Responding to racist hate crimes in our community and across the nation |
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YWCA Evanston-North Shore is devastated by the recent racially motivated hate crime that took place in Evanston at Haven Middle School on Friday, and the fatal act of white supremacist terrorism in Buffalo that resulted in the tragic loss of 10 lives, a total of 13 victims - 11 of whom were Black.
The threat and deadly impact of racism-fueled violence is very real and present around the country – including in our own backyard. These events clearly demonstrate the necessity of working together as a community not just on the day of local large-scale, anti-racism events like YWCA’s annual Stand Against Racism and Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate – but every day throughout the year.
As leaders in the movement to end racism, YWCA lends an important voice when our communities are scarred by racism. On Monday, staff from YW’s Equity Institute team were on-site at Haven Middle School in response to the discovery of three nooses hanging from trees in the area between Kingsley and Haven Middle School accompanied by “notes in support of Haven educators.” Equity consultants from the YWCA were a part of a team of outreach workers who met with students throughout the day to begin the healing process and engage in difficult but essential conversations around racism.
The synchronicity between Buffalo and Ricky Byrdsong, who was murdered by a white supremacist in 1999 while walking in his Skokie neighborhood with two of his young children, is sufficient evidence of the need to take immediate collective action. It is imperative that we leverage our spheres of influence to create change. We must raise our voices and demand justice as we navigate the collective anguish and pain felt by the communities we serve in the aftermath of these hate crimes. Tackling racism and its fatal consequences requires actions every day, at every level – from individuals to within our social circles including families, friends, neighbors, businesses, block clubs, churches, and PTA groups.
YWCA Evanston/North Shore will continue to deepen our impact as a trauma-informed resource that provides equity and anti-violence training and prevention. Resources like the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism pledge and Racial Reckoning: A Healing Toolkit are entry points to help us think deeply and intentionally about how we care for one another and center healing practices during this time of racial reckoning. We hope these will be valuable resources as we continue to navigate the aftermath of these horrific incidents and work to eliminate racism in all its forms.
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Your gift will transform lives.
Please take a minute to view this short video that highlights how your gift can impact individuals and families across our communities, and will transform lives.
Turn your compassion into action by making a gift today.
During our Spring Appeal, you can double your impact thanks to our Matching Gift challenge. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous funder (up to $20,000). So please don't wait.
Ready to do more? Click here to learn how you can make a difference today!
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2022 Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate
Juneteenth, Sunday June 19, 2022 @ 7:30 am
Floyd Long Field, 2436 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL
5K/10K Run/Walk, Youth Mile/Half Mile
Each year, the Race Against Hate brings together thousands of people from all over Chicagoland to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence. The event honors the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong, former Northwestern University men's basketball coach and Vice President of Community Affairs at Aon Corporation, who was murdered by a white supremacist in 1999. After modifying the Race for the past two years to accommodate safety protocols, we are thrilled to once again come together as a community on this Juneteenth to raise awareness and funds to support the YWCA's anti-racism and violence prevention services.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, June 16 at 8:30am at YWCA Evanston/North Shore
In advance of the Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate, we will be talking with Sherialyn Byrdsong and other panelists on actionable steps to build racial equity. This will be a hybrid event and coffee and refreshments will be served to in-person attendees. We hope to see you for this important conversation. Stay tuned for more details and info to register!
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Volunteer for the Race!
Are you interested in volunteering for the Race Against Hate? We have many different opportunities to get involved on the day of the race and the week leading up to race day!
Click here to see volunteer options and fill out an interest form!
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Don't miss Evanston’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Parade: Opal's National Walk for Freedom on Saturday, June 18th
Juneteenth, now officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people which occurred two and a half years after the emancipation proclamation and originated in Galveston, Texas. This year's parade honors Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. The Opal's Walk for Freedom will showcase the unifying impact of Juneteenth to bring people together to celebrate the national holiday and will also have the international performance team Jesse White Tumblers a part of the parade.
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Redefining Community Outreach: Transformation over Transaction |
Thursday, June 9th 2-4pm on Zoom
Transformational community outreach explores both the organization and community building “The Table” together. In this workshop, participants will learn how to deepen their community outreach to create more impact.
Click here to register on Eventbrite.
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Introducing YWCA's New Equity Learning Sessions
Since 2016, we've held an annual Equity Summit, bringing together community members and equity practitioners to share emerging frameworks, models, and practices with the hopes of advancing racial equity and transforming our communities. This year, instead of a two-day convening, we are sponsoring unique learning sessions throughout the year led by community facilitators and special guests.
If you are a racial equity facilitator interested in presenting, click here to apply and learn more
If you are a person interested in growing your toolbox for transforming yourself, your community, or your institution toward equity, click here to share what you want to learn.
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Don't miss the 24-hr Relay for Oz on May 21 and 22
Oswald Roper died in 2013, but he taught swimming and coached at YWCA Evanston/North Shore for 20 years, and shared deeply in YWCA’s belief that all children should learn to swim. In his honor, the Oswald Roper Memorial Fund, the Oz Swim Meet and the 24-hour Relay for Oz were started to provide funding for aquatics outreach and scholarships so that all children could have access to swimming lessons. Click here for more information.
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Join the YW for Summer Camp!
Our half-day camp is centered on competitive swimming, learning and socializing. We'll focus on developmentally-appropriate technique work and training, water safety, and having a lot of fun, in and out of the water. Swimmers can strengthen friendships and make new friends during each weekly session. We'll use both pools and our new classrooms.
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Economic Advancement Program
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Advanced Financial Workshops is a series of free workshops is for people who want to take their financial knowledge to the next level. Led by Patty Finley, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments, these workshops cover the basics of investing, budgeting, and tools for retirement.
Don't miss our final workshop:
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In middle school our bodies, identities, relationships, and more can all go through major changes. YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Second Summer of Sex Ed is here to help young people navigate these changes.
All sessions will be from 1-3 PM. Select the dates and setting that work best for you.
- July 11-15 (in person at the YWCA)
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July 25-29 (on Zoom)
- Aug 8-12 (in person at the YWCA)
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820 Dempster St, Evanston, IL
Tuesday – Thursday, 12 pm – 5 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
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1107 Central Avenue in Wilmette
Tuesday -Thursday, 12 pm -5 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
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100% of profits from YW Shops support our domestic violence and economic advancement programs, helping hundreds of women and children throughout northeastern Cook County. |
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Thank you to the National Council of Jewish Women's North Shore Chapter! |
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National Council of Jewish Women North Shore made Mother’s Day special for the residents of Mary Lou’s Place, our shelter for survivors of Domestic Violence.
The group donated Target gift cards and assembled beautiful gift bags filled with accessories and personal care items.
The National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization that strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, & families and by safeguarding individual rights & freedoms.
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Current job opportunities at YWCA Evanston/North Shore
Learn more by clicking the link below:
YWCA Evanston/North Shore is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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If you or someone you know needs help, call 847-864-8780 or (toll free) 877-718-1868 anytime, day or night.
We're here for you.
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Let us know what you're interested in... |
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Stay in touch! Tell us what you're interested in and we'll make sure you're among the first to know about classes, news, and opportunities. Sign up here.
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Thank you to our Corporate Partners! |
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YWCA Evanston/North Shore | Phone 847-864-8445 | ywca@ywca-ens.org | www.ywca-ens.org
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