Young women United

Submitted by Mayahuel on Fri, 01/04/2008 - 17:56.

Vital Stats

Start Date: 07/31/1999

Money Raised: 180,000

Project Video

The Problem

Young Women United (YWU) is an organization created by young women of color and our allies focused on changing the relations of powers in Albuquerque.

We are helping young women build themselves as critical thinkers with the skills and tools needed to make change. By using their personal experiences in connection with the broader social justice movement, the young women can create positive change for individual growth and community participation. YWU has two components – Circle of Strength and Circle of Fire.

Circle of Fire (COF) is a group of women of color between ages 19-35. COF meets once a month for dialogues, sessions, trainings and to support each other in professional and personal endeavors. COF also serves as a support system for COS. COF is committed to empowering women and to creating a community free of patriarchy and violence.

Circle of Strength (COS) is a free, year-round leadership development and community organizing program for teenage women of color age 13-19 years old in Albuquerque. COS focuses on youth rights, self-determination and cultural pride as well as community action, leadership and networking with other youth in order to create positive changes and healthier communities.