Social Justice & Advocacy

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Social justice is embedded into the work we do internally as an organization and externally in the community with our clients and partner organizations. Our advocacy efforts are focused on:

• Health, Safety, and Empowerment
• Gender-Based Violence
• Racial Justice
• Civil & Human Rights

Click here to view our Advocacy Priorities.

Community Initiatives

Stand Against Injustice Lunch & Learn Series

Our Stand Against Racism monthly lunch and learn series explores how race and the legacy of discrimination continue to affect our lives – whether in our everyday interactions with others at work, school, or in our neighborhoods and communities. Each month, we host experts and thought leaders on specific topics. Due to COVID-19, our series moved to an online platform, allowing for more people to join the conversation. The 2022-23 season is supported through a generous grant from the Nissan Foundation. Click here to visit our registration page.

21 Days of Anti-Racism Challenge

Stretch your social justice muscle and take part in our annual 21 Days of Anti-Racism Challenge.

We’re proud to work with the Dan & Margaret Maddox Fund and admire its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Click here to visit the Maddox Fund’s DEIJ resource page.

Archived Advocacy Letters/Comments

8-11-21 Click here to read YWCA’s comments on Public Chapter 493 to TN Dept. of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.  

3-6-20 Click here to read our letter to Rep. David Hawk on H.B. 2529 to expand Medicaid in Tennessee.

10-17-19 Click here to read our comments YWCA submitted to CMS and the Bureau of TennCare on the proposed Block Grant. 

12-17-18 Click here to read our letter to Gov. Bill Haslam requesting clemency for Cyntoia Brown

10-16-18 Click here to read our comments to the Bureau of TennCare on Amendment 38 (Work Requirements)