ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

YWCA stands against racism and supports racial justice and gender equity issues. YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix is committed to being a safe space where the necessary and courageous conversations about race, equity, and inclusion can and do occur.

By serving as a convener of substantive and vital dialogues, we shine a light on the amazing progress that is being made in our neighborhoods, communities, and all across Arizona, while acknowledging the work that remains ahead.  Our offerings provide room for anyone and everyone, no matter where they are in their anti-racist journey, to learn together.

YOU·NITY LEARNING CIRCLES

Our YOU·nity Learning Circles aim to raise awareness of how racism impacts issues that impact Arizonans. Within a shared safe space, we intend that these learning circles will lift up voices across our state to raise consciousness and understanding and move us toward a more just and equitable society.

Each quarter we convene a group of folks, who are concerned about injustice, to engage in conversation and learning around systemic racism. One quarter we may facilitate a book club, the next may be a film or speaker series then perhaps a Theater of the Oppressed experience. The intention of these learning circles is clear – by bringing together the wisdom of the group we all learn to combat oppression together. These learning circles are designed for anyone who is committed advancing their anti-racist journey.

Each January our social feeds and news stories turn to mentions of New Year, New You and all the associated clichés. Those classic self-help clichés often ignore racial and social disparities – let’s rework them to empower you to approach 2021 so you can move through the year with intentionality. This month, through our blog and on our social media channels, we rewrite some of these clichés to use our own stories in celebrating diversity in the lived experiences of women and people of color.

New Year, As You Are Blogs

Norma and Michael Cunningham have created an educational experience and environment that broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American Art, Music, and Literary works to multi-generational and multi-cultural audiences. They strive to build supportive relationships to establish a broader community network within and external to the West Valley and Greater Phoenix communities. This year’s Vision & Sound is a virtual exhibition experience throughout the month of February.

Register Here

Join our sisters at Soroptimist International of Phoenix as they present LUNAFEST – a virtual film festival of short, independent films by and about women.  Phoenix’s first prime time anchorwoman, Mary Jo West, and Phoenix Film Critics Society President and RightThisMinute Reporter ,Gayle Bass, bring their passion and talents to LUNAFEST as this year’s co-emcees for the online event.

Watch the Trailers

Our 15th annual Stand Against Racism will take place on April 22nd. 

Learn More
Register Here

Intended for people who are at any point on their own racial justice journey, our next 21-Day Challenge begins Monday, May 3rd.

Register Here

As part of our ongoing conversation to address Racism as a Public Health Crisis, we invite the community to join our Theater of the Oppressed performance. In this interactive and participatory experience, performers and audience will collectively examine systems of oppression that keep women and people of color marginalized.

As Arizona becomes the next tech hub, we have tremendous opportunity for our STEAM professionals to reflect the state’s workforce diversity. Addressing these gender and racial gaps will support Arizona’s economic growth by developing our next generation of STEAM innovators. 

In partnership with Intel Arizona, YWCA is leading a new Equity in STEAM initiative to advance women and people of color across STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) careers, to improve representation across the sector and the state of Arizona.

Nonprofits, public schools, and charter schools across Arizona can apply for the funding opportunity and participate in a YWCA learning community.

Apply Now

October 18 – 23

This October we join our global sisterhood in uniting our voices to call for an end to violence against women and girls. This year, our Week Without Violence Campaign centers around a new theme: Beyond Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving! 

Join us during our annual Week Without Violence as we do the work to raise awareness and advocate for the accessible, effective, and consistent resources that survivors and communities need to build the flourishing futures they deserve.   

Join Us!

21-DAY CHALLENGE TO ELIMINATE RACISM & EMPOWER WOMEN

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. With that in mind, and inspired by the work of Dr. Eddie Moore and Debbie Irving, we have created our 21-Day Challenge to Eliminate Racism & Empower Women. This journey guides your exploration of racial and social equity; allowing you to become more mindful, create dedicated space for learning, and partner with us to eliminate racism and empower women.

In joining this challenge, you commit to creating the space and time to build more effective habits. Daily challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, watching a video, and more serve as a catalyst for your own journey to build effective social justice habits, be an ally to those facing inequities, and to identify ways in your own community to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

Our next challenge begins Monday, May 3, 2021.

Get More Information

TAKE ACTION

Volunteer as YW Community Advocate

Volunteer

Sign our Stand Against Racism Pledge

Sign the Pledge

Check out our advocacy priorities at YWCA USA Advocacy Center

Take Action

Testimonials

Ronald T.

The meals have helped me so much to stop worrying about cooking food. My wife of 60 years is bed bound now and I am her caregiver. It has really been hard cooking and making sure she has good nutrition. Thank you from both of us.

Sonya H.

Can I just say HOLY WOW! The Negotiation discussion today was exactly what we need as women! It is so helpful to hear from other women. I don’t have many business women in my family so this was so valuable to me!

