Center for Race & Gender Equity

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s primary advocacy initiative, the Center for Race & Gender Equity, provides training, organizes events, engages in advocacy, and builds community around the vision of a world in which all women and girls, especially women and girls of color, have equitable access to personal and professional opportunities, free from racial injustice.

This training experience was very inspirational, relatable and informative. I identified with a lot of the issues talked about and for that I am very grateful that the conversation about racism is becoming less awkward.

Advocacy

The Center for Race and Gender Equity serves the Pittsburgh community by providing resources related to the issues of Racial Justice, Inclusion, and Equity. We encourage individuals to become advocates by participating in YW sponsored events and using our resources to broaden their knowledge of diversity issues.

YWCA focuses our advocacy work on these public policy areas:

• Racial Justice, Inclusion & Equity
• Health & Safety
• Economic Empowerment & Education

Find out more about YWCA policy issues and contact you legislator by following the link below.

Contact Your Legislator

Campaigns

Our Center for Race and Gender Equity leads engagement campaigns such as the 2020 census campaign, YWomen Count, and the 2020 voter engagement campaign, YWomen Vote. Please check our Home Page frequently for updates on new and existing campaigns.

Events

The Center for Race and Gender Equity hosts two YWCA USA trademark events, the annual STAND Against Racism and Week Without Violence.

We are also excited to present the First Annual YWCA Equity Awards Dinner this November, celebrating individuals and communities working towards a more just and equitable world.

Naturalization Ceremonies

YWCA hosts and participates in two annual naturalization ceremonies for incoming American citizens in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security/USCIS, coinciding with the celebration and Black History Month and of LGBTQIA Pride Month.

Training

The Center for Race & Gender Equity provides equity and diversity training in a range of topics to corporations, nonprofits, schools, community groups, and more. We develop and deliver educational workshops and programs for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Voter Empowerment and Registration

YWCA is committed to educating eligible voters about registering to vote, protecting voting rights, and accessing accurate voter information. Activities include National Voter Registration Day advocacy, providing assistance updating and applying for voter registration, and explaining dates and requirements related to upcoming elections.

Act Now

At YWCA, we do the work of justice everyday. Take Action on critical policy issues.

Stand Against Racism

We take a Stand Against Racism to raise awareness of structural racism and build community.

Week Without Violence

Week Without Violence is part of a YWCA National movement to end violence against women and girls.