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What is the YWCA Berkeley?
The YWCA is an independent, non-profit organization which provides programs, classes and resources for University of California at Berkeley students and the Berkeley community. All of our programs welcome women and men, and have no specific religious affiliation. We are open to the public year-round.
Our Mission
Strengthened by diversity, the Association draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
The One Imperative
The Association will thrust its collective power towards the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.
A Brief History of the YWCA Berkeley
The YWCA was founded in 1889 by 17 women students dedicated to providing community service, leadership training, and support services for women on campus. The first headquarters were located in Stiles Hall, on the corner of Dana Street and Allston Way in Berkeley and were shared with the YMCA.
The Early Years
In 1903, the first housing survey is made by the YWCA. Scholarship and emergency loan funds are established as well as a student employment bureau. The earthquake of 1906 turns Stiles Hall into a relief and refugee center. In 1917, the United States Government and the University take over Stiles Hall to use as barracks for aviators. YWCA members contribute to the war effort by raising funds for the American Red Cross. In 1918, a survey is made of all foreign women students registered at the University. Because 21 countries are represented, the National YWCA War Work Council grants $35,000 to the YWCA for a new building to continue their work with women on campus. Julia Morgan is selected as the architect of the new "Y Cottage." In 1929, the first orientation is started by the YWCA for new women students at Cal.
The Middle Years
In 1957, the Cottage is sold to the University of California to make way for expansion. New property is obtained at Bancroft and Bowditch. Joseph Esherick is selected as the architect for designing the new building. Also in 1957, the YWCA conducts a survey of discrimination in student housing which leads to the formation of the Chancellors' Committee on discrimination. In 1965, English-in-Action is started, a program providing conversational English practice for visiting scholars and foreign students. In 1969, Planned Parenthood is housed at the YWCA which opened the door to its being housed at Cowell Hospital one year later. In 1970, The YWCA secures money to provide a tutoring program for students admitted under the Economic Opportunity Program. Also in 1970, the Black Unit is launched, with Black staff developing programs for Black students and members of the University community, and the YWCA adopts the National YWCA Imperative, "to work for the elimination of racism, wherever it exists and by any means necessary." In 1975, the YWCA adds "classes" to its program format.
Literature About YWCA
For lots of information about the first 100 years of the YWCA at the University of California, Berkeley, we have a wonderful resource available: Standing Ground and Starting Point - 100 Years with the YWCA by Dorothy Thelen Clemens (available on loan or to purchase)
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