YMCA of the USA: Stand Against Racism Series

THE YMCA DIGMD VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE: APRIL 22-23
The Y is participating in the YWCA’s 15th Annual Stand Against Racism, an event that provides the opportunity for communities across the United States to unite their voices to educate, advocate and promote racial justice.
New session: In light of the Derek Chauvin trial, we have added a Movement-wide Brave Space Conversation to the agenda. Please read below for more details.

The theme of this year’s Stand Against Racism is From Declarations to Change: Addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis. Y-USA and local YMCAs are hosting virtual events to explore how systemic racism affects the health and wellbeing of communities of color. Join us to contribute to the Y’s collective efforts towards becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization– an organization that intentionally promotes inclusion, ensures diverse representation in our leadership, and leads social change in our communities through anti-racist policies, words and actions.

Read below for descriptions of the virtual sessions and register on Zoom to add the invite to your calendar!
Thursday, April 22
From Declarations to Change-The Learning Lounge Experience
Hosted by: YMCA of Metro Dallas
10 a.m.- 12 p.m. (CST)

Description: Join the YMCA of Metro Dallas for a panel discussion with CEOs and CVOs from non-profit and for-profit businesses and organizations in the area to discuss their responsibility and influence in standing against racism in their fields of expertise. Participants will have an opportunity to choose a learning lounge to join an intimate conversation focused on racism in: health care, Dallas history, education, housing, civics, religion, justice, the environment, or technology.

Register here.
________________________________________
Movement-Wide Brave Space
Hosted by: YMCA of the USA
12:30 – 2 p.m. (CST)

Description: Our country has been on edge since the Derek Chauvin murder trial began three weeks ago. The recent shootings of Daunte Wright – just 10 miles away from the courthouse where the trial took place – and Adam Toledo in Chicago have heightened the tension in our communities. The stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19 and ongoing acts of violence across the country have added to the weight.

As we commit to becoming an anti-racist multicultural organization, we recognize the importance of creating spaces for Y staff and volunteers to process and show up for one another during difficult times. We invite you to a brave space conversation to connect with your peers and discuss how you are coping at this historical moment. This space is confidential and open to all Y staff and volunteers.

Please note: This event replaces the previously-scheduled Y-USA Stand Against Racism session. Registrants for that session will receive a revised event description.

Register here.
________________________________________
Concept to Realization: Building an Internal Staff DIG Committee
Hosted by: Old Colony YMCA
3 – 5 p.m. (CST)

Description: Join this virtual workshop that will provide a step-by-step guide to building an internal staff DIG committee for Ys that may not know how to get started. The workshop includes action steps, examples, and take-home resources, and Q&A with Old Colony Y staff.

Register here.
________________________________________
Pursuing Change: American Poets on Racism and Healing
Hosted by: Arts Branch of the YMCA of Central New York
6 – 8 p.m. (CST)

Description: The YMCA’s Downtown Writers Center will present a diverse group of published poets from around the country who will read and discuss poems related to the Stand Against Racism event. The group reading will be followed by audience Q&A and discussion.

Register here.
________________________________________
Friday, April 23
Virtual World Café: Why Take A Stand Against Racism
Hosted by: YMCA of the USA
10 – 11:30 a.m. (CST)

Description: Join us for an engaging world café session with a visual artist who will help us to collectively capture and share why we must take a Stand Against Racism as individuals, an organization and society. Come prepared to share your thoughts and ways you want to see us move forward.

Register here.
________________________________________
Building an Anti-Racist Foundation
Hosted by: YMCA of San Diego
1 – 3 p.m. (CST)

Description: Join this session where the YMCA of San Diego will help participants develop a working definition of race, learn what bias is and how implicit bias contributes to structural racism, understand the difference between diversity, multiculturalism and anti-blackness, and finally learn what it means to be anti-racist.

Register here.
________________________________________
Sunday, April 25
What is Healthier Than Ending Racism?
Hosted by: YMCA of Greater Houston
2 – 4 p.m. (CST)

Description: Join a panel discussion with local community leaders, then participate in age-appropriate breakout rooms that will equip and empower attendees to discuss, address and heal from racism.

Register here.

________________________________________
We look forward to connecting with you virtually!

Questions? Contact DIG@ymca.net.