Working to eliminate institutional racism is a goal we should all have for ourselves, our communities, and our organizations. As individuals, thinking about ending a deeply ingrained system of inequity can be daunting. But we do not have to do this alone. In fact, we should all invest in each other’s pursuit for racial equity.

That is why every April, YW Boston hosts the Stand Against Racism campaign. Everyone can and should do their part to eliminate racism. Whether you (or your organization) has recently begun your anti-racist journey, or you have been active for years, Stand Against Racism can help deepen your commitment to racial equity.

 

What is Stand Against Racism?

Stand Against Racism is a signature YWCA USA campaign that takes place during April. Its goal is to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional racism and ultimately inspire all of us to take action. YW Boston’s 2020 Stand Against Racism campaign spans the month of April and inspires individuals and workplaces to take action to eliminate racism in Boston. 

In April 2019, as part of YW Boston’s Stand Against Racism campaign, 170 individuals, workplaces, and community groups signed up to host 141 pledge boards and 128 discussions between an estimated 6,172 participants.

Check out our wrap-up blog of 2019 to learn more about our successes last year, including partnering with organizations such as the Attorney General’s Office, City Year Boston, John Hancock, Eastern Bank, The Boston Police Department, and more.

Want to Stand Against Racism in 2020? Join us for our 2020 campaign so that we can reach even more people, hold many more conversations, and engage the entire City of Boston!

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How to participate in Stand Against Racism 2020

Individuals and organizations may choose to participate in one or both of these options:

1. Pick up (or print) a Stand Against Racism pledge board

Sign up to pick up or print a pledge board to be filled in with messages from your team, colleagues, friends, or family on how each will commit to helping eliminate racism in 2020.

2. Convene a discussion around exclusive curated content

With your team, colleagues, friends, or family, host a conversation around a reading or piece of media selected by YW Boston’s guest curators. This year’s guest curators include:

Pariss Chandler, Founder of #BlackTechTwitter
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President Emerita of Spelman College and Author of “Can We Talk About Race?”
Marty Martinez, Chief of the Mayor’s Office Health and Human Services
Michelle Wu, Boston City Councilor At-Large

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Need support planning your STAND?

After you have registered for Stand Against Racism 2020, take a look at our STAND Toolkit. This document can help you plan your STAND and includes definitions, frameworks, and other useful resources that can guide your group discussions on race.

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How to Amplify Your STAND

We need support engaging as many people as possible in having these important conversations. Help our Stand Against Racism campaign reach as many as possible.

1. Start a Facebook fundraiser or make a donation

Help support our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women by making a donation to YW Boston. If you are a Facebook user, consider supporting this campaign by starting your own Stand Against Racism Facebook Fundraiser. All proceeds will support this annual campaign and our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Starting a fundraiser is free and easy! 

2. Share your STAND on social media

Help us spread awareness. Share your photos on social media using the hashtags #BostonRacialEquity, #YWeStand, or #StandAgainstRacism. Tag @ywboston and we will include all photos shared by April 29th in our Stand Against Racism video recap. Tag your friends, family, colleagues or other organizations who might be interested in participating in STAND.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn

3. Invite others to take a STAND

Email people in your networks inviting them to join your STAND or to register for their own.

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Thank you for taking the time to explore these resources and for your commitment to creating change in your communities. We at YW Boston cannot wait to Stand Against Racism with you this year!

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About YW Boston 

As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston has been at the forefront of advancing equity for over 150 years. Through our DE&I services—InclusionBoston and LeadBoston—as well as our advocacy work and F.Y.R.E. Initiative, we help individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.