Justice Now

Learn. Act. Change your community.

What is Justice Now?

The fight for justice isn’t just for tomorrow — it’s for right now.

Justice Now is YWCA Lancaster’s new monthly program to help you build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take action for racial and gender justice.

Each month, we’ll break down important topics — from identity and bias to LGBTQ+ inclusion and community change — so you can better understand these issues and be part of the solution.

This is your chance to move from caring about justice to fighting for it.
Justice needs you. Right now.

What We’ll Cover

Each month, we’ll explore themes that matter for real change:

  • Identity and Power: Who you are. How the world sees you. Why it matters.

  • Language for Change: Learn the words and ideas that build movements and break barriers.

  • LGBTQ+ Community 101 & Breaking the Gender Binary: Break the gender rules and build a world where everyone belongs.

  • Equity in Our Community: What real justice looks like in Lancaster County.

  • Uncovering Bias: How to spot hidden bias and push back against unfair systems.

  • Intersectional Action: Fight for justice that lifts up all parts of who people are.

Each session includes ways to take action — not just talk about change, but make it.

Register for our 2025 sessions below!

Why Join?

Find Your Voice: Learn how systems of injustice work — and how to challenge them.

Find Your People: Meet others who believe in change and want to make a difference too.

Find Your Power: Get real tools you can use to create impact in your life, work, and community.

Hear from trained social justice facilitators and guest speakers from our community and learn ways to be more actively involved in social justice issues.

Two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available for each Justice Now session.

Justice Needs You.

The systems that cause harm won't fix themselves.
We need more people ready to speak up, stand strong, and build a better world.

If you’re ready to learn, act, and make a difference —
this is your moment.

Session Information

  • Tuesday, June 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Facilitated by Hannah Short & Veronica Willig


    Learn key LGBTQ+ terminology, explore gender identity with tools, and examine what it means to break the gender binary.

    This session includes discussions on pronouns, inclusive language, and leaders paving the way for gender justice. You’ll leave with concrete ways to take action and share your pronouns with confidence.

    Register Here

  • Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Facilitated by Hannah Short & Jill Heine


    Explore identity through interactive mapping, socialization, and personal reflection.

    This session will examine racial identity development, social determinants of health, internalized biases, and the influence of historical narratives. Understand how we notice differences, form comparisons, and develop our sense of self within systems of power.

    Register Here

  • Wednesday, August 20 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Facilitated by Hannah Short & Jennifer Van Buskirk Eaton


    Move beyond basic DEI concepts to deepen your understanding of justice work. Learn key terms like intersectionality, internalized racism, white privilege, and colorism.

    This session also introduces characteristics of white supremacy culture and how language plays a vital role in shaping equity conversations.

    Register Here

  • Wednesday, September 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Facilitated by Hannah Short & Anne Marie Torres


    What does equity look like at the local level? Using highlights from Lancaster County’s Racial Equity Profile, this session explores actionable change through policy, community engagement, and racial healing.

    Register Here

  • Wednesday, October 22 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Facilitated by Hannah Short & Heidi Freeland-Trail


    Discover how hidden habits and biases can cause harm—even with good intentions. Through real-life scenarios, reflection, and dialogue, learn to recognize micro and macroaggressions, dismantle oppression, and apply equity tools in everyday interactions.

    Register Here

  • Wednesday, November 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Facilitated by Hannah Short & Deborah Wilson Gadsden


    Explore the roots of intersectionality and how multiple identities shape our experiences. From disability advocacy and person-centered communication to understanding the web of power and privilege, this session offers strategies for inclusive change. Learn why this isn’t the “oppression Olympics”—and how to work toward liberation for all.

    Register Here

Questions?