"I grew up in a Dutch family," she said. "We believed that giving back to your community with time and resources were each individual's responsibility. We had lengthy conversations about the complex issues of the day, and many differing opinions.

5. How political is the YWCA? Will there be any position on key presidential issues, say Roe vs. Wade, lesbian rights or family legislation?

Yes. We believe in reproductive rights and have a stated position. We have a national YWCA policy statement regarding immigration and a position statement supporting Early Childhood Education. The YWCA Women's Action Alliance was established to create a unified collective voice to address policies, practices and issues with the goals of empowering women, eliminating gender-based wage discrimination, reducing and ultimately eliminating hate crimes. We work toward supporting good legislation and blocking bad. The YWCA Women's Action Alliance provides access to and information about legislative bills to members so that they may make their own informed decisions. MORE