What is the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge?
Once again, we'll lead up to the 19th Annual Race Against Racism with our 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, starting April 3!
Click here to register!
The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.
You will be presented with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, watching a video, reflecting on personal experience and more.
Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.
This is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. We hope you will join us on this journey and we can’t wait to get started!
What inspired the YWCA's 21-Day challenge?
This challenge was originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving and has been adapted by many organizations across the country. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.
A special thank you to YWCA Greater Cleveland for providing the blueprint for the Challenge, and to the other YWCA’s who have participated in this Challenge and offered their inspiration. The 21-Day Challenge was originally adapted by Food Solutions New England.
Create a team and access our Group Tool Kit!
The YWCA believes in an inclusive environment. Engaging others in a common goal adds to the good of our society.
We think the Challenge is one of the most powerful interventions an organization can do to build community and create an inclusive culture.
The Challenge can lead to transformative results, including:
- Building new, positive habits that can change ourselves, our teams, our organizations and our communities.
- Taking small actions alongside one another to create momentum and a sense of teamwork.
- Creating a profound, elevating experience to increase the likelihood that participants will take action.
- Participating in meaningful conversations about racism and social justice.
How can my organization get involved?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Host a launch event to generate excitement and introduce participants to the
benefits and goals of the Challenge.
• Encourage participants to use the reflection log provided in the program, and
teams can meet weekly to discuss and reflect on the Challenge together.
Questions to explore could include:
– How did the activities make you feel?
– What actions have you taken based on the activities?
– What actions would you like to take?
– What further resources (reading, research, tools, and/or strategies) do you need
to take action?
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Freedom Sponsors
Capital Blue Cross
Giant Food Stores
Dignity Sponsors
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
Justice Sponsors
Ralph E. Jones
Peace Sponsors
PerformCare
• Use our conversation guidelines as a way to help people feel safe when
discussing their personal experiences:
– What you share within the context of the group is confidential, honored
and respected.
– Use “I” statements; no one speaks for another or for an entire group of people.
– Avoid critiquing others’ experiences; focus on your own experiences.
– Be honest and willing to share.
– Listen with curiosity and the willingness to learn and change. Resist the desire to interrupt.
– Be brief and share time equally.
– Suspend judgment. Be open to the kernel of truth in each person’s story.
Race Against Racism 2023
We’re going virtual again this year for the 19th Annual Race Against Racism from April 3 - April 29. The race supports the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The funds we raise are crucial to sustaining our racial justice programs throughout the year ahead.
What is a virtual race? A virtual race is not something new and has been successfully executed for numerous walks, 5K and 10K races, as well as half marathons. Our runners will participate in the Race Against Racism Virtual Race by running or walking a distance of 5K or 3.1 miles. Though this can be done any time between April 3 and April 29, we encourage runners to participate in the race on the 29th so that even though we won't be together, we'll be united!
This can be done wherever they are—on a treadmill, on a rails to trails path, around a track, or even the race course!
Then, participants will connect their experiences and offer encouragement to others by posting on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and tagging us and utilizing the hashtags #RARHBG #VirtualRace. In addition, the Kids Fun Run - 100 yard dash for children 12 and under will take place virtually too.
How can I sign up?
COST
- $30 for individuals
- $20 for teams – use code TEAM
Registration includes access to the 21 Day Challenge content, race participation, T-shirt, and a certificate of completion. Registration must be completed by March 17 to guarantee a T-shirt.
Questions?
Read through our FAQ! If you have a question that hasn't been answered, email Caitlin Nelson at cnelson@ywcahbg.org or by calling 717-234-7931 ext. 3096.
Become a sponsor
Does your organization share our commitment to eliminating racism and want to get in on the challenge? There are sponsorship opportunities available!
24-Hour Hotline:
1-800-654-1211