In 1970, the YWCA National Convention adopted the final statement to its mission: "The Association will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary".

The Racial Justice program at the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles works to eliminate racism in our communities. It has provided field trips to middle school youth to the Museum of Tolerance, Skirball Museum and "Daniel's Story" (an exhibit told through the eyes of a 12-year old boy during his experience with the holocaust). All field trips have been preceded and followed by dialogues on racism. Additionally, the program has held race dialogues in numerous community locations, including Compton College. It also held Racial Justice Symposiums for the purpose of increasing awareness of racial issues and fostering interracial collaboration.

Racial Justice Symposiums have offered an opportunity for community members to discuss critical issues affecting race in Los Angeles. Some of the topics discussed in the past included:

• "Racism in Our Community: What to do now, for Ourselves and Our Future"
• "Upholding Affirmative Action"
• "Race Reality and the News: the Responsibility of the Media in Reporting the News about our Communities"
• "Racism and Economics: Constructive Solutions"
• "Race Relations in the New Millennium"

The Racial Justice program has worked with local efforts, such as those spearheaded by the Los Angeles Unified School District, the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles in the elimination of racism. In October 2000, the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles received the prominent John Anson Ford Award from the County of Los Angeles in recognition for our work in the area of human relations.

Finally, the Racial Justice program presents the prestigious Racial Justice Award, given to recognize the work of an individual who has dedicated her life to securing equal rights and social justice. Past recipients of the Racial Justice Award include Dolores Huerta, Secretary-Treasurer of the United Farm Workers Union; Constance Rice, Los Angeles Civil Rights Attorney; and Carla Arranaga, original organizer of the LA District Attorney's Hate Crime Suppression Unit.