The proclamation signed on April 1 by Governor Manchin and Secretary of State Natalie Tennant states that “racism still exists and is damaging to all people,” that “it is appropriate for all West Virginians to work towards a state free of racism,” and that “all organizations, schools and individuals are encouraged to make a commitment to take a stand or sign a pledge against racism.”
This year’s Stand Against Racism is the collaboration of 71 YWCA associations across the United States aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. More than 200,000 individuals at 1,500 sites nationwide are expected to participate, including 36 in West Virginia.
“It’s not too late for your organization, corporation, house of worship, or government agency to join the current 36 participating sites in our community by signing up for the 2010 Stand Against Racism,” announced Debby Weinstein, Executive Director of the YWCA of Charleston. “Any group of any size that believes in a society free of racism is invited to join us, and we are so grateful for Governor Manchin’s support in this initiative.”
Become a participating site by signing up at www.StandAgainstRacism.org. Your group’s event, public or private, can be as elaborate as a public rally or as simple as asking employees or members to observe a moment of silence or sign a pledge against racism. The YWCA will provide the ideas and tools free of charge and groups can decide their own ways to “stand.”
For more details, please visit www.StandAgainstRacism.org. For local information, please contact Nell Fleming, YWCA of Charleston Racial Justice Coordinator, at nfleming@ywcacharleston.org or (309*) 825-9133.
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The YWCA of Charleston, W.Va. is a non-profit social service organization established in 1912 that serves more than 4,000 individuals each year in Kanawha, Boone and Clay counties. With the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA of Charleston’s programs empower individuals to become self-sufficient by providing education, job readiness, affordable childcare, counseling and financial planning, combined with basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and safety. During the past year, the YWCA provided 19,384 shelter nights to homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence and their children; 12,486 hours of free counseling and case management, and 131,038 nutritious meals. Learn more at www.ywcacharleston.org.
Stand Against Racism is an annual event. Managed by the YWCA Trenton and the YWCA Princeton in New Jersey, it is a collaboration of 65 YWCA associations nationwide. The YWCAs in America and around the world have a rich history of advocating for racial justice. Throughout our history, the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations. We intend to affect real change in the lives of our family, friends and co-workers through a process that identifies and eradicates the barriers that divide us and that perpetuate racism and other forms of oppression.