100+ Local Organizations Participate in Stand Against Racism Campaign
Companies, universities, nonprofits, hospitals, places of worship, real estate properties and more join in YW Boston campaign to advance racial equity
BOSTON – April 24, 2017 – 119 organizations across the Greater Boston area are taking part in YW Boston’s 2017 Stand Against Racism campaign to raise awareness and facilitate action toward eliminating racism. Today through Sunday, April 30, these organizations will host and display pledge boards for individuals to write what they will do to advance racial equity.
[CAPTION: Image of a pledge board]
A sampling of participating organizations by sector include –
Nonprofit Organizations – Anti-Defamation League, ArtsEmerson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, Brookline Interactive Group, Citizen Schools, Community Catalyst, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Lesly University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Old South Church, South Shore Mental Health, The NonProfit Center, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Women’s Lunch Place
For-Profit Companies – Boston Properties, Digitas Lbi, FSG Inc., Holland & Knight LLP, Maloney Properties, Paradigm Properties, The Castle Group
Government/Public Entities – Boston Public Libraries (Dudley, East Boston, Grove Hall), Boston Public Schools, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
A full list of participating organizations can be found in an interactive map online at ywboston.org/stand-against-racism.
The pledge board and accompanying digital resources empower individuals to consider their personal role in ending racism, and to make a pledge to take action to advance racial equity. The boards provide example actions individuals can take, from “I will educate myself,” to “I will focus my resources on organizations and businesses led by people of color.” Individuals are encouraged to share their pledge on social media using #bostonracialequity.
The annual Stand Against Racism campaign is spearheaded by YWCA USA. Local affiliates like YW Boston recruit businesses, schools, civic institutions, places of worship, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups to participate in locally-based campaign activities. YW Boston has been participating since 2010, and has recruited over 300 organizations from the Greater Boston area into the effort since then.
YW Boston’s 2017 Stand Against Racism pledge board campaign was supported by YW Boston’s corporate sponsors: Boston Properties, Hotel 140, and The TJX Companies, Inc.
###
About YW Boston
YW Boston has been a leader in building a better Boston for all since 1866, when it was founded as the first YWCA in the nation. Today, YW Boston serves over 3,000 Bostonians with programs that educate + empower people across racial, gender, class, and organizational lines. YW Boston is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Press Contact
Emily Boardman
eboardman@ywboston.org
617-585-5414