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During these lean economic times when charitable giving is dwindling, the YWCA has taken a proactive approach utilizing new technologies to implement non-traditional fundraising methods in our latest initiative: the 24 for 24 Pledge. We are asking individuals to “make a small commitment; make a big difference” by pledging 24 dollars a month for 24 months to the YWCA $2 Million Challenge – a campaign that will ultimately result in a $4 million fund to endow the YWCA’s social service programs.You can sign up for the pledge by means of text messaging or the web. Watch our PSA video below (courtesy of Dan Shreve of The Media Center) featuring real-life YWCA supporters expressing "y" they give to the YWCA 24 for 24 Pledge. Help us spread the word on Facebook and Twitter as well! These non-traditional fundraising methods are becoming more and more valuable for all nonprofits because of the ailing economy. With cutbacks in charitable giving from individuals, businesses and foundations across the board, it is all the more critical that we involve our community at a grassroots level. We want this campaign to engage a younger demographic, not only as a fundraiser, but also as means to raise awareness about the services we provide, which are even more critical in today’s economy. Sign up for the 24 for 24 Pledge today. To many of us, $24 a month may mean buying a few less lattes or packing a lunch rather than eating out; however, to the people we serve, it can change lives.
Where to find the us on the web:
A few weeks ago, Jackson Simpkins and Rebecca Ward stood before a classroom full of 9th -12th grade students at Sissonville High School. They asked the students to put all reservations aside and have an open and honest discussion about dating relationships. After introducing the subject by asking their audience how they liked to be treated on dates (to which one girl's response was "Like a princess!"), Jackson and Rebecca presented them with more challenging questions. How do you not want to be treated on a date? What types of behaviors are unacceptable from a dating partner? What makes a relationship healthy versus unhealthy? What is the definition of "abuse?" What are different types of abuse? Why don't people just leave if their partner is abusive? What should you do if you or someone you know is in an unsafe relationship?
Jackson and Rebecca are the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program's Teen Dating Violence Prevention Specialists. They present these workshops in middle and high schools across the region numerous times each month as a way to reach out to tweens and teens about healthy dating relationships. Though interactive discussions, role play, stories and "what if" questions, they engage students to discuss the tough issue of teen dating violence. They even discuss how to keep yourself safe in an era of new technologies and confront gender stereotypes.
These workshops are so important in light of the recent high-profile domestic violence incident, in which R&B singer Chris Brown was charged with two felonies alleging he punched, bit, and choked his singer/star girlfriend Rihanna until she almost became unconscious. These young stars serve as role models to our young generations, so these conversations are critical.
Through funding from Verizon, the YWCA of Charleston has built a teen dating curriculum that is serving as a model for domestic violence programs statewide. The booklet our specialists distribute to each and every student they meet addresses national and statewide domestic violence statistics, myths vs. facts about dating violence, and warning signs of unhealthy relationships. Download the booklet today and share it with the tweens and teens in your life.
If you would like for Jackson and Rebecca to facilitate a workshop at your school, church, or community organization, please call (304) 342-6552.
Each year, the YWCA Women of Achievement honorees are interviewed, photographed and lauded for their many accomplishments. It’s a whirlwind tour that culminates in one of the honorees’ most important functions: to attend the annual YWCA Women of Achievement Breakfast with Champions. This yearly event brings together 20 fifth-grade girls—many of whom may be categorized as at-risk and all of whom have been identified as potential leaders. These students from Chandler, Glenwood, Piedmont, Ruffner and Watts elementary schools come to the YWCA and enjoy a delicious breakfast with the honorees and YWCA representatives.
At last week's Breakfast with Champions, Anita Casey, Kim Knopf and Lois Smith spoke to these girls about the challenges and difficulties that could have—but did not—prevent them from achieving their goals. The girls were then given the opportunity to tell us what they hope to achieve in the future. Some wanted to be lawyers. Others wanted to be doctors or teachers. We even had a few aspiring actresses and singers in our midst. Thanks to Steve Payne, each girl left with a framed professional photograph of herself with the honorees.
We thank our Women of Achievement for being such outstanding role models and we thank our Breakfast with Champions participants for reminding us of why it’s so important for girls—and women—to never stop striving for success.
Above: YWCA Executive Director Debby Weinstein talks to girls about their dreams and aspirations.
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