As a campus organization, the YWCA of Ames-ISU has been serving Iowa State and Story County since 1890.ÿ Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members striving to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. The YWCA locally, nationally and internationally uses its collective power to work toward eliminating racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.

The YWCA has a long history of being on the forefront of social change. We work to educate the community and build tolerance around religion, race, gender and sexual orientation. Our programs and events are attended by women, men and children of all ages.ÿ

Our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women drives our programming today.ÿThe Race Against Racism 5K raises money for Camp Molding A Better Tomorrow. A shoe exhibit draws attention to the 154 men, women and children killed in Iowa over the last 10 years as a result of domestic violence. A list of baby sitters is provided for parents. International students visit Iowa schools to share their culture and country. A mentoring program matches ISU females with sixth and seventh grade girls.

These are only a few examples of our work, and it is vital, relevant and broad in scope.

Iowa State defines diversity as “that quality of its physical, social, cultural and intellectual environment which embraces the rich differences within the multiplicity of human expression and characteristics.” Long before a formal diversity policy was in place, the YWCA of Ames-ISU was working to make Iowa State and Ames a more inclusive community.ÿ

Funded through private contributions, fund-raisers, grants, the United Way of Story County, GSB (via ASSET) and kind support from ISU departments and community agencies, the YWCA now seeks to become a GSB-funded organization.

This move does not guarantee our organization any money from GSB; instead, the move reaffirms the YWCA’s role in helping to make Iowa State a more inclusive and diverse community in all regards. We encourage you to support this effort.

Sherrie Wolfe

Executive director

YWCA of Ames-ISU