On March 3, 1866, thirty courageous women gathered in a Boston home and sparked a movement for social justice and equity that continues to shape our city and our future. That moment marked the founding of the first YWCA in the United States—and the beginning of YW Boston’s 159-year legacy of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Today, we honor that legacy—and we invite you to help carry it forward.
Become an Accomplice for Racial and Gender Equity in Boston
From building the first YWCA gym in the U.S. to advancing women in leadership, to leading racial equity and inclusion training in Boston’s schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces, YW Boston has always answered the call to action.
As a leading racial justice nonprofit in Boston, we are proud to launch: 160 Years Strong: Join the Legacy. Fuel the Future.
We’re calling on 160 racial and gender equity advocates—our accomplices—to stand with us and fuel the next chapter of our impact. What is an accomplice? Someone who actively supports change. They don’t just believe in progress—they take steps to make it happen. Whether you donate $16 or $16,000, or help amplify our mission online or in your community, you’re advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Boston.
3 Ways to Take Action
Act
- Get involved with equity-focused programs! Help advance our leadership and empowerment programs for youth and adults, our workplace equity efforts, or our emerging pilots for women and people of color.
- Apply to our flagship LeadBoston leadership program
- Attend anti-racism webinars and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) trainings
- Explore Our Programs Here
Donate
- Fuel our mission: Honor our 160th anniversary by contributing to one of the most established and impactful racial equity nonprofits in Boston.
- Give $1,600, $160, or $16
- Become a monthly donor and invest in long-term social change
- Become an Accomplice Today
Amplify
- Has YW Boston made a difference in your life or career? Share your story—share the legacy! Spread the word about our racial justice initiatives, women’s empowerment programs, and 160-year history of impact.
- Share Your YW Boston Story on LinkedIn
Join Boston’s Movement for Racial and Gender Justice
As we approach our 160th year—we invite you to become part of this legacy. Join a network of change-makers committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
Perhaps the outstanding fact in the YWCA movement has been that during its whole existence, it has progressively reflected the changes in American community life.
— YWCA Leader, 1933
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