All women cannot be empowered if we do not address the issues of race and racism.

YWCA of Greater Atlanta hosted its first citywide forum on race and gender in 2014. Now an annual event, this forum creates a safe space for Atlanta residents from all sectors of society to have an honest dialogue about the interconnectedness of race and gender and to discuss how inclusivity improves our society.

The 2017 CONVERSATIONS forum initiated thought-provoking dialogues and taught attendees skills that enabled them to promote change in their communities even after the event ended. This year’s theme was Building Allies. We explored how each and every one of us has a role to play in addressing systemic racism and sexism, and how we can support one another in our efforts to take action. Attendees were provided with the opportunity to connect with other community members to discuss strategies to help strengthen bonds and build allies together.

Corporations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and schools have found participating in this citywide forum to be thought-provoking and encouraging. Attendees left CONVERSATIONS inspired to personally take action to build alliances to improve race and gender equity at work, in the community, and with family and friends.

Thanks for Joining Us at CONVERSATIONS

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Atlanta Marriott Marquis

265 Peachtree Center Ave, NE

Registration: 11:00 am | Program: 11:30 am-1:30 pm

CONVERSATIONS 2017 Keynote Speaker

Symone D. Sanders

CNN Political Commentator

A champion for women, Symone D. Sanders is a strategist, communications consultant and CNN Political Commentator who rose to prominence during her tenure as the national press secretary for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. At 25, Symone demonstrated an uncanny command of the issues earning her a place in history as the youngest presidential press secretary on record and a spot-on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 16 young Americans shaping the 2016 election.

However, Symone was not new to presidential politics. When she was 16, she introduced former President Bill Clinton at a luncheon in Omaha, Nebraska. Following her remarks, President Clinton said, “Symone spoke so well I really hate to follow her.” President Clinton went on to write about Symone in his book, “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World”.

Now, Symone draws from her experience on the national stage to provide perceptive analysis on political and social issues. Her lively presentations challenge the conventional wisdom that strong communities are only defined by what we have in common. Instead, she outlines the way our differences contribute to effective social movements.

Learn More and Become an Ally

Being an ally requires ongoing commitment to learn, discuss, and ask questions. Below are further resources for understanding your role as an ally to explore for yourself and share with others.

Reading:

Courtney Ariel – For Our White Friends Desiring to be Allies

Community Toolbox – Learning to be an Ally for People from Diverse Groups and Backgrounds

Amy Gregg – Creating Space for Conversation

Carlos Maza – Call yourself and LGBT ally? Here’s how you can actually be one

Videos:

Mellody Hobson – Color Blind or Color Brave

The Icarus Project – Sea Change: Navigating Oppression

Other Resources:

Service Never Sleeps