Stand Against Racism 2017

Stand Against Racism is a Signature Campaign of YWCA USA. YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. Over 250,000 people across the country take a Stand Against Racism each year. Learn more about YWCA USA’s nationwide 2017 Stand Against Racism efforts.

STAND AGAINST RACISM: SPOKANE

YWCA Spokane contributes to this critical movement by hosting a public event every April that engages in open and honest dialogue to confront stereotypes and bias as a community. Each courageous conversation provides an opportunity to broaden perspectives, learn new tools, and connect with a diverse community of citizens passionate about eliminating racism in our community.

YWCA’s 2017 Stand Against Racism keynote speaker, Erin Jones, will presents this year’s courageous conversation, “Building Bridges, Not Walls, In Times Of Conflict”. The free, public gathering will be held at YWCA Spokane, 930 N Monroe Street, Spokane, in the Comstock room which is connected directly to the atrium. Parking will be available on both the north and south side parking lots. Additional pay-for parking is also available in near by lots.

This event will begin directly at 11:30am on Friday April 28th, and will end promptly at 1:30pm to ensure we respect your time and schedule. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. This is a kid friendly event. All are welcome and encouraged to join us.

We reached maximum capacity for this year’s stand!. Thank you sincerely for the incredible support and interest in racial and social justice issues. Direct questions to 509-789-9305 or email connect@ywcaspokane.org. 

Stand Against Racism 2017 Photo Gallery

About Keynote Speaker: Erin Jones

Erin Jones has been working in and around schools for the past 25 years. She has taught in a variety of environments, from predominantly African American to predominantly White to some of the most diverse communities in the nation. Erin received an award as the Most Innovative Foreign Language Teacher in 2007, while teaching French Immersion at Stewart Middle School in Tacoma, and was the Washington State Milken Educator of the Year in 2008, while teaching at Rogers High School in Spokane.

She served under two state superintendents – half a year year as a Director for Dr. Terry Bergeson and 3 years as Assistant Superintendent on the executive leadership team for Superintendent Randy Dorn. She received recognition at the White House in March of 2013 as a “Champion of Change.” In 2015 Erin earned recognition as PTA Educator of the Year for her testimony in the McCleary education funding case.

Erin left her role as the Director of a large college-access program in Tacoma School District to pursue her campaign for Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction full-time. Erin was the first African-American woman to run for executive office in the state of Washington and lost by a mere 1%. Since she ended her campaign for office, she has spoken to over 20,000 students. Erin has two children in college, one who works full-time for Xerox, and a husband, James, who is a high school teacher in Lacey.

STAND AGAINST RACISM 2017 FLYER

YWCA’s National Stand Against Racism Pledge

As a part of YWCA National’s annual campaign, an opportunity is provided to take a pledge to stand united in our efforts to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. Please consider joining YWCA and hundreds of thousands of people across the country who will engage with us this week during YWCA’s annual Stand Against Racism – and every day.

STAND AGAINST RACISM PLEDGE

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.

YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. I join YWCA in taking a stand against racism today and every day.

Sign The Pledge