Staff Reports

200,000 individuals expected to participate April 30.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups operating in the United States has grown by 54 percent in the last eight years, reaching nearly 1,000 today. SPLC’s Intelligence Report sites “immigration fears, a failing economy, and the successful campaign of President Obama” as the factors that have fueled the increase.

Recognizing that racism divides a community and keeps individuals from achieving success in education, economics, employment, and quality of life, the YWCA created the Stand Against Racism to combat the spread of hate and intolerance, and to honor and celebrate the richness of diversity.

In 2009, the program attracted more than 300 partnering organizations that became participating sites by hosting local “stands.” Some 30,000 individuals attended, helping raise awareness that racism hurts everyone. Participants included school-age children, elected officials, executives of large corporations, church leaders, and others.

The 2010 Stand Against Racism is planned for April 30, 2010. “The YWCA of Asheville is calling on all local organizations, corporations, churches and other houses of worship, government agencies and individuals in western North Carolina to join with us by becoming a participating site of the 2010 Stand Against Racism,” announced Holly Jones, YWCA Executive Director. “Any group of any size that believes in a society free of racism is invited to join us.”

Each participating site hosts its Stand Against Racism event at its own location, which can be private or open to the public. Participation is free, and the YWCA will provide all the necessary materials and documents, including a “How to Run the Event” template that can be customized to meet the organization’s needs.

Whether an organization’s “stand” is a small gathering at work or a large rally or march, all activities will echo the theme “racism is unacceptable!” This year the Stand Against Racism will be a collaboration of 65 YWCA Associations throughout the United States.

For more details, please visit www.StandAgainstRacism.org. For local information, please contact the YWCA of Asheville at www.ywcaofasheville.org.