Upcoming events
Happy 2025 Zumba Party: Setting an Intention for Self-Care
Start your New Year with joy, movement, and community at our New Year Zumba Dance Party!
Join our beloved Zumba instructors, Bernice and Margo, for a high-energy, feel-good celebration that will leave you smiling and ready to take on 2025.
Introduction to Group Fitness Classes
New to group fitness? Explore our welcoming orientation sessions, including Strength & Cardio, Yoga & Stretch, Cycle, and Water Fitness. Designed for all fitness levels to help you find the perfect class.
Fundamentals of Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Discover balance and relaxation with Fundamentals of Tai Chi and Qigong! Join expert instructor Howard Root for slow, flowing movements and mindful breathing. Perfect for all levels—sign up today!
Strong Fast Fit Spring 2025
Strong Fast Fit welcomes youth to learn about and practice wellness through play, movement, meals and relationships with peers and trusted adults.
Spring 2025 session runs from Jan. 27-Feb 10.
Give to the Max Day 2024
Partner with YWCA Minneapolis and do something special this Give to the Max Day. Support our Early Childhood Education programs!
Open House Week
Join us for open house week to learn how a membership can help you meet your health goals!
We've got treats, a special join offer and friendly staff ready to show you around. Learn more about all the activities happening on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
STEM Cooking Club
Our free after school STEM Cooking Club meets Mondays from Oct. 14-Dec. 9.
Girls and gender expansive youth in grades 6-9 will learn cooking skills and the science behind cuisine.
Strong Fast Fit Fall 2024
Strong Fast Fit welcomes youth to learn about and practice wellness through play, movement, meals and relationships with peers and trusted adults.
Fall 2024 session runs from Oct. 7-Dec. 12.
Women's Triathlon
The 2024 YWCA Women’s Triathlon is the perfect opportunity to test your fitness, connect with the community and get inspired by athletes of every size, shape and level of ability.
Blake Wesley’s Free Basketball Clinic
San Antonio Spurs Guard Blake Wesley and professional training Jow Abunassar will lead a free camp for girls and boys ages 7-18.
Market Yoga at Mill City Farmers Market
Join us for free yoga on Saturdays in July. The 60-minute sessions start at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Mill City Farmers Market.
It's Time to Act!™ Forum Series
Moving From Conversation to Racial Justice Action
The goal of eliminating racism in Minnesota and beyond is within our reach. It begins with conversation, and it’s propelled by action.
Join YWCA in its mission to break through the barriers that perpetuate racism. It’s Time to Act!™ is a forum series that engages participants for deeper learning and action planning around issues of race, equity, identity and social justice.
The forums are a catalyst for changemaking, where attendees take a deep dive into issues affecting our community and are inspired to identify their own role and power to create change. Pairing lectures with intentional action planning, it is an opportunity for attendees to move from talk to action.
This event has been made possible by their generous support.
2023-2024 Series: Solidarity
Solidarity: Rematriation and Reparations
Join us for “It’s Time to Act” on May 7th to learn about Rematriation and Reparations as elemental to Solidarity movements among Indigenous, Black and Brown people in the United States
Speakers:
Dr. Kwame-Ross - Professor at Augsburg University and University of Minnesota
Dawn Laroque - Lead Support/Program Manager (Drop-In Center for Women) Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: In-Person: Rondo Community Library | 461 Dale St N, St Paul, MN 55103 (Virtual options available)
Cost: $20
Solidarity: Immigration across Communities
Join us as we dive deeply to understand what solidarity is and is not through learning specific narrative examples of cross-cultural, cross-communal solidarity among immigrants in Minnesota along with the challenges and energizing successes that arise in our local context.
Speakers:
Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director – CAIR-MN
Juventino Meza – Co-founder NAVIGATE MN and Capitol Pathway Internship
UyenThi Tran Myhre – Movement Building Associate with the Building Movement Project
Moderator: Suleiman Adan - Race Equity Consulting Manager
This event has ended.
Solidarity: Intersectional Identities Across Gender and Race
Inequities across gender and race are notably documented in our American history and those stories have galvanized numerous movements yet there is still work to be done. Looking through an intersectional lens, join us as we uncover how solidarity across gender and race has propelled actions throughout history and what can be realized in the evolution of these identities.
Speaker:
Dr. Rose M. Brewer - The Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor and past chairperson of the Department of African American & African Studies, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
This event has ended.
