Who We Are The history of the YWCA is the history of progress in America. Established in 1858 as a voice for women's issues, we opened the first employment bureau for women several years later. That was only the beginning of more than 150 years of active advocacy and programming for women's rights and civil rights. We continue to evolve to meet today's challenges in eliminating racism and empowering women. We've shifted to a bottoms-up, grassroots structure. We've launched a revitalized brand that reaffirms the mission of working aggressively for women and people of color. And we're engaging women of all ages to carry on the YWCA mission for years to come. The YWCA advocacy issues reflect our mission and the values of our organization. We promote solutions to improve the lives of women, girls and people of color across the country. From lobbying for pay equity and hate crimes legislation to the increased funding for education programs and the Violence Against Women Act, the YWCA advocates on Capitol Hill while employees and volunteers empower women and girls in our communities. What We Do The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights and civil rights in Congress. Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic violence. They come for job training and career counseling. They come for health and fitness. They come for a variety of reasons. But they come. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.
