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YWCA Darien/Norwalk Takes a Stand Against Racism |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YWCA Darien/Norwalk Takes a Stand Against Racism
Over 200,000 individuals expected to take a Stand Against Racism across the nation
DARIEN, CT – January 5, 2010 – The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is bringing an exciting new initiative to Darien and Norwalk communities: “Stand Against Racism.” This annual initiative is aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and it can no longer be ignored and tolerated. The YWCA Darien/Norwalk invites local organizations or groups of individuals to participate, culminating in the national Stand Against Racism on Friday, April 30th, 2010.
The number of hate groups in the United States has grown by 54% in the last eight years according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization located in Montgomery, Alabama; 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 factors that have fueled the increase. Hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people. They promote hatred, hostility and sometimes violence.
In response, the YWCA created the Stand Against Racism to combat the spread of hate and intolerance, and to honor and celebrate the richness of diversity. In 2009, this program attracted over 300 partnering organizations that became participating sites by hosting local “stands.” Over 30,000 individuals took a Stand Against Racism by attending one of the participating sites on the day of the event and sending a strong message to their communities that racism can no longer be ignored and tolerated. Participants ranged from school-age children to elected officials, executives of large corporations, church leaders and others.
2010 marks the first year that the YWCA Darien/Norwalk will bring the event to Darien and Norwalk, two communities with very different demographics. Of the 20, 849 Darien residents recorded in 2007, 91% were White, 3% were Hispanic, 3% were Asian, 1% were Black and the remaining 2% were Native American or mixed race. The average household income in Darien is $181,821 as compared to the average statewide household income of $65,859. In contrast, the city of Norwalk had 100,987 residents in 2007 that were 62% White, 16% Hispanic, 12% Black, 4% Asian, and the remaining 6% were Native American and mixed race. The average household income in Norwalk is $72,756, which is $109,106 lower than Darien’s average household income.
“Today, the YWCA Darien/Norwalk is calling on all local organizations, corporations, churches and other houses of worship, schools, government agencies, and individuals in Darien and Norwalk to join with us by becoming a participating site of the 2010 Stand Against Racism on April 30, 2010,” announced Maija Judelson, YWCA Executive Director. “We invite any group of any size that believes in a society free of racism to join us.”
Any organization or group of individuals can become a participating site by signing up through the Stand Against Racism Web site: www.StandAgainstRacism.org. or by contacting the YWCA Darien/Norwalk at 203-655-2535. Each participating site will host their own Stand Against Racism event at their own location (which can be private or open to the public). Participation in the Stand Against Racism is free and becoming a participating site is simple. The YWCA provides all the necessary materials and documents including a “How to Run the Event” template that can be customized to meet the organization’s needs. Each organization’s “stand” can range from gatherings at work to larger scale stands like rallies and marches. No matter what shape the “stand” takes at each participating site, all activities will echo the theme, “racism is unacceptable.”
This year 65 YWCA Associations throughout the United States will collaborate in the Stand Against Racism. For more details, please visit StandAgainstRacism.org. For local information, please contact Maija Judelson at 203-655-2535 or
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The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving women the support and tools they need to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and raise healthy families. Our national mission, eliminating racism and empowering women, translates locally into a vision to create opportunities for growth, leadership and empowerment for all women and families.
The Stand Against Racism is an annual event. Managed by the YWCA Trenton and the YWCA Princeton in New Jersey, it is a collaboration of 65 YWCA Associations nationwide. The YWCAs in America and around the world have a rich history of advocating for racial justice. Throughout our history, the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations. We intend to affect real change in the lives of our family, friends, and co-workers through a process that identifies and eradicates the barriers that divide us and that perpetuate racism and other forms of oppression. As individuals learn what has kept us apart, they will develop new ways of working cooperatively by creating new models of shared resources and perspectives.
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YWCA Calendar
Thu Feb 09, 2012 @10:00AM
Beginning Word Class |
Thu Feb 09, 2012 @06:00PM
Beginning Word Class |
Fri Feb 10, 2012 @07:30PM
Int'l Club Couples Cocktail Party |
Sat Feb 11, 2012 @12:00AM
Winetasters |
Sat Feb 11, 2012 @09:30AM
Working Moms Playdate for age 0-4 |
Mon Feb 13, 2012 @12:00AM
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Tue Feb 14, 2012 @09:30AM
Board Meeting |
Tue Feb 14, 2012 @11:00AM
International Club Coffee |
Wed Feb 15, 2012 @09:00AM
Parent Awareness "iCarly: Girls and the Media" |
Wed Feb 15, 2012 @07:30PM
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