YWCA of the Greater Capital Region and YWCA NorthEastern NY call all individuals to join us in taking a Stand Against Racism on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at the University at Albany. Stand Against Racism (SAR) will unite our community in a bold demonstration that delivers a clear message: We Are On A Mission To Eliminate Racism. The Stand Against Racism symposium will include a call to action for individuals to create change through action in their own lives and their communities.

Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA, held at over 200 sites annually across the nation. In 2018 we are united around the theme of Civic Engagement: Our Power, Our Mission, Our Future. For many, the term “civic engagement” refers only to voting, but it also applies to a much larger body of work. Defined as working to make a difference in communities through both political and non-political activities, civic engagement addresses public concern and promotes a better quality of life for community members. That full breadth of work is important, because voting alone cannot create systemic change.

The SAR Symposium will begin with an impactful speech from Keynote Speaker, Honorable Dr. Dorcey Applyrs. Dr. Applyrs has built a personal and professional life in the City of Albany devoted to improving the quality of life for residents in her community, Albany’s First Ward. The Washington, D.C. native tackles health disparity and environmental safety issues affecting her constituents with a persistence and passion that city leaders have come to recognize and depend upon. Dr. Applyrs was elected to the City of Albany Common Council First Ward in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.

Following the Honorable Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, we have partnered with community groups, local political leaders, and activists for social change to host breakout sessions focusing on how attendees can create change. Topics will span from how to run for office to how to stay involved in the community and with issues that develop after an election cycle. We are committed to bringing together individuals from different political backgrounds, who share the common goal of inclusion and active participation to create change in our communities.

Take a Stand Against Racism with us – together we can build stronger communities and create systemic change to eliminate racism.