YWCA Bethlehem works locally to promote the bold mission we share with YWCA USA to eliminate racism and empower women. Our local association participates in USA’s annual Stand Against Racism each April and the Week Without Violence Campaign each October. The YWCA Bethlehem Empowerment & Justice works to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and in the broader Lehigh Valley community.

Stand Against Racism Challenge

REGISTER FOR THE STAND AGAINST RACISM CHALLENGE

We invite you to take the Stand Against Racism Pledge anytime, to commit, or recommit, to antiracism and personal growth.  The pledge has been adapted by YWCA USA from the Pledge to Eliminate Racism in My Life, YWCA Bergen County which is an adaptation of the Pledge to Heal Racism in My Life, Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace, April 10, 2006.

Stand Against Racism Pledge

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities.  I am taking a stand against racism with YWCA. By taking the Pledge, I commit to “do the work” to make the Lehigh Valley a more safe, just, and equitable place for all.

Mindful of the continuing affliction of institutional and structural racism as well as the daily realities of all forms of bias, prejudice and bigotry in my own life, my family, my circle of friends, my co-workers and the society in which I live, with conviction and hope:

• I take this pledge, fully aware that the struggle to eliminate racism will not end with a mere pledge but calls for an ongoing transformation within myself and the institutions and structures of our society;
• I pledge to look deeply and continuously in my heart and in my mind to identify all signs and vestiges of racism; to rebuke the use of racist language and behavior towards others; to root out such racism in my daily life and in my encounters with persons I know and with strangers I do not know; and to expand my consciousness to be more aware and sensitive to my use of overt and subtle expressions of racism and racial stereotypes;
• I pledge to educate myself on racial justice issues and share what I learn in my own communities even if it means challenging my family, my partner, my children, my friends, my co-workers and those I encounter on a daily basis;
• I pledge, within my means, to actively work to support public policy solutions that prominently, openly and enthusiastically promote racial equity in all aspects of human affairs; and to actively support and devote my time to YWCA, as well as other organizations working to eradicate racism from our society.

Week Without Violence: Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence

YWCA Bethlehem proudly partners with YWCA USA to advocate for the end of gender-based violence in the United States during the Week Without Violence Campaign each October. In 2021, local YWCA friends participated virtually in Week Without Violence activities hosted by YWCA USA. The Bethlehem and Allentown branches also shared a video message about the Week Without Violence Campaign at Turning Point’s Annual Domestic Violence Vigil.

Empowerment & Justice Committee

YWCA Bethlehem’s Empowerment and Justice Committee promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within the YWCA and in the broader Lehigh Valley community. The committee supports programming initiatives, social media campaigns, and community events that highlight our antiracism work and the work of partners who share our vision of a just and equitable world.  The Committee’s work helps to bridge our empowerment programs with our racial justice mission.

EMAIL US if you are interested in joining the Empowerment and Justice Committee