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Stand Against Racism Event Goes Virtual

Here are YWCA Lower Cape Fear, the health and safety of our members and community are our top priority. In light of the COVID-19 health situation, YWCA Lower Cape Fear has made the difficult decision to cancel its Stand Against Racism rally and march, originally scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2020. However, we will still be making a stand and statement April 23rd – 26th, and we hope that you will virtually join us as we take a #StandAgainstRacim.

The theme for this year is “Civic Engagement” with an emphasis on its central role in racial justice work. See below for how to join us virtually and help share the message of eliminating racism!

Stand Against Racism 2020    | April 23 – 26, 2020

For 10 years, YWCA Lower Cape Fear has hosted an event for Stand Against Racism. We’ve hosted events at our campus and on the steps of the courthouse. This year we are going virtual in the hopes that we can spread our mission to eliminate racism, while adhering to the recommendation from health officials to avoid large gatherings for the foreseeable future. Here’s how to participate:

  • Announce your participation in and excitement about Stand Against Racism on social media
  • Encourage others to join! Tag your friends and other organizations
  • Share information about Stand Against Racism and direct people to the website: https://www.ywca-lowercapefear.org/what-were-doing/racial-justice/stand-against-racism/
  • April 23-26 post, share, and engage with Stand Against Racism content
    • Download Stand Against Racism Posters
    • Take a photo or video of yourself holding the poster and what you’re doing to impact the 2020 census or election, and #StandAgainstRacism
    • Use one or all of the hashtags:
      • #SARILM2020
      • #StandAgainstRacism
      • #YWCALCF
      • #VotingRights
      • #2020Census
    • Tag YWCA Lower Cape Fear!
      • Facebook: @ywcalowercapefear
      • Twitter: @ywcalcf
      • Instagram: @ywca_lowercapefear
    • Sample Social Media Posts
      • Racism is structural and institutional. That’s why I’m joining @YWCALowerCapeFear to #StandAgainstRacism to eliminate racism in our communities [Insert Photo]
      • I’m joining @YWCALowerCapeFear’s #StandAgainstRacism campaign because I want to raise awareness about eliminating racism. Won’t you join us? Share a selfie and visit ywca-lowercapefear.org/SAR
      • Together, we can continue to raise awareness about racial equity and the importance of supporting anti-racist efforts. Post your #StandAgainstRacism photo and share your thoughts to help raise awareness and inspire others! [Insert Photo]
      • Everyone deserves justice and equity. That’s why I’m joining @YWCALowerCapeFear’s #StandAgainstRacism campaign to eliminate racism. Learn more at ywca-lowercapefear.org/SAR [Insert Photo]
      • Working to eliminate racism is crucial to the health of our community. I believe each of us must keep doing our part until we achieve racial equity. I’m proud to join @YWCALowerCapeFear’s #StandAgainstRacism campaign. [Insert Photo]
    • Tips for Your Stand Against Racism Photo
      • Make sure your camera lens is clean
      • If you are taking a group photo, make sure everyone’s face is visible
      • Make sure your handwriting on the sign is legible
      • Please do not display any shirts or signage that support or negate a political party or candidate

Stand Against Racism 2020

STAND AGAINST RACISM PLEDGE

Mindful of the continuing affliction of institutional and structural racism as well as the daily realities of all forms of bias, prejudice, and bigotry in my own life, my family, my circle of friends, my co-workers, and the society in which I live, with conviction and hope:

I take this pledge, fully aware that the struggle to eliminate racism will not end with a mere pledge but calls for an ongoing transformation within myself and the institutions and structures of our society.

I pledge to look deeply and continuously in my heart and in my mind to identify all signs and vestiges of racism; to rebuke the use of racist language and behavior towards others; to root out such racism in my daily life and in my encounters with persons I know and with strangers I do not know; and to expand my consciousness to be more aware and sensitive to my use of overt and subtle expressions of racism and racial stereotypes;

I pledge to educate myself on racial justice issues and share what I learn in my own communities even if it means challenging my family, my partner, my children, my friends, my co-workers, and those I encounter on a daily basis;

I pledge, within my means, to actively work to support public policy solutions that prominently, openly, and enthusiastically promote racial equity in all aspects of human affairs; and to actively support and devote my time to YWCA, as well as other organizations working to eradicate racism from our society.

YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. I join YWCA in taking a stand against racism today and every day.

*This pledge has been adapted by YWCA USA from the Pledge to Eliminate Racism in My Life, YWCA Bergen County which is an adaptation of the Pledge to Heal Racism in My Life, Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace, April 10, 2006.

Take the Pledge