As a society, we've come a long way in eliminating racism and empowering women.

But we have a long way to go.

Women are routinely degraded in everything from pop culture to casual conversation; and devalued in the workplace, making only 76% of their male peers' salaries. And while very few people today publicly declare their racist views, hate still lives in the hearts and minds of millions.

The YWCA has actively worked to eliminate racism and empower women since 1858. We were there through suffrage. We held the first interracial conference in the South in 1915 and fought for civil rights and affirmative action.

We've made substantial progress in the law. But we can't merely legislate our way toward equality. We need to change what's in people's hearts and minds and right the wrongs of their perceptions. This is exactly what we intend to do.

Whether it's helping an abuse victim improve her situation, or providing quality childcare so a single mother can have peace of mind at her new job, or providing job training for non-traditional careers, or advocating for racial justice, our mission is always foremost -- we will do whatever we need to do to eliminate racism and empower women.

How will you make a difference?