This campaign will lead up to our virtual 18th annual Race Against Racism!

Participants in the challenge will receive a daily email centered around racial and social injustice, asking them to read an article, watch a video, listen to a podcast, or reflect on a personal experience through unique categories of engagement and interaction.

From April 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021, our community can participate virtually in this 5k run/walk. The Race Against Racism is a mission-driven event promoting awareness of racism in our community, and raises critical funds to support our racial justice programs throughout the year.

This challenge will engage our community towards the work of racial justice even further, whether they plan to participate in the race or not.

We hope that you will consider the opportunity to join with the YWCA as a sponsor of this event. Together, we can collaborate to raise awareness and financial support for important racial justice work in the Capitol Region.

Now, we continue our efforts to help organizations look at their mission through a lens of social justice.

Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Host a launch event to generate excitement and introduce participants to the benefits and goals of the Challenge.
• Encourage participants to use the reflection log provided in the program, and teams can meet weekly to discuss

Questions to explore could include:

• How did the activities make you feel?
• What actions have you taken based on the activities?
• What actions would you like to take?
• What further resources (reading, research, tools, and/or strategies) do you need to take action?

Challenge Leaders can use our group toolkit as a way to help people feel safe when discussing their personal experiences:

• What you share within the context of the group is confidential, honored and respected.
• Use “I” statements; no one speaks for another or for an entire group of people.
• Avoid critiquing others’ experiences; focus on your own experiences.
• Be honest and willing to share.
• Listen with curiosity and the willingness to learn and change.
• Resist the desire to interrupt.
• Be brief and share time equally.
• Suspend judgment. Be open to the kernel of truth in each person’s story.

Join us!

As a sponsor of the Race Against Racism and the 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, you will have the opportunity to be featured in one of our daily

emails, register a team for free, feature your logo on the T-shirts, plus much more! Benefits vary based on sponsorship level; details are enclosed.

Race Against Racism

We’re going virtual again this year! Mark your calendars for the 17th annual Race Against Racism from April 1 - April 30.

The race supports the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The funds we raise are crucial to sustaining our racial justice programs throughout the year ahead.

What is a virtual race?

A virtual race is not something new and has been successfully executed for numerous walks, 5K and 10K races, as well as half marathons. Our runners will participate in the Race Against Racism Virtual Race by running or walking a distance of 5K or 3.1 miles. This can be done any time between April 1 and April 30, however we encourage runners to participate in the race on the 30th so that even though we won’t be together, we’ll be united!

How can you participate?

This can be done wherever they are—on a treadmill, on a rails to trails path, around a track, or even the race course!

Then, participants will connect their experiences and offer encouragement to others by posting on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and tagging us and utilizing the

hashtags #RARHBG #VirtualRace. In addition, the Kids Fun Run - 100 yard dash for children 12.

Does your organization share our commitment to eliminating racism?

Join us by clicking here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Check back for more information to register on February 1!

This challenge was originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving and has been adapted by many organizations across the country. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

A special thank you to YWCA Greater Cleveland for providing the blueprint for the Challenge, and to the other YWCA’s who have participated in this Challenge and offered their inspiration. The 21-Day Challenge was originally adapted by Food Solutions New England.

Contact Tiffanie Keck at 717-724-2250 or tkeck@ywcahbg.org for more information on how you can get involved.

YWCA Greater Harrisburg

1101 Market Street

Harrisburg, PA 17103

ywcahbg.org