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Show fitriifwbw iftmithi lA&S& 'niftrifairrrawityTfTHi branch office on the city's west side. Programs and classes are offered free to Model Cities residents through a Model Cities Racism in grant. Children are now cared for duing evening classes and program in "both" YWCA's. Junior high students of many Salt Lake? by Sheilah Church, YWCA "There's no problem here!" "We haven't any problem with racism in Salt Lake City!" When moved here two years ago, heard this again and again from sincere people who honestly believed it. Even though didn't I I I didn't really quite believe it, worry about it either. When the focus is on racism, the phrase "no problem" may be I the greatest problem of all. Racism, in its subtlest form, is as rampant in the Salt Lake valley as in nearly every city in the country. A quick definition ... the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights defines racism as "any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates a person or group because of his or their color." According to a publication by the commissioner, racism can occur even if the people causing it have no intention of subordinating others because of their color, or are totally unaware of doing so. It goes on to say, "It is imperative that Americans, especially whites, understand racism well enough to recognize and counteract its pervasive forms in their own behavior and in the institutions around them." One institution in this community that is turning itself inside out to heed that command is the Young Women's Christian Association. YWCA members started just like everyone else . . . "There's no problem here! We aren't racist!" But then they began asking themselves why there weren't more Chicanos, Blacks, Indians and Asians taking classes, leaving their children in the nursery, working on committees and applying for jobs in the Association. joined the YWCA at this time, unaware of the turmoil, to lose a little weight. expressed a I I need to "get involved" in something other than diapers and baby talk, and grocery stores and pediatricians. Someone listened and was invited to a meeting to discuss how to eliminate racism from within the YWCA' If the few Black women present that hot summer night had known anything about me, they probably would have though "Oh, brother, there's another one!" For here I was . . a white, middle class housewife who had seen the word "racism" in the newspapers, but would die before she'd talk about "it" in front of Black women. I races and economic levels particpate in YWCA youth Instead of losing weight (I dropped my gym class) I grew and grew and grew. I may still weigh the same, but I'll never be the same. I'm still a white, middle class housewife, but at least see what my whiteness means. It's a start. But back to the YWCA's I story . . . Before this institution could accuse anyone else of racism, it had to accuse itself. At the meetings held last spring and groups. The students plan their own programs. At times, we are discouraged . . change is so slow. The YWCA's image in Salt Lake is still that of an organization of "white, middle class women who gather to learn to swim and sew." But the image will change as the YWCA begins to speak louder and louder. Will you listen as it becomes an exciting place where women and girls are fortified to change society? Will you help? getting it together SOMEWHERE Somewhere they say, beyond this earthly scene There is a better world awaiting us A paradise of gardens, ever green. Where people have no cause for fume nor fuss. Some even have described in full detail The proper place of every stick and stone. While others hold this seeming wonderous tale To be but in the imagination atone. I do not know (to guess, would be to lie ) If what they say is truth enough for me. Some day, somewhere, know I'm going to die And settle this "to be or not to be". But why go on and tell you when and how, When all around me mystery isnonow? - frank ho ward -- summer that attended, listened as members slowly and painfully admitted that simply because I I their organization was white, it was racist. They began an intensive study of the YWCA to find where "invisible" racism was hiding, to uncover it and to eliminate it. learned racism hides in the power structure . . the people who run things. Eliminating this has meant to YWCA leaders a shift in emphasis . . from mere equality to empowerment. predominately I To minorities, empowerment means having enough power so that they themselves can see to it that they are better off. The YWCA is trying to find ways to support the and rising in the Black and Brown and Yellow and Red communities. There's a lot more to it than just saying, "All races are welcome here." or "We are an self-determinati- If you are starting a business or are presently in business and self-awarene- need financial, management, marketing or accounting help. equal opportunity employer." In one extraordinary session. Blacks and Whites confronted each other, oftentimes angrily. Out of it came a list of 26 reasons for eliminating racism. Some are: Whites might get rid of guilt. There might be no more racial wars. The welfare rolls might be reduced as well as a reduction in crime and taxes. Health standards might rise, education might have a new chance, and there would be a complete use of manpower and human resources. The total environment could ODD or WRITE Sale Lake County be improved, including a tremendous cultural enrichment as we grew in appreciation of each You can learn to understand other's differences and strengths. necessary accounting procedures. took at the YWCA a year later, some of the policy changes made look impressive, others may not appear to have anything to do with racism. But they do. As 359-379- 5 I Community Development Office 444 So. Second West Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 For instance, financial barriers are being removed to make it possible for persons who can't afford YWCA fees to take classes and participate in other YWCA activities. The YWCA has opened a A FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE U PROGRAM FOR BUSINESS |