[Vision2020] Cabin Fever -- get ready!!!

[debismith at moscow.com]

Just to clarify information about the YWCA....The mission of the YWCA is
the Elimination of Racism and the Empowerment of Women. Sojourners left the YWCA of the 
USA many moons ago, and the YWCA of the USA, even at that time, was not a "Christian" 
organization. It has been a secular organization since about 1980 or so (don't have the history 
book at my finger tips, so don't flame me if I'm not  exactly on the mark!). 

The YWCA of the USA went through a streamlining process about six years ago, coming 
through it stronger, leaner, and even more committed. I'm sorry Sojourners couldn't hold on 
long enough to be part of that Change Initiative, but Sojourners, too, has become a force in our 
community---more is BETTER when it comes to serving those in need! Sojourners is needed 
and should be supported!!!

While we at the YWCA honor our roots in the Christian Ministry movement, we are now an 
inclusive and secular movement. We do not spell out the acronym these days, but after 150 
years, you can't change the name! That would be, pardon the expression, sacrilege. Some 
YWCAs in the USA are a bit more "C" than others, but some are more Jewish, more Muslim, 
more Shinto, and more Pagan simply based on their membership. Heck, some are even 
Republican! Women from all religions, cultures, backgrounds, and opinions are welcome to 
join, so long as they are willing to work towards fulfilling our Mission. Go to the YWCA of the 
USA website to learn more (plugging away...:)

YWCAs in many other countries are very fundamentally Christian, and some still exclude 
those who are not a particular brand of Christian. In many places, the only way women are 
allowed to assemble is through religious organizations. Having been to one YWCA World 
Council as an observer (and going as a delegate to the one in Kenya in 2007), I can attest to 
the wide variety of women, the diversity of thought and opinion, the amazingly creative 
approaches to addressing community needs, and the committment of YWCA Women around 
the planet to creating a better world.

I think the director of a Northwest YWCA had it right when she told me religion is not the help 
a battered woman needs from her while bleeding in the hospital. (Not that it can't help later if 
she has a religious preference!) She needs medical, legal, housing, financial, and childcare 
help first.

OK, off my soap box....

Debi R-S
YWCA of WSU, Regional Coordination Team, National Leadership Committee
(and Wiccan)

Oops, not quite back on the ground yet-------support the YWCA of WSU and the YWCA of 
Lewiston/Clarkston! The YW of WSU provides educational programs and economic 
empowerment, and the L/C YWCA provides shelter, services, and educational programs for 
women and children in need---regardless (and sometimes in spite of) religion.