There are many approaches employed by YWCAs nationwide to carry out our bold, dual-pronged mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, but two very specific priorities are present in all local Associations: our YWCA Hallmarks of Racial Justice and Women’s Economic Advancement. These are the common threads that unite YWCAs across the country, they reflect our strategic purpose, and they serve as a YWCA distinction.

YWCA Hallmark initiatives are designed to have a direct and measurable impact throughout each YWCA as well as beyond the YWCA’s daily programs and services. These impacts are achieved by first ensuring that YWCA policies, practices and program curricula reflect the priorities of racial justice and women’s economic advancement. YWCAs then expand their efforts by designing and implementing specific initiatives that meet the needs and opportunities present in their particular community.

YWCA Knoxville's Hallmark  Programs

Racial Jusice- YWCA's Big Read (held in the Fall) and YWCA's Annual 5K Race Against Racism (held the week of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday in January)

Women's Economic Empowerment- YWCA's Transitional Housing Program and YWCA Y-Teen