Robert S.

Thank you for the delicious meals, and for always checking on me. Some days are just a little rougher than others these days.

Pauline B.

The meals this week are better than last! They keep getting better.

Joan H.

Thank you for the wonderful meals, they just keep getting better. Thank you also for my daily wellness call.

Michael L.

All the meals are very good, truly enjoy them.

Don & Judy L.

We want to tell you how much the meals you provide are a blessing to us. The variety of the meals are very healthy. We are so blessed by this – supplying us with meals. Thank you!

Susan Z.

Thank you for sending me out the beautiful, delicious produce.

Linda D.

I love the food. I miss going to the YW to pick it up and seeing some familiar faces.

Community Case Manager

Thank you for assisting me in obtaining the right resources to help my client and his wife. I felt like I was getting the “run around” with all the numbers I was calling and leaving messages at. I couldn’t get an actual person on the phone until I called you at the YWCA. I wanted to be able to give the client’s daughter good contact information for resources.  Once I spoke with you, I felt confident to give my client the referral information to get them started with your Meals on Wheels Program.

Nicole G.

I originally planned to open my own tanning salon and so I went to the classes to gain more knowledge. I am thankful for everything I learned and feel that it helped me narrow my goals. I now own my own lash line! I’m very excited to move forward!

Simon A.

I enjoyed coming to these classes and have learned a lot. Thank you for your help.

Adriana Z.

The presenters are excellent! They listened, were patient, and gave me the opportunity to visualize my plan for spending.

Brittany W.

With what I learned, I am excited to fix my financial situation!

Luigui A.

I am a student without a fixed income but this course is understandable and helps me plan for when I am an adult.

Emi H.

The educators were amazing! It’s great to learn more about my financial health. Thank you so much.

Jane

It feels good to help those who otherwise could not do for themselves, and I laugh a lot here and have a good time. The YWCA has good people and programs that I learn a lot from. It is helpful on every level!

Ida Z.

I love everything about the YWCA, everyone here is so nice; it’s what keeps me coming back!

Gene V.

As a volunteer at the YWCA West Valley Center, I host sing-a-longs and Name that Tune with the seniors. I genuinely enjoy the fun of singing and the fun it brings people. I just enjoy making the world a happier place.

Rick L.

The Own It! Program is an amazing program and one that I am honored to be a part of, along with all our other instructors.  The service it provides to our clients is such an important one and helps them achieve their goals.

Laverle L.

Thanks for calling. I appreciate the concern.

Mary Anne P.

It’s great to know someone has my back. I am grateful for the call.

Lester G.

I like hearing from you. I’m grateful for the service and phone calls.

Mary T.

I am thankful for my meals. I really like my driver, DeAndre. He was so prepared with gloves and a mask.

Mary Jane H.

My friends introduced me to YWCA Senior Center. I felt very much at home at the center. Everyone was so helpful and enjoyable I decided to continue going to the center. I have been coming to the YWCA for 20 years.  We have many activities, such as cards, puzzles, games, bingo, talking, of course, with all our friends, and presentations on health and safety issues. This keeps me active and gives me a reason to get out of bed. I will continue to come to the YWCA until I am not able to drive.

Ida Z.

When I moved here all was new to me so I just stayed home. My son told me that there is a YWCA Senior Center right next door. I decided I would stop by and see what YWCA was about.  I was greeted so warmly, all the seniors make me feel so welcome. I decided to keep coming back, YWCA keeps me up to date with all the different presentations that it offers.

Joan B.

As a young mother I joined Y-Women –a national YW program that impacted my life for the rest of my life! Now as a retired grandmother of six, I volunteer at the West Valley Senior Center to help seniors help themselves. I personally must live up to my mantra to the seniors – Get up, get dressed and get out!  As a volunteer, I definitely learned the value of socialization, my nutrition has improved, and it has really helped my mental health to remain active and helpful. I look forward to going every day and helping with whatever I can.

Mary L.

Three years ago, a chance visit to the YWCA Senior Center opened a new world for me. With no family or close friends in Arizona, I felt isolated and depressed. What struck me upon my arrival was the warm welcome I received and the joie de vivre I was missing. I felt this was a lifeline I needed.

Bailey A.

I was able to get assistance to make a payment plan with my creditor that fits my budget.

Edilma C.

I successfully budgeted and saved money thanks to the Own It! Program!

Kelly W.

I was hit with sudden medical bills from an accident. Because I was able to create an emergency fund, this accident didn’t cause me to go into debt.

Tina O.

After applying what I learned from the Own It Budgeting class, I was able to increase my savings from $25 to $1,500!

Diane H.

I have been able to reduce my credit card debt and increase my savings after participating in the Own It! financial course. Keeping my financial stability is now become a goal of mine!

Get Involved

Your voice matters as we stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Whether you have time, talents, or treasures to contribute, learn how you can plug in to the YWCA community.

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