ywcaHamilton, Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the YWCA Hamilton Located?
Does the YWCA have facilities that can be rented for special occassions?
Is the YWCA and its local associations for women only?
What is the purpose of the YWCA?
How many people do you serve?
When was the YWCA founded?
Is the YWCA a "social services" agency?
How is the national YWCA structured?
Besides providing governance, what is the purpose of the Regional Councils?
Is the YWCA and its local associations for women only?
Although YWCAs focus on women's needs and issues, design programs around those issues, and are managed by women, they include men in staff positions, committees, Advisory Boards, and many programs. The YWCA recognizes the role men play in the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.
What is the purpose of the YWCA?
Racial Justice and Women's Economic Empowerment are the Hallmark Programs of the YWCA. They carry out our mission. These are a reflection of our brand. This is what distinguishes the YWCA from all other socially conscious organizations.
How many people do you serve?
Currently, the YWCA represents approximately 2 million women, girls and their families in the United States and 25 million women worldwide. The YWCA has nearly 300 associations throughout the United States. YWCAs can be found in more than 100 other countries.
When was the YWCA founded?
London, England was home to the first YWCA, which was established in 1855. The United States soon followed with its first chapter in 1858. The first National Board was constituted in 1906. The YWCA in Hamilton was founded in 1900.
Is the YWCA a "social services" agency?
Yes, in the sense that the local organizations are major providers of services that meet women's needs. At the YWCA Hamilton, these include: domestic violence assistance, shelters for domestic violence victims and their families, job training, career counseling, supportive residential program for women, and fitness training. Just as important as the programs, however, is that the YWCA creates community among women, develops women's leadership in a supportive environment, fosters diversity, and brings about real change through advocacy.
How is the national YWCA structured?
In 2001, YWCA members voted to restructure the national organization. The grassroots Change Initiative changed the top down structure to a bottom up structure grounded in the work of local associations. Nine separate Regional Councils were created and each local association affiliated with a Regional Council. Each local association sends two representatives to serve on the Board of Directors of their Regional Council. The Regional Council in turn elects two representatives to serve on the National Coordinating Board, the governing board of the YWCA. In addition, each Regional Council sends representatives to serve on the national committees, thereby giving extensive local representation on the regional and the national level. The national office has been charged primarily with conducting advocacy at the national level and is responsible for marketing and branding.
Besides providing governance, what is the purpose of the Regional Councils?
The primary purpose of the Regional Councils is to provide support and training for our member associations, to provide resources and encouragement for program and leadership development, and to serve as a conduit for information to and from the national office, board, and committees and the member associations.
The Regional Council provides information to the member associations that it receives from the national office and board, from other Regional Councils, and from the other member associations. The Regional Council also provides the national office and board with information and input from the member associations.
