On Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, YWCA Greenwich will debut its Young Women’s Initiative (YW-I).
This unique civic engagement training program for young women ages 16 – 20 will take place at YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich.
Mary Lee Kiernan and Simone Quartey. Contributed photo: Greenwich YWCA
The YW-I Workshop will include group seminars designed for young women from varied walks of life, who are passionate about civic engagement, community organizing, and activism.
Participants will gain valuable insights, skills, and resources to become effective community leaders and advocates. There will also be interactive breakout sessions and networking opportunities within the program.
“Civic engagement is more critical than ever, especially in this disinformation age. We owe it to the next generation to equip them with the tools and resources they need to advocate for the causes they care about,” said Director of the Center for Equity and Justice at YWCA Greenwich, Simone Quartey.
“While many believe those under 40 are disengaged from politics, I see it differently,” Quartey added. “They need to familiarize themselves with the civic process and local government. Our YW-I program aims to bridge this gap, empowering young women to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
This event’s featured speakers include the Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale, Patti Russo; the Vice President of Government & Public Relations at the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Liza Andrews; the Community Partnership Liaison for the State of Connecticut’s Paid Family, Nicole Sanclemente; and other women elected officials. YWCA
Greenwich welcomes applicants who identify as women, from all backgrounds, and are passionate about civic engagement and equity. Young women of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Lunch and refreshments will be provided as well as a $150 award to each participant.
The deadline to apply is July 20, 2024.
For more information or to register to participate, please visit www.ywcagrn.org/yw-i
Founded in 1919, YWCA Greenwich is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Greenwich provides programs for people of all ages and genders with initiatives that include preschool and after school programs, aquatics programs, youth athletics, health and fitness programs and seminars focusing on racial justice and women’s empowerment. Additionally, YWCA Greenwich is the only provider of both domestic and sexual violence services in Greenwich, with staff who are licensed to provide crisis intervention, counseling, shelter, and victim advocacy. These services are free.