Challenge yourself to learn more about equity

Asheville, N.C., Jan. 10, 2020 - These are trying times for our community. Passionate citizens have strong feelings about many societal concerns. The YMCA has been there for times like these for more than 175 years, offering services, programs, and spaces for belonging that people want and need.

This month we’re launching a Social Responsibility Challenge series that will continue our tradition of service by providing opportunities for all of us to learn how to create more equitable and inclusive communities, where self-reflection and civility thrive.

The first challenge addresses issues of race, bias, and privilege that affect racial equity. It begins on Jan. 20 in honor of Black History Month and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who taught us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Taking part is simple. Starting Jan. 20 and continuing for the next several weeks, you’ll get emails that will foster your understanding and awareness through activities such as reading an article, watching a video, or reflecting on a personal experience. We’ll finish up in March with an optional in-person discussion.

Future Social Responsibility Challenge topics will cover other forms of prejudice and discrimination, such as that against women, immigrants, Native Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, the diverse-abled, the unhoused population, the aging, and people from different faith communities.

We invite you to take this opportunity to join hands with others in our community as we work to build more effective social responsibility habits. You can sign up for the challenge between now and Monday, Jan. 20.