The 2024 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge begins on April 1, 2024

The YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is the action component of the Until Justice Just Is campaign, which runs throughout April to raise awareness of systemic racism and how each of us can take action to advance justice.

The YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. The Challenge works to foster personal reflection, encourage social responsibility, and motivate participants to identify and act on ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

For four weeks, daily challenge activities (reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience, etc.) are posted in the Challenge app and website, allowing participants to connect with one another, discover how racial and social injustice impact our communities, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. Each week covers a different topic related to equity and social justice, including bodily autonomy, financial empowerment, gun violence, and transportation. Daily activities are not posted on the weekends. For additional information on becoming a Racial Justice Challenge Partner, please contact Becca Cotto, Director of Racial and Social Justice, at rcotto@ywcade.org.

Let's Talk Reproductive Justice



Join us for an engaging conversation about the meaning and significance of Reproductive Justice on Monday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. Learn about its origins, relevance today and why it's more crucial than ever.

Reproductive Justice encompasses the fundamental human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, make choices about having children or not having children, and raising children in safe and sustainable communities. Coined in 1994 by the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice, this term emerged from the recognition that traditional women's rights movements often failed to address the unique needs of women of color, marginalized women, and trans* individuals.

Our discussion will explore various issues, from the importance of doula services to the complexities of IVF. By unpacking these topics, we aim to foster understanding and advocacy for inclusive reproductive rights that honor the diverse experiences and needs of all individuals, regardless of race, class, gender identity, or background.

We hope you will join this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the pursuit of Reproductive Justice for all.

YWCA Delaware's YElevate Pitch Finalists to Be Announced March 25

We're sending a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible small business owners who have submitted applications (now under review) for our YElevate Small Business Pitch Competition. Your passion, creativity, and hard work are truly inspiring. Thanks to the generous support of the TJX Foundation, Inc. and our partnership with YWCA USA, we're thrilled to have the opportunity to uplift and celebrate small businesses in Delaware.

Mark your calendars because on March 25, we'll be announcing our finalists and you won't want to miss YElevate on Thursday, April 25, from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the Community Service Building, 100 West 10th Street in Wilmington. It's going to be an evening filled with excitement as our top finalists pitch their businesses to our esteemed judges:

• Renata Beata Kowalczyk, CEO of Wilmington Alliance
• Sara Crawford, Experience Architect at Sara A. Crawford LLC
• Jose Henao, Sr. AvP Branch Manager, PNC Bank and Small Business Specialist

Schedule a Visit to YWCA Delaware

Are you curious about what drives the impactful work we do at YWCA Delaware? Are you interested in learning more about how you can make a difference in our community? Join us for a special YWCA Delaware Mission Tour. Get an insider's perspective on our programs, services and the incredible impact we're making every day.

Upcoming Mission Tours:

• Virtual: Tuesday, April 16, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
• In-Person, 709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE - Thursday, April 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Virtual: Wednesday, May 9, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
• In-Person, 709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE - Thursday, May 16, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time that calls attention to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in every community. SAAM aims to raise public awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and assault and educate communities about how to respond to acts of violence.

This year's SAAM campaign theme, Building Connected Communities, calls on each of us to work together to respond to sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. We believe when anyone experiences sexual violence, every community member is affected. We must strive to build more connected, respectful, and inclusive communities to promote our collective well-being and protect against the risk of sexual violence. We believe all our communities will be safer and stronger by making them more equitable for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, races and ethnic backgrounds, ages, faiths, and abilities.

In honor of SAAM, our Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) is offering free Yoga for Survivors from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at 15 Reads Way, Suite 200, New Castle, DE and on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 20123 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE until April 24.

We're also hosting a SARC Open House and celebration with the Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence on Teal Tuesday, April 30 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our Sexual Assault Response Center located at 15 Reads Way, Suite 200, New Castle, DE, welcoming anyone interested in becoming a Sexual Assault Response Advocate.

To learn more about how you can join us in creating strong, connected communities that take care of one another and make decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of others to end sexual violence, visit www.ywcade.org/sarc or call our 24/7 helpline at 800-773-8570.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Small Business Pitch Competition Support: Are you a pro at pitching or skilled in accounting? We're seeking volunteers to serve as a small business pitch trainer and accounting facilitator for our YElevate Small Business Pitch Competition contestants. Your expertise could make all the difference!

Juneteenth Journey to Freedom Walk and Celebration: Join us on Saturday, June 22nd, as we commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate freedom together. We're calling on enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a memorable one!

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact, we want YOU on our team! Sign up now to be part of these incredible opportunities.