2017 YWCA USA National Conference

This June YWCA agencies from around the nation gathered together in Washington D.C. at the 2017 YWCA USA National Conference.

Bold Mission, Bright Future

The theme of the 2017 conference was Bold Mission, Bright Future. Appropriately named, the conference served as a road map to guide participants towards a deeper sense of YWCA’s bold mission and what it will take to gear up for a bright future. The gathering of over 200 local YWCA agencies and allies demonstrated the strength, courage, and vision of the YWCA network and the critical work each agency does in our respective communities.

Interim Chief Executive Office, Casey Harden, provided a beautiful opening remarks to set the stage for an empowered 4 days. View a video of Harden’s speech here.  The conference provided a unique opportunity to gather together, inspire each other with our victories, learn and strategize around our challenges, and nurture the YWCA movement.

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Conference Highlights

Capitol Hill Day

Thursday, June 15th served as YWCA’s Capitol Hill Day. Local agencies from around the nation spoke with their respective representatives and legislators about the critical impact the proposed federal budget has on the women and children served in our local communities. YWCA Spokane gathered together with our fellow Washington State partnering agencies to create a powerful collective impact while speaking on the behalf of those we serve.

View the video announcing our Capitol Hill Day briefing.

Capitol Hill Day 2017 – YWCA Spokane Fact Sheet

YWCA’s Generational Imperative

During the conference YWCA USA launched their second installment in their Persimmon Paper series. This comprehensive paper documents YWCA’s commitment to young women and their critical contributions to our movement throughout history and moving forward. Further, it explores the importance of women’s leadership development, the challenges experienced with generational differences, and best practices for building an inter-generational movement.

“We Can Not All Do Well, Unless We All Do Well” – Symone Sanders

Conference Keynote Speaker and Political and Communications Strategies, Symone Sanders, had a room of over 200 agencies completely engaged and inspired as she provide critical racial and social justice perspectives and inter-sectional strategies to consider to ensure a future of inclusion and bold, radical, revolutionary change.

View a video of Sander’s keynote speech here. 

YWCA USA Racial Justice Training Manual

In response to a collective Mission Impact Framework created from local agency feedback, YWCA USA created a Racial Justice Training Manual as a resource for both internal and external racial justice training and development. The training manual is a robust tool and resource that can aid in developing a local strategy for accomplishing signature outcomes. The manual provides foundational steps to increase overall capacity by providing historical context, concepts, guidance, toolkits, and other resources.

If you would like to learn more about the Racial Justice Training Manual consider joining our local Racial and Social Justice Committee. To learn more email connect@ywcaspokane.org.

Print and Share YWCA USA Racial Justice Training Manual.

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Women of Distinction Awards Gala

YWCA USA’s Women of Distinction Awards Gala is held each year during the annual conference. The gala celebrates and honors women leaders and corporate partnerships who have made a tremendous impact on the lives of women and girls. Those honored are change makers and contribute significantly to the YWCA’s efforts to achieve racial justice and women’s empowerment.

Melissa Harris-Perry, Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University and Executive Director of the Pro Humanitate Institute, served as the host for the gala and did any amazing job walking attendees through an inspiration evening of deeply found appreciation for the hard work and unwavering dedication provided by sincerely outstanding women and allies.