As we enter the final week of the YWCA USA’s Racial Justice Challenge, it’s time to reflect on the profound journey we’ve embarked upon this April. Participants have engaged with daily resources and participated in vibrant discussions that have not only educated but also inspired action towards a more equitable society.
The Impact of the Challenge and Participant Feedback
Feedback from members have highlighted the value of the diversity in topics and the format of the challenge. Many have expressed how the challenge has broadened their perspectives and equipped them with the tools to address racial issues more effectively in their communities.
“I learned more from listening to people talk about what it feels like to be a parent of a transgender child. These parents explained that they want the right to medical assistance that would just delay their children’s puberty until the time when their child matures more. Then the family, with the help of doctors who know and understand their child, can make an informed, clear decision about the next step. Without that help, these parents say they have watched the mental health of their children deteriorate, which sometimes leads to suicide attempts. I learned puberty can be delayed and restarted later. Put in this context, allowing doctors, families, and children to make this type of decision is actually giving the children a chance to grow, live, and eventually advocate for themselves.”
“As someone who has incessantly thought about race and intersectional identities of queerness, disability, gender, and socioeconomic status for the past ten years, I know that the most useful conversations happen in community with others. We can talk about theory, we can work through individual histories, but the most impactful learning in my life has taken place when I’ve been in dialogue with others. These conversations are anything but easy; it’s hard to trust complete strangers to act in good faith when it comes to topics that I’ve wrestled with to make sense of my existence (being Latine, non-binary, bisexual). Others who are new to the discussion may feel some apprehension towards the challenges I and folks like me are throwing on long-held, mainstream norms. Yet, to be in community with one another requires acceptance beyond tolerance, a love beyond passive care, and a understanding beyond awareness. Even if it’s hard, I want to strive for meaningful connections with others that understand where we each come from and works to honor our various identities.”
Why Continued Participation Matters
As the challenge wraps up, the invitation to participate remains as crucial as on day one. The resources will continue to be available, allowing new and existing participants to review the material at their own pace. Engaging now provides a unique opportunity to catch up and contribute to ongoing conversations that are shaping our approaches to racial justice.
Your Role in the Last Week and Beyond
In this final week, your engagement is more important than ever. Dive into the resources, participate in the discussions, and share your journey with others. The challenge may be ending soon, but the journey towards racial justice does not stop here. Every conversation you have, every article you read, and every insight you share contributes to building a more just and equitable world.
Join Us Now
If you haven’t yet signed up for the Racial Justice Challenge, it’s not too late to start. Click here to visit the YWCA USA’s official challenge to register. Your participation will add to our collective strength in fighting racial injustice. As this challenge concludes, let’s carry forward the momentum and continue to inspire, educate, and advocate for racial justice. This isn’t just a month-long commitment—it’s a lifelong journey towards creating a fairer, more equitable society. Join us in making a lasting impact.
-Brenda R., YWCA Northwestern Illinois, CCAP and Health & Safety Coach/Team Leader
