Please join with YWCA Cortland and others across the country for Stand Against Racism. Our collective efforts can root out injustice, transform institutions, and create a world that sees women, girls, and people of color the way we see them: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.

Week of Action / April 19 – 24 / A Sphere of Influence for Each Day

Letter from Kelly Tobin, Executive Director

Supporters Who Have Pledged to Stand Against Racism

Event Program

Racial Justice Reading and Watching Lists

Mon, Apr 19 / Personal / Watch a video of the Check Your Privilege Finger Exercise and read the article Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh and reflect on the different ways white people and people of color experience the world. Share the content with your networks.

Tue, Apr 20 / Civic / Watch Cortland Common Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. during which Mayor Tobin will read a resolution to demonstrate support of an equitable Cortland by promoting the Cortland County YWCA’s “Stand Against Racism” week, April 19-24, 2021. Thank your Council Member and Mayor for taking a stand against racism.

Wed, Apr 21 / Community / Read stories from your neighbors about experiences of racism and white privilege in the Cortland community. Share them with your networks.

Thu, Apr 22 / Business / Look for local businesses displaying the Stand Against Racism poster and thank them for taking the pledge. Share photos on social media and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Fri, Apr 23 / Action / Show your commitment to racial justice. Take the pledge to stand against racism. After you take the pledge, you will have access to social media graphics that we hope you will use and share.

Sat, Apr 24 / Education / Attend a live book reading for local youth, ages 5-12, by SUNY Cortland students featuring authors of color. Share your must-read lists for all ages and tag us on social media.

Stand Against Racism (SAR) is an annual YWCA USA campaign. It is one part of our larger national strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism. Founded by YWCA Trenton and YWCA Princeton in 2007, SAR quickly grew to a national presence by 2010 when an additional 80 YWCAs nationwide participated. The SAR campaign takes place every April across the U.S.

Take the pledge to Stand Against Racism!

2021 Stand Against Racism Sponsors:

Gold Sponsor

Visions Federal Credit Union

Special thanks to YWCA Cortland’s 2021 Persimmon Partners: