Advocacy

A woman speaking into a microphone during a protest or rally, raising her arm, with a mask pulled down below her chin, and people holding signs and wearing jackets around her.

YWCA Central Maine is part of a national movement with a long history of advocacy. Our mission—to eliminate racism and empower women—evolved over more than a century.

Although BIPOC women have led within the movement since its founding, YWCA USA did not begin working toward full racial integration until the 1950s. In 1970, at a historic national convention led by BIPOC women, local association members passed a bold resolution committing the organization to “thrust our collective power toward the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”

A board member from YWCA Central Maine was present and voted in support of this transformative resolution. Today, we continue that legacy—advocating for policies and programs that eliminate racism, empower women, and build healthy, thriving communities across Maine.

Coalitions & Partnerships

We work in collaboration with community partners and YWCA USA on issues that advance our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women both locally and nationally. We are active members of several statewide coalitions fighting for policies that advance gender and racial equity. We also educate stakeholders on mission-related issues and policies.

Do you have a coalition invitation, sign-on opportunity, organizing, or advocacy effort related to racial and gender equity or justice? Let’s chat about how we can work together to maximize our impact! Contact our Dir. of Equity & Justice Programs, Andrea Breau abreau@ywcamaine.org to discuss.