YWCA Dinner and Discussion with Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall

Each year, YWCAs across the country hold Stand Against Racism (SAR) activities. SAR (April 26-29) is a signature campaign of YWCA USA, designed to build community among those who work for racial justice and raise awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism. This year’s theme is: Our Power. Our Mission. Our Future.

Voting alone cannot create systemic change. Throughout American history right up through the present, voting has only been accessible as a privilege, and not a true civil right. Voter suppression remains a very real challenge for many marginalized communities. The hard work of ensuring communities can and do get out to vote is so important. But this work is best coupled with meeting the day to day needs of those communities through direct service, raising awareness on the issues that impact their lives most and advocating for policy change. Civic engagement is most powerful when the full spectrum of civic life is valued and all community members can choose how they’d like to participate. Individuals can play a role in civic enjoyment in many ways: Serving, electing, and organizing. But what does this MEAN?

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT. Join YWCA Olympia as we host a free GET OUT THE VOTE/STAND AGAINST RACISM Discussion & Dinner on Thursday, April 26 from 5:30-7:00 at YWCA (220 Union Ave SE in Olympia) with Mary Hall, Thurston County Auditor