Become an Event Sponsor
Your support helps us move conversations about race to action.
With your sponsorship, your organization will become a visible racial justice champion, supporting programs that empower community members to address racial inequities on interpersonal, institutional and systemic levels.
Contact Us
If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities for this forum series, please contact engagement@ywcampls.org.
Contact David Lundin at dlundin@ywcampls.org or 612-215-4158 for payment assistance or for an invoice request.
For event support, contact engagement@ywcampls.org.
Questions? Contact our engagement team at engagement@ywcampls.org.
About YWCA’s Racial Justice and Public Policy Work
YWCA Minneapolis is a national leader in the field of racial equity; facilitating change and generating meaningful action in the workplace and the community.
Our Racial Justice and Public Policy Department works within the community to eliminate inequities on interpersonal, institutional and systemic levels through a continuum of moving from knowledge, awareness and skills to action. We do this by partnering with individuals, organizations and businesses through racial justice training, Inc.lude™ consulting, advocacy and workshops.
Tri Together Kick Off Event
Tri Together Kick Off Event
Get Ready to Tri Together: Dive into Training Tips, Prep Strategies, and Beyond!
Get ready to kick your triathlon training into high gear! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or diving into the world of triathlons for the first time, our comprehensive classes, both free and paid, are designed to elevate your preparation to the next level.
These kickoff parties are open to everyone, even if you are just considering doing a triathlon.
Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your potential and conquer your upcoming triathlon with confidence. See you at Midtown!
Date: Sunday, March 3 and Sunday, April 28
Time: 9:00 am
Location: YWCA Midtown Gym (2121 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Schedule:
9:00 am - 12:30 pm: Drop in to ask questions, register for the tri or pick up merchandise
9:00 - 10:00 am: Tri Basics Talk (Free Class)
10:15-11:15 am: T2 Bike and Run Workout (Paid Class)
11:15 - 11:45 am: Swim Demo (Free Class)
11:45 am -12:30 pm: Swim practice
Triathlon Youth Camp
Triathlon Youth Camp
Attention all youths aged 11-14 with an interest in or prior experience with triathlons! Join us for our Triathlon Youth Camp tailored specifically for you. This full-day event, running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, will take place at our YWCA Midtown location. During the camp, we'll cover everything from swim techniques, cycling strategies, to running tips essential for triathlon success. Lunch will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm, athletic attire, and a swimsuit for our pool session. More details to come. Hope to see you all there!
Until Justice Just Is
Until Justice Just Is
Until Justice Just Is (UJJI) is an annual campaign of YWCA USA, designed to build community among those who work for racial justice and raise awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism. This annual campaign provides the opportunity for communities across the United States to find an issue or cause that inspires them to unite their voices to educate, advocate and promote racial justice. UJJI is one part of our larger national strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism.
Take The Challenge
YWCA is excited to announce this year’s 2024 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge, will begin on April 1 and run throughout the month. YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege and leadership.
The weekly topics that will be explored are:
YWCA Day on the Hill - Postponed
Join us on March 25, 2024 for YWCA Day on the Hill, a joint initiative with YWCA Minneapolis and sister organizations YW St. Paul, YW Duluth, and YW Mankato
Race Against Racism (Cancelled)
Race Against Racism
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Race Against Racism, scheduled for Saturday, March 23, has been cancelled. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the inconvenience it may cause. To receive news and updates on this event, please join the interest list.
There is still action you can take to advance justice and raise awareness of systemic racism: join YWCA Minneapolis and communities across the country in the 2024 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge, which begins on April 1. The YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is the action component of the Until Justice Just Is campaign, which runs throughout the month of April.
Fighting Hate and Racism
We are at a crucial point as a nation, a point in time in which fighting hate and racism is more important than ever. It starts with recognizing our country’s long history with racism and its impact on our systems, structures and institutions. YWCA Minneapolis recognizes that if we want a just, peaceful society, it is our mutual responsibility to address racism.
Race Against Racism is an opportunity for our community to come together in the spirit of health and solidarity to raise awareness of this crisis and support YWCA’s Racial Justice programs of education, training, advocacy and change.
A race cannot end racism. But naming the need is vital, and every step we take together makes a difference. We will keep running until injustice is rooted out, institutions transformed and the world sees people of color the way we do: Equal, Powerful, Unstoppable.
