What We Do
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
We’ve been at the forefront of the biggest issues of the day for over 160 years, working to improve the lives of women, girls, and communities of color through advocacy, local programming, and services.
We carry out our mission in several ways
Programming and services through local YWCA Local Associations
YWCA is proud to have 194 local associations across the United States. Our programs serve over 1 million individuals in the U.S., and we serve 25 million worldwide. YWCA services vary depending on location and the needs within the communities.
Special initiatives and national campaigns
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and our annual national campaigns are crucial to realizing our mission by creating awareness around racial and gender justice issues and engaging our YWCA network and partners in this work. Annually, we hold the following campaigns:
Advocacy and lobbying for policies that eliminate racism and empower women
We’ve been at the forefront of the biggest issues of the day for 165 years: from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity and from violence prevention to health care reform. We carry on this long tradition of social action and advocacy to advance our mission — and you are a crucial part of this work.
Our Mission in Acton
YWCA’s strategic framework is the culmination of consultation and exploration with YWCAs across the country and reflects our legacy as a pioneering organization that squarely confronts social justice issues to make lasting, meaningful change.
The focus areas below guide our organization’s collective efforts at the national and local levels, with each YWCA association tailoring its approach to meet their community’s needs.
Racial Justice and Civil Rights
To increase the equal protections and equal opportunities of people of color
Empowerment and Economic Advancement of Women and Girls
To increase economic opportunities for women and girls of color
Girl Empowerment
Women Empowerment
Health and Safety of Women and Girls
To improve the health and safety of women and girls of color
Health and Wellness
Housing
Our Impact
YWCA is a strong nationwide network.
In 2022, 135 of our local associations served 996,651 people in 859 Programs. 71% of the people served are people of color and 59% were women and children.
