Why is anti-racism so important to YWCA El Paso's mission?
Elke Cummings: The elimination of racism is one of two hallmark programs that are at the heart of everything the YWCA does as a regional association and as a member of a national organization. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This mission guides how we do business in our community. Whether it is training staff to carry the message in their daily activities, conducting training or incorporating lessons in our child development centers we are intentional in our efforts to engage the community in racial justice.
What programs/initiatives would you like others to know about pertaining to the YWCA's efforts to promote an anti-racist society?
EC: The YWCA El Paso del Norte Region has a curriculum consisting of over 200 modules of racial justice training. These sessions are offered to the El Paso community in settings ranging from churches and classrooms to community meetings. This initiative, We the People has trained staff and community facilitators who present modules tailored for audiences ranging from very young children who are learning to appreciate what makes each of us unique to older adults who are learning how to deal with personal biases.
Modules from the curriculum may be presented individually if a group is interested in a particular topic or as part of a full workshop addressing a particular theme. The modules are used to create a safe environment for people to ask questions and discuss personal beliefs with others who may be colleagues from their workplace or complete strangers. These are oftentimes not easy conversations to have. Each of us has different experiences to share and some of them may be deeply personal or painful. By creating a space where people can have these conversations in a respectful manner it allows a dialogue that may not occur anywhere else even among close family and friends.
How do these programs/initiatives shape outcomes particularly for the youngest members of your community, the children and youth?
EC: Children are not born racists. Through our service to children and youth we have the opportunity to encourage children to grow up appreciating differences and being curious about different cultures in a respectful way. Our racial justice programming is offered to children in a fun way with modules where they play, dance, try new foods and learn how to interact with others who live their lives in ways that may be very different from their own.
As a racial justice facilitator I have observed very young children who at the age of four grasp and verbalize concepts that take adult participants hours to feel comfortable even saying out loud. Children have clear ideas about what is fair, what is right and how we should treat others. We must encourage them to keep those beliefs as they grow up and teach their families how to be as open as a child to things that seem foreign or strange to us.
What suggestions do you have for other organizations interested in doing anti-racism work?
EC: Start the conversation in your family and in your community. There are so many ways to address racism. While there is a time and place to do so, not all of us will carry placards and march if that is not what is comfortable or right for us. There are so many ways to advocate for understanding. Host a potluck at your next gathering where everyone picks a dish that is significant to them because it is a family tradition and have them share a story that goes with that food. Have frank conversations with family and friends letting them know it is not OK to tell that racist joke, particularly not when you are around. Teach children that everyone has talents and ideas that make them one-of-a-kind. As individuals we can all recapture our childhood wisdom that it is good to share.
