YWCA USA awarded YWCA Madison the competitive national Association Excellence Award in the field of Racial Justice at its annual gala in Washington, D.C. on June 5, 2015. Each year the national organization recognizes local affiliates for outstanding work in the mission-related areas of women’s empowerment, racial justice, and advocacy. The YWCA Madison was selected out of over 200 YWCAs in the category of Racial Justice.
“YWCA Madison is deeply honored to be selected by our national association and our peers for excellent, cutting edge work in Racial Justice, particularly because the award recognized both our external community work and our internal work to become a more equitable organization,” says CEO Rachel Krinsky. “My thanks, in particular, go to YWCA Madison Racial Justice Director Colleen Butler, who has initiated and implemented the majority of these efforts over the last 15 years.”
“The Association Excellence Awards are our way of celebrating and honoring the vital contributions that YWCAs make to communities all across the country and to lift up those who do exemplary work,” says YWCA USA CEO Dara Richardson-Heron, MD. “Their passion and commitment to improving the lives of women and their families is truly inspiring.”
YWCA Madison offers a broad range of Racial Justice programs for the community: Racial Justice Workshops, an annual Racial Justice Summit, and Restorative Justice programming in local schools and community centers. In addition, the YWCA provides consulting to other organizations and businesses through the Creating Equitable Organizations program. Recently, the YWCA Madison reached 51 percent staff racial diversity, including 30 percent directors of color, and is a model for organizations and community members seeking solutions for diversity and inclusion. Read more about the YWCA Madison’s work in racial justice.
Founded in 1909, the YWCA Madison is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. To fulfill this mission the YWCA Madison:
Advances Equity by working towards eliminating racism, reducing suspensions of youth of color, and closing the gender leadership gap;
Expands Employment for women and people of color by connecting them to jobs through training programs and transportation solutions; and
Provides Housing by creating affordable, safe, and supported housing options for families and single women
