Question

If you are working on the YWCA project, you will be researching its history of activism in NYC. Phase II: Research history of activism in NYC, YW role and integration. Please incorporate the following into Phase II of your paper: Review New York City’s history of activism and think about how history can inform activism in the current historical context. What history do some companies have in activism? Could this cross over into the rise of unions at the turn of the 20th Century as opposed to their relevance today? What industries do you feel were more enlightened? Who are the historical figures associated with the YW and NYC? Eg. Dorothy Height The YW serves girls 9-24, but they have a network of corporate women leaders we they want to cultivate. What topics would be of interest to each of these groups, such as who are the voices that resonate with each generation? A girl of 9-24 would not recognize Dorothy Height as someone older would.

Answer 1

History of activism of Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in NYC:

• For more than 160 years, YWCA has been working towards several issues for women. Some of them are empowerment of women, fighting against racism, protection of their civil rights, fighting for pay equality, affordable housing, and better health care for women, and prevention from violence.
• The history of first association of YWCA in U.S lies in 1858 where YWCA was formed and this social movement was started.
• In the year 1860, the very first boarding house for opened in New York City for working women (factory workers and teachers), and students.
• The history of activism of YWCA lies in the between 1904-1945, where African-American YWCA segregated from board of YWCA in order to gain freedom and support in their work.
• It has the history that during inter war periods YWCA helped in educational and cultural development of women.
• YWCA had overcome many economic and social challenges.
• In order to meet the requirements of working women in industrial jobs YWCA founded industrial clubs at Harrison Company, Kresge Company, and Niagara Textile Company. These clubs concentrated on encouraging women in self-grooming and empowering them to raise voice against discrimination and violence.
• Harrison was amongst the biggest companies of Lockport that employed women as their key workers.
• The companies that supplied equipment for wars employed women in large number. And these employments lead to activism of YWCA during war period.
• I believe that this did crossover the rise of unions at the turn of the 20th Century as opposed to their relevance today.
• The industries that are more enlightened are majorly the auto workers, steel workers and education industries.
• Emma Robarts and Mrs. Arthur Kinnaird are the historical figures who actually founded YWCA in Boston and they made first appearance in NYC in year 1858 by opening women’s residence in NYC.
• At present Alejandra Y. Castillo is serving as CEP of YWCA.