Racial Justice
Building collaborations with those who share our vision of equity and justice for all.
Our mission statement is Educate, Empower, Excel. The foundation of our work is predicated on all students feeling welcome, seen, and heard in our schools, so that they can be fully present for learning. Our partnership with the YWCA has been instrumental in providing professional development to increase staff cultural competencies. Our teachers feel more empowered to create a welcoming and safe environment for all.
Sandra L. Cullis, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent, Denville Township Schools
Fighting Systemic Racism
Racism is a public health issue.
Black women are 3 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.
Confronting Hate
There is an alarming rise in hate crimes nationally.
In the first quarter of 2021, Anti-Asian hate crimes rose 164% in 16 of the largest U.S. cities and counties.
Driving Policy Change
The racial wealth gap is widening.
The net worth of the average white family in the U.S. is 10 times that of the typical Black family.
Join Our Coalition for Change
The foundation of our racial justice work is partnerships with individuals, community organizations, foundations, and government.
Here’s how you can help.
Racial Justice Programming
At YWCA Northern New Jersey, we approach our racial justice programming through the lens of Self Exploration, Education, and Action (SEA). We provide opportunities for individuals and groups to work toward systemic change through personal journey-based and evidence-based curricula. Current programs and initiatives include:
Center For Racial Healing
Center For Racial Healing
The first of its kind in NJ, the Center provides specialized, community-based therapeutic services focused on supporting individuals and groups impacted by racial trauma, along with resources and tools to support them on their healing journey.
In addition to providing clinical services, the Center will support the development of racial trauma curriculum for NJ State Schools of Social Work and continuing education for licensed mental health professionals.
The Center is also focused on community prevention and education campaigns to help raise awareness about racial trauma and its impact.
Learn More about New Jersey’s first clinical program. View our Center for Racial Healing Toolkit.
View our Clinical Racial Trauma Services Flyer.
Unite Against Hate: The State of Bias Crimes in New Jersey
Unite Against Hate: The State of Bias Crimes in New Jersey
A series of conversations addressing the surge of hate crimes in New Jersey. Learn about the resources, support, and the use of awareness for action, response, and prevention
Our toolkit provides more about the impact of hate crimes and incidents in NJ on those targeted, informs the community of how to report these crimes, and where to find resources for support. You can also find links to our 3-part panel discussions and the Town Hall.
Watch our in-person Unite Against Hate: The State of Bias Crimes in NJ Town Hall at Caldwell University, Click Here!
Racial Justice Awards
Racial Justice Awards
Our Racial Justice Awards Event recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses that demonstrate leadership by working to eliminate racism and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
⇒View our informational flyer.
R.A.C.E. Training
R.A.C.E. Training
Race and Cultural Empathy Training designed for mental health workers employed by agencies. The focus is to improve their ability to engage effectively with clients and staff from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. This is done by increasing their knowledge and understanding about racism.
For more info email Helen Archontou at harchontou@ywcannj.org
⇒View our informational flyer
Junior Jump Start™
Junior Jump Start™
A FREE program to support Bergen and Passaic County High School Freshmen through Seniors through the college process. Coaches and mentors will help students with college essays, resumes, college and scholarship applications.
♦ For more info about our Bergen County Jump Start Click Here!
♦ For more info about our Passaic County Jump Start Click Here!
⇒View our informational flyer
Undoing Racism
Undoing Racism
A training focused on creating an understanding of where racism comes from, how it functions, why it persists, and how it can be undone.
Raising Race Conscious Children
Raising Race Conscious Children
Raising Race Conscious Children training provides tools to engage in deep-thinking work around race and identity for teachers and parents. Through the use of protocols, we area able to share sensitive issues and topics to dismantle inequitable practices around race, privilege and power.
Learn more about our program and the presenter – click here!
⇒View our informational flyer
21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge
21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge
An opportunity to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.
⇒View our informational flyer
Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations
A discussion series focused on educating our community on racial disparities and injustices
⇒View our informational flyer
Until Justice Just Is
Until Justice Just Is
A program designed to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities.
Each year in April in observance of what was previously known as Stand Against Racism, we support a signature campaign of YWCA USA. The name of the initiative has been changed changed to Until Justice Just Is, and reflects more inclusive language that supports our evolution around racial justice.
As an organization dedicated to advancing justice for all it is our responsibility to ensure that all are included in the movement towards equality and feel inspired to take part in advancing justice in partnership with us.
Click here to take the online pledge
Share the Mic Now
Share the Mic Now
A weekly program offered through our YWTV Facebook Live platform focused on amplifying the voices of black women in our community. They’re invited to publicly share how they have been impacted by race, and discuss their experiences, struggles, and successes.
⇒View our informational flyer
Have an idea for a program?
Tell us about it!
