" WE MUST OPEN THE DOORS
AND WE MUST SEE TO IT THEY REMAIN OPEN,
SO THAT OTHERS CAN PASS THROUGH ."
~ Rosemary Brown
Graphic | Courtesy of BlackLivesMatter.com
YWCA TORONTO STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE
As an organization committed to gender equality and racial justice, we denounce the persistent and systemic anti-Black racism that undermines the safety and well-being of Black communities in the United States and Canada. We stand in solidarity with Black communities seeking justice. 
 
Read our full statement on racial justice   here.  
 
ADVOCACY CORNER
Gun violence in Toronto has risen compared to last year, despite physical and social distancing measures. In collaboration with community partners, we have led the creation of an open letter to Mayor Tory and City Council urging action on gun violence and enhanced investment in social programs, connecting these issues with larger systemic inequities and anti-Black racism.


PROGRAM UPDATE
Over the last 13 weeks of child care closure, we have made some upgrades and continued offering support to parents. We built and installed a new wash and change area for toddlers, had the entire early learning centre painted, and had an extreme clean team on site. Our team successfully reached out to families and have maintained contact offering support and resources using video communication tools to build on their relationships. Staff will spend the coming weeks re-organizing classrooms, removing items that cannot be easily cleaned, and creating play packages for each child so fewer items are shared. Staff and participant safety remain our primary concern. We will need ongoing financial support for new staff positions, additional cleaning and PPE supplies, and so forth. 

PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHT
YWCA Toronto extends its deep gratitude to our 2020 Women of Distinction Gala sponsors. Although our gala has been cancelled, our loyal sponsors generously agreed to treat this year’s sponsorship as a donation. Our Women of Distinction event raises crucial funds for more than 30 YWCA Toronto programs – which are needed more than ever given COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on women. We still need over $400,000 to reach what the event would have normally raised. Please show your compassion for the city’s most vulnerable women, girls and gender-diverse members by  donating today.  

Photo | Jason Hangrove/Flickr
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Are you or someone you know looking to learn more about the realities of racial injustice in Canada?

Check out Dr. Pam Palmater’s  article  in Canadian Dimension on Canada’s racism crisis and the deadly impact it has on Black and Indigenous communities. Dr. Palmater is a YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction alumna. 

Illustration | Ella Mazur
An Intersectional Approach to COVID-19 She-Covery
 
There can be no economic or social recovery from COVID-19 without a she-covery! Learn more about the intersectional impacts of COVID-19 and YWCA Toronto's recommendations for a recovery plan centred on the needs of women, girls and gender-diverse communities.
 
Read our analysis here.

Edgy
Design | #MoreColorMorePride
PRIDE CELEBRATION

Pride celebrations began to commemorate a community response to violent police raids that took place at the Stonewall Inn. Many Black and brown trans women and drag queens were leaders in this fight against oppression and discrimination. Today, we see our Black and Indigenous community members continue to lead the fight for justice. Pride is about loudly saying no to violent oppression and yes to freedom. Thank you to all of our LGBTQI2S residents, clients, community members, staff, board, and donors for all of your work and support. We wish you a very happy Pride! 
   
Art | Nahanni Shingoose and Nshannacappo
INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH
 
During Indigenous History Month, we take time to reflect on the ways settlers can show solidarity, respect, and accountability to Indigenous Peoples. We give thanks for the land on which our programs and services offer support to residents of Toronto. We also urge all levels of government to immediately enact the recommendations delivered by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2-Spirit People.
 
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 YWCA Toronto operates in communities that stand on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to share peacefully and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the home to many Indigenous people and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for all residents.