FAQs
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During registration, you will select which of the two sessions you want to participate in as well as your estimated time to complete the run. You are not able to select a specific heat because runners will then be grouped based on their estimated times. If you want to make sure you’re running with someone specific but aren’t doing the team relay, please note that in your registration, and we will be sure you are grouped together. All racers will be notified of their heat times on Friday, March 22nd.
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Please try to be there for the start of your session, which will either be 9:00am or 12:00pm. We will have speakers and light refreshments for the first 30 minutes, and afterward, we will start the heats with a toddler trot. During the event, we will have several activities available for people of all ages as well as some food trucks. If for some reason you cannot be there the whole time, please make sure to show up at least 15 minutes before your scheduled heat, so we can get you checked in before it starts.
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Yes, all of the runners and activities will take place on the main floor. For safety reasons, we will not be using the upper track during the event.
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We will not be using timing chips or bibs. We will have a digital clock, so you can track your time as you run.
Sponsors
Partner Sponsor
Supporter Sponsor
After the Finish Line - Now What?
Tri Kick Off Parties
Tri Kick Off Events
Gear Up and Get Ready to Tri Together: Dive into Training Tips, Prep Strategies, and Beyond!
Get ready to kick your triathlon training into high gear! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or diving into the world of triathlons for the first time, our comprehensive classes, both free and paid, are designed to elevate your preparation to the next level. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your potential and conquer your upcoming triathlon with confidence. These kickoff parties are open to everyone, even if you are just considering doing a triathlon. See you at Midtown!
Date: Sunday, March 3 and Sunday, April 28
Time: 9:00 am
Location: YWCA Midtown Gym (2121 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Schedule:
9:00 am - 12:30 pm: Drop in to ask questions, register for the tri or pick up merchandise
9:00 - 10:00 am: Tri Basics Talk (Free Class)
10:15-11:15 am: T2 Bike and Run Workout (Paid Class)
11:15 - 11:45 am: Swim Demo (Free Class)
11:45 am -12:30 pm: Swim practice
Coffee & Conversation: Opportunities to Get Involved
Join us for an informal chat from the comfort of your home. Hear from our program staff as they share stories that inform, inspire and connect you to our mission. Ask questions and share as we open the floor.
Coffee & Conversation: Informal Virtual Chats
Join us for an informal chat from the comfort of your home. Hear from our program staff as they share stories that inform, inspire and connect you to our mission. Ask questions and share as we open the floor.
It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race™
It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race™
We’ve gone virtual — and free for everyone!
To provide this experience to all, we’re pleased to announce we’ve shifted to a FREE virtual event and opened registration to the community.
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Virtual
Free
Featuring Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, HuffPost Live, BET News and VH1 Live! and Former Political Contributor for CNN
Join us for our 21st Annual It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race™ which provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in crucial conversations on race and racism.
We are excited to host keynote speaker Marc Lamont Hill and breakout speakers Dr. Joi Lewis and Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre. During our virtual half-day summit, participants can connect with one another, attend the keynote address and attend two breakout sessions advancing in their racial justice journey.
Questions? Contact engagement@ywcampls.org.
Schedule
8:00 am: Event Opens
8:30 am: Welcome & Keynote – Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
9:30 am: Break
9:45 am: Breakout Session 1
11:00 am: Break
11:15 am: Breakout Session 2
12:30 pm: Event Ends
Keynote: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
Host of HuffPost Live, BET News and VH1 Live! and Former Political Contributor for CNN
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill shares a bold vision of the future, where social progress and the pursuit of equality depend on listening to each other while adopting a fearless attitude toward change.
As a scholar and award-winning author, Dr. Hill expertly dissects political and social moments as a way to initiate frank discussions on culture, politics and race. By identifying key issues, challenges, controversies and trends in the news, he spotlights the work that must be done to sustain the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.
Dr. Hill’s message emphasizes the importance of working across generations to promote America’s youth and even rely on them to inspire future progress. He provides concrete solutions for bringing communities together, along with anecdotes and examples to inspire hope and courage.
