Community Outreach
Each of us bears the responsibility to protect and defend America’s founding philosophy within our own communities. Celebrating its 150th Anniversary, the YWCA has labored in defense of many social freedoms. Its current mission “to provide opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people” demonstrates the organizations commitment to defending freedom against racial injustice and violence - at home. The YWCA of Brunswick embraces the national mission and pursues programs and activities which fulfill this directive which meet the needs of our community. While the mission and many of the programs directly relate to the advancement of women, they undeniably promote the social welfare of every segment of the population. Special events, programs, and child care services are just some of the activities which translate the organization’s mission into practical language.
Tribute to Women Leaders - This program offers a business or organization the opportunity to recognize an outstanding female employee or volunteer from its own ranks or from the community-at-large. The luncheon is held annually and in 2010 will be Tuesday, May 11th at Hartley Auditorium, on Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Racial Justice - The YWCA conducts Adult Dialogue Circles. The group meets each month on the fourth Thursday at the YWCA, or other designated site. Believing that social change can only occur, first, with personal change and that personal change can only develop through individuals sharing their opinions and having their opinions tested by others, the YWCA has developed the Adult Dialogue Circle sessions. The purpose of the sessions is to get adults from all backgrounds, experiences and beliefs talking and sharing. Specific topics vary from month to month, but one thing is consistent, that is the positive movement towards understanding and acceptance of each other that comes from open, respectful discussions. And for youth, the YWCA provides Diversity Camps. Diversity Camps are provided to Glynn County seventh grade students by trained volunteers who take the four hour program into the classroom. The goals of Diversity Camps include: fostering more awareness of the commonalities and differences that exist among people of all backgrounds; to assist students in gaining a greater awareness and acceptance of each other; to encourage more positive relationships among students; and to broaden each participant’s view of him/her self and each other.
Career Adventure - The YWCA sponsors a program to teach 24 aspiring eighth grade girls leadership skills and introduction to a variety of careers choices. In a motivational and fun environment the Adventure series provides an intensive two-week, summer program in which participants meet professional women, explore various careers, and receive instruction in personal development skills. The summer experience also includes elements of physical fitness, computer applications, and educational field trips, all led by professional women dedicated to this effort.
Week Without Violence - During the month of October, the YWCA promotes a week without violence. The week’s goal seeks to promote peace within the community by encouraging individuals and providing resources to avoid violence.
Women’s Leadership Institute - The eight session Women’s Leadership Series will share useful basic skills, discuss the main functions of the nonprofit board, address challenges women face in gaining and exercising leadership, and explore the critical fiscal management and other board governance issues.
Stand Against Racism - A movement of the YWCA that aims to eliminate racism by raising awareness through its annual event. Organizations across the United States are invited to become participating sites by hosting their own “Stand” locally. Individuals are then invited to join any of the “stands” where hundreds of thousands of people will take a Stand Against Racism across the country.
