OUR VISION
We envision a future with healthy and resilient families and communities that are transformed by racial and gender equity, where everyone has access to opportunities and justice and live full and thriving lives. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey and to pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
YWCA San Gabriel Valley (YWCA-SGV) is a social change and multi-service organization in the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County. The organization is rooted in systemic change, social innovation and collective impact, which requires a continuum of responses to the challenges of racism, sexism, gender-based violence, discrimination, and underinvested communities. Our agency is dedicated to advancing racial equity and standing up for social and restorative justice. Our multifaceted program includes the following actions in order to empower our community.
MEET OUR CO-CHAIRS
Our RSJ co-chairs play a pivotal role in advancing Racial and Social Justice. This includes conducting internal staff training, collaborating with agencies, and organizing community events to further our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and our communities.
To cultivate our agency’s mission and vision, CEO Debra Ward formed the Racial and Social Justice Taskforce in 2020. This task force has been charged with racial and social justice work both internally for the agency and externally for the San Gabriel Valley. YWCA-SGV staff operate the task force, utilizing co-chair positions and several more taskforce member positions.
RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (RSJ) TASKFORCE
YWCA-SGV’s RSJ Taskforce actively strives to break down systemic obstacles, advocate for social justice, and encourage dialogue that drives meaningful transformation in the communities impacted by discrimination & social inequities.
ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our organization actively collaborates with community leaders, policymakers, advocates, and organizations to foster community engagement and drive policy reforms that tackle social inequities at the local, regional, and national levels.
SGV AAIMM COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM
As the backbone agency for the San Gabriel Valley African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative (SGV AAIMM), we promote strategies and interventions to address the high rates of Black infant & maternal deaths in the SGV.
INTERSECTIONALITY AND INCLUSIVITY
Our agency recognizes the intersectionality of various forms of discrimination and oppression to ensure that efforts to achieve racial and social justice are inclusive and accessible to all San Gabriel Valley residents and beyond.
YWCA IS ON A MISSION
As we continue our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, YWCA San Gabriel Valley acknowledges the immeasurable harm inflicted on Indigenous peoples. YWCA-SGV operates on Tongva land, and we both honor their history and diversity of cultures and traditions. Unfortunately and undeniably, the American genocide of Native Americans established a foundation of the culture of White Supremacy in America – which continues to do harm in our world today. Our agency’s mission to eliminate racism must include awareness of the historical name of systemic oppression against individuals and communities of non-legislative action.
To cultivate our agency’s mission and vision, CEO Debra Ward formed the Racial and Social Justice Taskforce in 2020. This task force has been charged with racial and social justice work both internally for the agency and externally for the San Gabriel Valley. YWCA-SGV staff operate the task force, utilizing co-chair positions and several more taskforce member positions.
Promote an organizational culture aligned with our mission that includes internal staff training, coaching and an active employee-led Racial & Social Justice (RSJ) Task Force.
Launch a public awareness campaign about racial equity and social justice and position racism as a public health issue.
Promote an anti-racist agenda through publishing articles and hosting educational forums, conversations, and advocacy efforts.
Understand, document, and respond to social injustices affecting the health and well-being of prioritized groups.
Create and implement a series of workshops to teach businesses and organizations to identify and rectify inequities that are rooted in outdated, unexamined policies.
RSJ GLOSSARY
Language is a critical element in any process of social change. When a person can name it, the chances of being able to formally address whatever “it” is – are much higher. Use this Racial and Social Justice Glossary to learn concepts and context so you can join our agency in eliminating racism and foster an environment of inclusivity and equity.
TAKE THE PLEDGE:
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all people are created equal and born with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, regarding who they love, how they identify, where they come from, or the color of their skin. But too often, this truth is forgotten. All too often, those rights are ignored.
As many stand in silence, and all too many suffer alone. That’s why we pledge to come together and commit to act for the greater good until the home of the brave is brave enough to change. Until “by the people” and “for the people” mean doing right by all people.
