By Erin Barstow,
YWCA Missoula GUTS! Program Coordinator
Originally published on 6/14/13
The YWCA USA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., encompassed four days of women speakers, presenters and voices. Whether participating in one-on-one networking opportunities or listening to the inspiring speakers, the message was strong and clear: women of the YWCA speak with conviction. Women are daring, dreaming and achieving on such an impressive scale.
I was moved to tears by Ayanna Pressley’s address on “What Women Want: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Violence.” Pressley is a member of the Boston City Council At-Large and is the first woman of color ever elected to the Council. She spoke fervently about how broken girls become broken women, and then the cycle repeats. She encouraged the 400 attendees to embody the word “entitlement,” because “It means I’m strong enough to know what I deserve,” and talked about daring to be herself. I witnessed stories of survival, hope and progress. After her daughter was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Sharon Love started the One Love Foundation to end relationship violence. Commander Zoe Dunning made history fighting for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which excluded gay people from serving openly in armed forces. And Eva Longoria, whose philanthropy and advocacy in the field of racial justice is truly commendable.
I learned the power of my own voice while lobbying on Capitol Hill. Along with three other Montana women leaders, I met with our state representatives and senators to present and discuss issues relevant to Montana women and girls. We were known and respected for the work we do and were able to engage in meaningful conversations with these key players. We were given a mission: empower citizens on how Comprehensive Immigration Reform is a necessary step for this nation, for the 11 million aspiring Americans, for our economy, for each and every human being’s right to freedom and dignity. We stepped away from the conversation with real tools and action steps to enlighten our communities on this bill.

One thing is very clear to me: the YWCA is a sisterhood. I made contact with so many brilliant women, for example, a 35-year-old woman who was recently hired as CEO of her local YWCA. There are so many incredible programs. The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland’s youth leadership model is particularly notable to me, and so many young women are finding themselves and their passions through the work of YWCAs across the nation and the world. I connected with young women with whom I have been conversing solely via phone calls on the YWCA USA Young Women’s Task Force. I left D.C. with exciting ideas for the program I work for (GUTS!) and with real connections and relationships with women from across the country.
I returned to YWCA Missoula with a renewed sense of commitment to and passion for this organization. There is so much room for my personal and professional growth and so many accomplished women to follow and seek for mentorship and inspiration. My impact on the YWCA and the YWCA’s impact on me have just begun, and I am so excited to move forward.
Cross-posted with permission from YWCA Missoula
I spent four years trying EVERYTHING in Online Dating, and through a huge amount of trial and error, I produced a system that I will share for you. This book will take you, step by step, through everything you need to know to double, triple or even quadruple the number of women you meet online.
I travel all around the world for work, and it used to be really lonely. Now I can go onto Tinder and have a date lined up in a new city before I even get out of the airport!
I just like the helpful information you provide on your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check once more right here regularly.
I’m slightly certain I will be told many new stuff proper
right here! Best of luck for the next!
hi!,I really like your writing very a lot! proportion we communicate more
approximately your post on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to solve my problem.
Maybe that’s you! Having a look ahead to peer you.
I just like the helpful info you supply for your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check once more right here frequently.
I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right right here!
Best of luck for the following!
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it
from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really
make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your design. Bless you
Superb, what a web site it is! This blog gives
valuable facts to us, keep it up.
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account helped me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered shiny clear concept
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website
is great, as well as the content!
I’ve learn several good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how so much effort you set to create
the sort of excellent informative web site.