The 2012 Stand Against Racism will be held on April 27!

About the Event

Stand Against Racism is a movement initiated by the YWCA in 2008 to raise awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it cannot be ignored or tolerated. Our objective is to bring organizations together, who believe as we do, that united we can eliminate racism.

Why is Stand Against Racism Needed?

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a civil rights organization located in Montgomery, Alabama, the number of hate groups operating in the United States has grown by 54% in the last eight years (there are close to 1,000 active hate groups in the United States today). SPLC’s Intelligence Report cites “immigration fears, a failing economy and the successful campaign of President Obama” as the factors that have fueled the increase.

Strength Comes In Numbers

The goal of Stand Against Racism is to bring together organizations that share our vision of eliminating racism and celebrating the richness of diversity. Every year YWCA Associations throughout the country invite organizations to participate. Any organization of any size that is located within the geographic area of a sponsoring YWCA can become a Participating Site by hosting a “Stand.”

2012 Event - Take a Stand...

The 2012 Stand Against Racism event will be held on April 27. Participation in the Stand Against Racism is free and becoming a participating site is simple. Participating sites will hold their own Stand Against Racism event at their location. The event can be private, or open to the public. YWCA will provide all the necessary materials and documents. An organization’s “Stand” can range from lunchtime gatherings at the workplace to larger scale stands like rallies and marches. No matter what shape the “Stand” takes at each participating site, all activities should echo the theme “racism is unacceptable!”

To sign up as a participating site e-mail info@ywcahartford.org, or visit www.StandAgainstRacism.org for more information.

Past Events:

On April 30, 2010 the Stand Against Racism united approximately 250,000 people nationwide who took a stand at 2,061 sites sponsored by 71 YWCA’s. In the Greater Hartford area, YWCA Hartford Region and over 30 organizations at 99 participating sites stood together as allies and pledged to rid our society of racism. The message was loud and clear, “Racism is not acceptable!” Event activities ranged from readings, songs, discussions, and film viewings. Facts from the 2011 event will be available soon.


Resources:

Visit our Eliminating Racism Page for ideas and links to racial justice advocacy
Visit the YWCA USA's Advocacy Page for national advocacy issues and news
Join the Stand Against Racism cause on Facebook
 
Thank you 2011 Participating Organizations:
AmeriCorps VISTA
Bank of America
Barnes Park
Boy Scouts of America - Troop 174
Boys & Girls Club of Milford
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford
Catholic charities (3 sites)
Christian Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church
Co-opportunity, Inc.
Connecticut River Academy
CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
Everyday Democracy
Hall High Action Club
Ledge Light Health District
Manchester Community College
Montville High School
National Conference for Community and Justice
Northwest Catholic High School
Northwest Catholic High School
RJ Julia Booksellers
State of CT African-American Affairs Commission
TD Bank (22 sites)
The Phoenix Companies
The Village for Families and Children
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Urban League of Greater Hartford
Watkinson School
William Raveis Real Estate - West Hartford, CT
Yoga Born
YWCA Hartford Region (16 sites)