YWCA USA

For other uses, including specific buildings and chapters, see Young Women's Christian Association (disambiguation). YWCA USA (YWCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. It is one of the oldest and largest multicultural organizations promoting solutions to enhance the lives of women, girls, and families. They have been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements for 165 years — from voting rights to civil rights, affordable housing to pay equity, and violence prevention to health care reform. Structure YWCA is a national organization with 215 local associations across the United States. At YWCA's annual meeting in May 2012, a transition from the prior regional structure to a national federated structure was approved, followed by the adoption of new bylaws in November 2012. YWCA’s Local Associations are separate and independent 501 (c)(3) organizations with their own Board of Directors, staffing and budget.