against Racism is an annual, national campaign coordinated in mid-Spring with YWCAs across the country, to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities.
LET’S TALK
Each week of our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge, we’re hosting a webinar discussion of racial equity and social justice topics with panelists from various fields. This year, our Let’s Talk series will be based on the following four themes: American History, Living Wage, Film/Television, and Women’s Health. These virtual discussions are free and open to all. Our first Let’s Talk webinar, in collaboration with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, is planned for April 11th.
SOCIAL EQUITY CHAMPIONSHIP
Social Justice Educational Contest
YWCA Delaware’s Racial and Social Justice Program, in partnership with Delaware Libraries, has developed the Social Equity Championship, an interactive statewide social justice educational contest that offers monthly recognition and prizes to citizens of all ages who participate in social justice-related activities.
YW LEADERS
YWCA Delaware’s YW Leaders program is designed to help high school students develop a better understanding of who they are while cultivating an appreciation and understanding for individuals of diverse backgrounds whose appearance, values, and interests differ from their own. Facilitator-led sessions are offered in-person or online through four educational modules. Students will engage in critical conversations and learn skills to become leaders in their communities as they advocate for racial and social justice. As the program grows, students will be given the opportunity to transition into leadership roles.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
YWCA Delaware’s Racial & Social Justice program strives to help our communities to develop diversity, equity and inclusion perspectives and practices to break through institutional patterns that lead to injustice.
DE & I Programs: On the Menu | Transforming White Privilege: A 21st Century Leadership Capacity | NarrateHER Traveling Exhibit | Local Emergency Action & Response Networks
ANTIRACIST ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
Our resource list of books, articles, movies, documentaries and podcasts will start or deepen your understanding of race, racism, and antiracism in the United States.
BECOME A DISCUSSION FACILITATOR
As we celebrate the value and virtue of public service today and every day, we invite you to get involved in the broader conversation of creating a more inclusive democracy for all. Consider registering as a Racial and Social Justice Facilitator and lead engaging discussions to promote understanding of racial differences.
Discussion Facilitator Application
YW2CA – YOUR WAY TO CIVIC ACTION
Civic education and engagement allows us to create real change. Join our YW2CA bi-monthly news today for advocacy education, action alerts, and opportinies to become more civically engaged in our community.
RSJ Activities
Are you interested in launching a partnership event? Want to become an RSJ Annual Speaker? Or are you looking to facilitate an educational forum or discussion?
If so, please connect with:
Rebecca Cotto
Director of Racial & Social Justice
Email rcotto@ywcade.org to get in touch today!