Our History
Advancing social justice since 1866.
As the first YWCA in the nation, we are proud of our history as leaders in the causes of eliminating racism and empowering women. On March 3, 1866, 30 women in Boston established the first YWCA in the United States, with a mission to support young working women’s overall well-being. What followed has been over 150 years of YWCA Boston catalyzing unprecedented advances in women’s empowerment and racial and social justice in the city.
What’s in a name?
We are a proud member of YWCA USA, but that doesn’t mean we have a gym, or Zumba on Friday nights. Our work in Boston creates transformative change for women and people of color through leadership development, organizational development, youth development, and advocacy.
1886
On March 3, 1866, 30 women met in Boston at the home of civic reformer Pauline Durant to adopt a constitution for the Boston Young Women’s Christian Association. It was the first time in the United States the name “YWCA” was used. Their objective: “The temporal, moral, and religious welfare of young women who are dependent upon their own exertions for support.”
1927
We welcomed people of all denominations and races.
1986
During the 25th National Convention YWCA USA passed the One Imperative, “the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.”
2016
In 2016, we began referring to ourselves as YW Boston to emphasize that we are a nondenominational organization that welcomes people of all faiths.
Boston cannot maintain its position as a world-class city if it doesn’t recognize and utilize the talent of all of its citizens. YW Boston has been working on racial and gender equity since our founding in 1866, and we won’t stop until our mission has been accomplished. YW Boston is uniquely positioned to work with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to help make Boston equitable and accessible for all.
Marguerite Fletcher
Chair, YW Boston Board of Directors
The First YWCA in America
As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston has been at the forefront of advancing equity for over 150 years. Through our DEI services, advocacy work, and youth development programs, we help individuals and organizations transform policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with a goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.
