YWCA White Plains Changes Female-Only Membership and Governance

With 14 votes in favor, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester (YWCA) Board of Directors unanimously voted to change its by-laws and petition the YWCA USA to become gender-neutral. This summer, history was made when the YWCA USA Board of Directors voted to approve the change. This will allow men and those who might identify as non-binary (neither male nor female) to become members and eligible to join the YWCA’s Board of Directors for the first time in its 90-year history.

"Including men and individuals who identify as non-binary on the board allows the YWCA to reflect the community and the wide range of clients we serve in a way that single-gender governance does not. We hope that this change will foster diversity of thought and new perspectives on the board,” said Eileen Simon, Board President of the YWCA.

Maria Imperial, YWCA CEO, says, “It’s impossible to talk about eliminating racism and empowering women without including men as allies and partners.” Imperial continues, “For years we have advocated for more women to be included on corporate boards because diversity is a key ingredient for better decision-making and for innovation. The addition of men and individuals who identify as non-binary will strengthen our board of directors and our organization.”

Founded in 1858, the YWCA USA membership and governance was initially limited to women and girls. Men and boys were admitted as associate members and could serve as staff, donors, volunteer or program participants, but could not be voting members or directors. In 2003, the YWCA USA’s Board of Directors changed its by-laws to allow local associations to welcome men as voting members and in governing positions under certain circumstances including that the association obtain approval from the national organization.

Men have been long been serving the YWCA as volunteers and on advisory boards, but the move to include men on the governing board signals a new era for the agency. In the past, the nonprofit had to refuse men who wanted to serve on the board.

The YWCA’s mission will remain unchanged. For almost 90 years, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester has been eliminating racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, helping families and strengthening communities. The YWCA invites men to become part of our movement and is actively recruiting men to become part of our governing board.

New board members are appointed to serve a single, three-year term. The Board of Directors works to implement the organization’s strategic plan and advance YWCA’s mission. For more information about how to give your time, talent, and tenacity to the YWCA Board of Directors, please contact Maria Imperial, mimperial@ywcawpcw.org or visit www.ywcawpcw.org.

About the YWCA

Since 1929, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester has been a pioneer for social change through innovative programs that improve the lives of women and families.

Each week the YWCA serves over 4,000 women, children and their families through our Women's Residence, Racial Justice initiatives, Girls Leadership, child care, early education, after-school, summer camp, health and wellness, and other social change programs