Racial Equity Institute
Empowering individuals and organizations to confront racism and promote equity.
Sign Up to Participate: Fill out the form below to register, and our team will reach out to you with more information! Together, we can make a difference.
Registration Form
Join us for our next Community REI on Tuesdays, November 12th, 19th, and 26th!
The Racial Equity Institute at YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to confront racism and promote equity in their communities. Through workshops, training sessions, and resources, the institute provides the tools and knowledge necessary to challenge systemic inequality and foster meaningful change. Join us in building a more just and inclusive society—because advancing racial equity benefits us all.
What to Expect at the Racial Equity Institute:
1. Engaging Workshops and Discussions
Participants will dive into interactive workshops that challenge traditional narratives and provide a comprehensive understanding of racial equity. These sessions focus on systemic racism, its impact on communities, and how we can work together to create lasting change.
2. Practical Tools and Strategies
REI equips participants with actionable tools to implement racial equity in personal and professional settings. Whether you're seeking individual growth or organizational transformation, you'll leave with strategies to start or enhance your racial equity journey.
3. Thoughtful Dialogue and Reflection
Expect a safe, supportive environment where open dialogue is encouraged. Participants will reflect on their own experiences, learn from diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations that foster understanding and empathy.
4. Real-World Case Studies and Scenarios
Workshops incorporate real-world examples to illustrate the challenges and successes of racial equity efforts in various sectors, from business to education. This helps participants connect theory with practical application.
5. Networking and Community Building
You’ll join a diverse group of individuals who are equally committed to advancing racial equity. Participants will have opportunities to connect, share resources, and build relationships with others who are passionate about creating inclusive spaces.
6. Tailored Support for Individuals and Organizations
Whether you're attending as an individual or representing an organization, REI offers support tailored to your needs. Participants can receive guidance on implementing equity initiatives in the workplace, or personal advice on advancing their own understanding and impact.
7. Continuing Education and Resources
The Racial Equity Institute provides access to ongoing resources, including reading materials, toolkits, and follow-up sessions. You’ll leave with a robust foundation and the resources to keep learning and advocating long after the workshop ends.
Voices of Impact
“This training should be mandatory for onboarding in all types of organizations, including non-profits, for-profits, local businesses, government entities, faith-based organizations, and healthcare institutions. It is essential for any entity that employs individuals to ensure a comprehensive understanding and commitment to addressing the critical issues of gender and racial equity as covered in the training.”
““I really enjoyed it. It helped to make me more aware of my own biases and better understand the needs of people of other genders, races, and backgrounds. Thank you!” ”
“The REI training proved was exceptional, fostering thoughtful reflection and discussion. I believe it inspired those of us in attendance to take accountability for our own inappropriate actions and behaviors. The program encouraged open and challenging conversations about various crucial topics such as race, racism, inequality, equality, justice, equity, representation, prejudice, discrimination, stereotypes, institutional and systemic power, white privilege, white fragility, microaggressions, intersectionality, SDOH, and systems of oppression. It was an opportunity to listen and hear another person’s point of view without judgement, but with the intention of listening to hear the humanity in the stories and experiences.”
