The YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality has a long history in the Pekin community. Founded in 1989 by a group of Pekin citizens committed to changing Pekin’s storied reputation as a community unwelcoming of differences, the Coalition for Equality truly supports the national YWCA mission of “eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” 

At the organization’s inception, a Human Rights Commission was formed. The YWCA Pekin took a leading role in bringing together individuals from different areas of the community to create the commission – a group that quickly became known as the Pekin Coalition for Equality. In 2004, the Coalition officially became a treasured program of the YWCA – a perfect match of missions. 

Over the years, a small but dedicated group of volunteers has kept the organization active and has grown its reach. Today, the Coalition for Equality sponsors at least one event, program, or activity a month. While predominantly geared toward educating and building diversity awareness for youth, all Coalition events are family-appropriate. Programs range from an annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in January to an “Until Justice Just Is” event in the spring, to a Juneteenth celebration, to participation in the Pekin Marigold Festival, and to the Coalition’s signature Feeding through Reading program – an initiative which aims to get diverse book titles into the hands of student readers in Pekin. The Coalition partners with many Pekin entities such as the Pekin Public Library, the Pekin Park District, the Pekin Housing Authority, the Pekin Outreach Initiative, Pekin School District 108, Pekin Community High School District 303, and others. 

To provide its programming, the Coalition relies on grants and the generosity of individuals and companies who believe in the mission and work of the Coalition. Donations and sponsorships are always gratefully accepted. To make a contribution to the YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality, you can visit ywcapekin.org or mail your donation to 315 Buena Vista, Pekin, IL 61554. All donations are tax-deductible as the YWCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 

Additionally, anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality should contact Maureen Naughtin at [email protected].