Racial & Social Justice Learning Community

인종적, 사회적 정의를 육성하기 위해 노력하는 지역사회 구성원들이 의도적으로 만든 공간입니다.

에 대한

This dedicated space allows 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, this community can learn what to do with our awareness and how to step into action.

What Our Members Are Saying

YWCA is Here for You

Many of YWCA Spokane’s supportive services are available in person. In some cases, services are also available remotely, via phone, video chat, or email.

Get Help Now

If you or someone you know is impacted by intimate partner domestic violence, know that confidential advocates are always available through our 24hr helpline services.

Hours of Operation

Main Office:

  • Mon: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tue: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wed: 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thu: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Fri: 8:00am – 3:00pm

Location

930 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201

Front Desk: 509-326-1190

Joining the Learning Community

The Commitment

We ask new members of the RSJ Learning Community to serve a one-year term. The full RSJ Learning Community meets monthly to discuss and address annual goals.

In addition, subcommittees meet as needed to achieve specific objectives in relation to racial and social justice events, campaigns, activities, and objectives.

General Meetings

The generative discussions during monthly meetings allow for:

  • Calls to action (CTAs) & campaigns
  • Community-building space
  • Discussions related to YWCA Spokane’s work and mission
  • Volunteer/service-based opportunities
  • Workshops & webinars
  • And much more!

Enrollment

A limited enrollment window allows our community of dedicated volunteers and staff members the ability to maintain a cohesive group with clear objectives throughout the year.

Enrollment is now open and the interest form is below. Contact equity@ywcaspokane.org for questions.

Interest Form


Additional Information

2024 - 2025 Members

We are grateful to the members that dedicate their energy and time to this work.

Co-Facilitator: Tamika LaMere, Jazmin Duran

Members: Alondra Herrera, Brit Wilson, Caroline Mark, Chandler Dean, Chloe Bolz, Claire Schueman, Dana Morris Lee, Erica Schreiber, Jeanette Hauck, Jemma Riedel-Johnson, Jessie Cook, Karla Trejo-Bernal, Lauren Moffat, Liz Backstrom, M.E. Martin, Dr. Claudine Richardson, Devyn Bell, Dr. Deborah Svoboda, Edward Renouard, Jessica Pakootas, Jenn Nagata, Sami Sanchez, Steve Lloyd, Wendy Schatz, Roupé, Sally Winn, Teresa Dixon, Elisse Collins, Jennifer Love, Inga Laurent, Rowena Pineda, Heather Schmitt, Rachel Dannen, Aashika Dahal, LaKeisha Davis, Naomi Abella

Facilitators

Tamika LaMere

Tamika, a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, has dedicated her career to advocating for Native American/Alaskan Native communities, particularly within education. With a background in Social Work and Educational Leadership and an MSW from Eastern Washington University, she has worked with Spokane Public Schools since 2016, serving as an Intervention Specialist, Native Education Coordinator, and now Director of Native Education. Tamika focuses on strategic planning, professional development, and systems change to enhance representation and visibility of Native communities. Her work is grounded in building trust, fostering authentic relationships, and amplifying community voices. Outside of her SPS role, she serves on several boards and committees, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Better Health Together, and the YWCA, and chairs the Tribal Partners Collaborative. Tamika also leads initiatives like the Native Educator Cultivation Program and the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee, and is a commissioner on the Washington State Tribal Advisory Committee on Indian Boarding Schools. She is committed to creating opportunities that nurture the educational success and well-being of Indigenous youth.

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, both from Eastern Washington University. 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 for those in need of support.

YWCA USA Advocacy

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

We’ve been at the forefront of the biggest issues of the day for 165 years, working to improve the lives of women, girls, and communities of color through three Areas of Focus:

Learn More

Additional Involvement

If you are passionate about supporting YWCA Spokane's racial and social justice work but missed the enrollment window, we encourage you to volunteer and support the work and mission in other ways. Please direct any questions to our team at equity@ywcaspokane.org.

Want to be part of system change? Consider exploring our advocacy suggestions here. Formerly an RSJ subcommittee, our legislative advocacy work has become a new, board-led committee that identifies issues and develops policies and procedures to facilitate social change. Interested? Please email Liz Backstrom at lizb@ywcaspokane.org.

Blog

3월 11, 2025 3월 15 @ 11:21 오후

Meet Emily – Women’s History Month 2025

Emily Hutchens started with YWCA Spokane in March of 2006! Her current role is Shelter Services Specialist, where she provides crucial support to staff and clients at our Safe Shelter.

3월 6, 2025 3월 15 @ 11:21 오후

YWCA Staff Selected to Join UN’s Commission on the Status of Women

YWCA Spokane’s staff member has been selected to be a YWCA USA delegate at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

3월 4, 2025 3월 15 @ 11:21 오후

Supporting Youth Recap: Pathways Forward

On February 27, as part of our Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) campaign, we held another Pathways Forward discussion to educate our community on the impact of teen dating violence and the unique needs of youth survivors. This conversation was…

Events

3월 12, 2025 4월 16 @ 1:15 오후 - 2:45 오후

The Thread – A Writing Workshop Series

Women survivors of domestic violence are invited to attend a writing workshop series happening once a month on a Wednesday from April through October in the Women’s Opportunity Center.

1월 14, 2025 4월 17 @ 5:00 오후 - 7:00 오후

Equity For All 2025

Join YWCA Spokane’s annual Equity for All event on April 17, 2025, from 5pm – 7pm at Hamilton Studios for a courageous conversation about the impact of restorative practices in our community. Learn with community leaders and enjoy performances by local artists.

3월 4, 2025 5월 1 @ 9:00 오전 - 1:00 오후

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Hope Stones Jewelry

Each May, we hold a special Hope Stones Mother’s Day jewelry sale in the lobby of YWCA Spokane to benefit our safe shelter services for survivors of intimate partner violence. 100% of proceeds benefit survivors at our Safe Shelter.