Part I of the Leadership Orientation gives us a look into the rich and fascinating history of the YWCA that makes it such an important and vital organization. Historic highlights, our national organizational structure - how we work and relate to both each other and to our sister YWCAs in other parts of the world and the meaning of our legacy as a membership movement will be addressed.

Also addressed in this section is the YWCA Mission. The YW Mission is fundamental to all managerial activities. It is the foundation for all that we do. Therefore, it is essential that the President and the Executive Director recognize that their roles as leaders of the YWCA commits each to the responsibility of forwarding it.

Part I will lay the foundation for enabling leaders to understand our structure and history and to commit to the Mission. Upon completion of Part 1, you will be able to:

• Cite at least three historical highlights in YWCA history.
• Describe one unique aspect of the YWCA as a membership movement.
• Identify at least four values expressed in the YWCA Mission.
• List at least three key strategies to ensure that YWCA activities and operational functions are consistent with the Mission.
• Distinguish the difference between mission and vision.
• Describe the role diversity plays in the elimination of racism.
• Outline a process for implementing the One Imperative in at least one association program.
• Strategize a way the YWCA can function as a change agent for racial justice in your community.