Breakout Sessions
May the Revolution Be Healing: We Don’t Have to Be Raggedy Revolutionaries
With Dr. Joi Lewis
This session offers us a collective space to ask: what constitutes a revolutionary act? What does revolution look like? Do we need to martyr and exhaust ourselves in order to be considered a true REVOLUTIONARY? We take time to reflect, ground in the present moment, and engage in radical re-imagining about what may be possible in terms of racial justice as we look towards a healed future. #MayTheRevolutionBeHealing
About Dr. Joi Lewis
Dr. Joi Lewis is a visionary community healer and facilitator of social justice. As a radical self-care strategist, speaker, author, scholar, philanthropist and CEO of Joi Unlimited, and President of the Healing Justice Foundation, Dr. Joi uses the Orange Method of Healing Justice outlined in her debut book, “Healing: The Act of Radical Self-Care,” to carry out her mission to “put healing in the hands of everyone, everywhere.”
She spent 20+ years in higher education leadership as a dean, vice president, chief diversity officer and faculty member. She holds a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Iowa State University and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively. She claims the Frogtown neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota as her adult home. Her work is deeply informed by growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois. Dr. Joi is an unapologetic joy instigator, radical self-care evangelist, a certified kemetic and hot vinyasa yoga teacher as well as a food prep pro. She offers this meditation to all who believe in liberation: #MayTheRevolutionBeHealing — which is also the title of her forthcoming book.
White Supremacy Isn't the Shark; It's the Water: Shaping More Precise Narratives
One thread that connects racial justice work at the personal and systemic levels is narrative: the stories we tell (and are told) about identity, culture, history and beyond, and how those stories shape both individual attitudes and larger-scale policies. In this interactive session, we will examine spoken word poetry as one tool for narrative-shifting work. This is not, however, a poetry workshop, or a conversation just for artists; rather, it explores how the specific tools that poets use (related to storytelling, imagery, metaphor, etc.) can be relevant to everyone engaged in racial justice work, whether they use an arts-based approach or not.
About Kyle "Guante" Tran Myhre
Kyle Tran Myhre (also known as Guante) is a poet, educator and activist based in Minneapolis. His work explores the relationships between narrative, power and resistance, and he’s performed everywhere from the United Nations, to music festivals like Eaux Claires and Soundset, to countless colleges, universities and conferences. A member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, Tran Myhre also completed his master’s studies at the University of Minnesota with a focus on spoken word, critical pedagogy and social justice education; in that spirit, his programs use poems as doorways into dialogue, critical thinking and community-building.
Building community to advance racial equity and inclusion
YWCA Minneapolis Forums empower community members to challenge the structures that uphold racial inequities. The largest of these events, It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race™ engages over 1,000 individuals annually to facilitate change. Our events are rooted in our three pillars of impactful engagement:
Awareness
Keynote speakers have dedicated their work to deeper understandings of racism. Their insight helps attendees move along their own racial justice journey.
Engagement
Research shows dialogue is the foundation for sustained change. Led by our trained racial justice facilitators, community members make the connection between theory and the reality of racism in our lives.
Inspiration
With knowledge and the support of others committed to racial justice, attendees are inspired to advance inclusion at work, in the community and with family and friends.
From Attendees
"Because of our participation, my employer is engaged in a cultural competency initiative and I’m playing a leading role in engaging diverse communities.”
"I wish every workplace had the opportunity to participate. We need this happening in so many more places in our communities.”
"I’ve been forever changed for the better thanks to this forum.”
Our Impact
In 2022:
1,000+ individuals virtually attended It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race™ and It’s Time to Act!™ Forum Series
2,200 diverse individuals gained racial justice understanding and were empowered to take action to eliminate racism through dialogues, workshops, forums and trainings
40+ organizations invested in creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces through Inc.lude™ Diversity & Inclusion Consulting
Sponsorship Opportunities
Event sponsorship connects your organization to this powerful racial justice program. Sponsors of the event will receive opportunities for customized consulting services by YWCA Minneapolis Inc.lude™ Equity and Inclusion Consulting.
For more information on 2023 sponsorship opportunities, please contact engagement@ywcampls.org.
Our 2023 Presenting Sponsor
Keystone Sponsors
The Bakken Museum
Comcast
About YWCA’s Racial Justice and Public Policy Work
YWCA Minneapolis is a national leader in the field of racial equity, facilitating change and generating meaningful action in the workplace and the community.
YWCA Minneapolis Racial Justice and Public Policy Department works within the community to eliminate inequities on interpersonal, institutional and systemic levels through a continuum of moving from knowledge, awareness and skills to action. We do this through assessment, inclusion planning and facilitated dialogues in the workplace.
It's Time to Talk: Forums on Race™
Join us for our 21st Annual It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race™ which provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in crucial conversations on race and racism.