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YWCA Spokane's Learning Community is a dedicated space that allows, through a cohort model, for awareness of subconscious thoughts and attitudes that affect our perceptions about people, systemic issues, the decisions we make, and our impact on our community. Together, we learn, unlearn, and explore what to do with our awareness and how to take action.
What Our Members Are Saying
Joining the Learning Community
Getting Started
Your first step in joining the Racial & Social Justice (RSJ) Learning Community is to meet with our RSJ Specialist.
This initial meeting serves as an orientation and is designed to help you become familiar with the group, the goals of the program, and the overall structure of your learning journey.
You’ll also learn how this space is designed to support open dialogue, personal development, and collective learning around racial and social justice issues.
Whether you're brand new to these topics or have prior experience, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Fill out the registration form or email our Racial & Social Justice Specialist, Jazmin, at jazmind@ywcaspokane.org to set up your introductory meeting.
General Meetings
You will be provided with opportunities to attend group meetings twice a month over the course of a year.
These sessions will take place in a mix of virtual and in-person sessions to support flexibility and access. While attendance at every meeting is not required, regular participation is encouraged to build community and deepen your learning.
Each meeting provides a safe and inclusive space to engage in thoughtful conversations. We collectively work to better understand systems of oppression, challenge assumptions, and grow both individually and as a community. This is a space for learning, unlearning, and meaningful connection.
Your Impact
Our work in the Learning Community is guided by a three-pronged approach:
- Normalizing conversations around racial and social justice issues,
- Applying what we learn through action and reflection, and
- Sharing resources that extend learning beyond our meetings.
By participating, you're helping to create a culture where these critical conversations are not only welcomed but expected. This work isn't just about awareness, it's about taking what we discuss and finding ways to incorporate it into our daily lives, communities, and workplaces.
Interest Form
Additional Information
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
We believe that by working together, we can create a community where everyone can have a safe and stable place to live, are economically self-sufficient, all children and youth develop the skills they need to succeed in life. We believe in a community where all people live with dignity, free from violence, racism, and discrimination.
We advocate for practical solutions that advance our intersectional mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
We call on local, state, and national legislators and people in positions of power to act on the following priorities:
- Racial and Social Justice
- Economic Security and healthcare
- Safety from Gender Based Violence
- Voting Rights and Access.
Use your voice by contacting your legislator.
- Find Your Legislator
Here are sample message templates you can use or adjust as desired to help encourage support.
- Read and share about Voting in WA
Throughout the year, key topics are addressed through a 4-step process that occur over the following 2 month cycle:
- Discussion - We begin by sharing insights from the resources distributed to the group about the topic.
- Perspective - A guest speaker joins us to offer their unique perspective on the topic.
- Integration - We engage in a somatic activity to embody and internalize what we’ve learned.
- Application - We then explore how to apply what we have learned in our daily lives and outside of this group.
We offer a blend of virtual and in-person gatherings, providing flexibility and meaningful opportunities for connection.
This group is grounded in a restorative framework, prioritizing reflection, healing, and sustainable growth.
Why are we doing this?
Because intentional spaces matter. We're creating a place where people can learn and unlearn with grace, where growth is supported, and transformation is possible.
We are grateful to the members that have committed to dedicate their energy and time to this work during 2025.
Co-Facilitator: Tamika LaMere, Jazmin Duran
Members: Brit Wilson, Caroline Mark, Chandler Dean, Chloe Bolz, Claire Schueman, Erica Schreiber, Jeanette Hauck, Jemma Riedel-Johnson, Karla Trejo-Bernal, Liz Backstrom, M.E. Martin, Dr. Claudine Richardson, Devyn Bell, Dr. Deborah Svoboda, Edward Renouard, Steve Lloyd, Roupé, Sally Winn, Teresa Dixon, Elisse Collins, Jennifer Love, Inga Laurent, Rowena Pineda, Heather Schmitt, Rachel Dannen, Aashika Dahal, LaKeisha Davis, Naomi Abella
Jazmin Duran
Jazmin has spent four years working in behavioral health, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, where she provided direct services to youth with autism diagnoses. Her work is rooted in a deep passion for supporting individuals and she is committed to creating meaningful, positive change in their lives. Alongside her professional dedication to behavioral health, Jazmin is also passionate about women’s advocacy, striving to empower and uplift women in her community. Jazmin holds a BA in Spanish and a BA in Psychology. She enjoys connecting with local organizations and individuals, collaborating with them to ensure that resources are shared to the Spokane community. Jazmin’s commitment to both advocacy and service drives her work, as she continues to be a compassionate and proactive advocate while creating community.