YWCA MDI

10/23/2026

How can we help raise awareness about Domestic Violence and the impacts it has on those in our community?

We can educate ourselves on what DV actually looks like - the signs and impacts on those experiencing violence.

We can listen to Survivors without judgement, and believe them when they share their experiences.

We can speak up when we hear someone make a joke minimizing violence, or challenge behaviors that normalize abuse when we see them.

We can know which resources are available to help Survivors of Domestic Violence, so we know where to refer others to help when needed.

NextStep is here to help - to support, to safety plan, to listen. If you are experiencing Domestic Violence, or you want to know more about how you can support someone you care about, please reach out to our helpline: 1-800-315-5579. For more information on our services, please visit www.nextstepdvproject.org

10/20/2026

Join the critical conversation about gender-base violence.

Today at 3 p.m., YWCA USA hosts a live conversation with the filmmakers of Watch You Rise, exploring safety, justice, healing, and systemic change. Please take care as you engage; this event includes discussions of sexual violence and trauma.

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vJ0e2yf-S6i6iPq6svmYEA #/registration

10/19/2026

Join us online for the YWCA USA virtual townhall tomorrow!

This Week Without Violence, we’re Rising Together to center young voices in ending gender-based violence. 💜 Join YWCA USA for a virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, October 20, at 12pm PT / 3pm ET! ➡ https://bit.ly/YWRisingTogether

10/14/2026

As part of , YWCA USA is hosting a national virtual town hall on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. with clips from Watch You Rise and a live conversation with the filmmakers about safety, justice, healing, and the changes needed to end gender-based violence.

Content note: This event includes survivor stories and discussions of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and trauma. Please take care of yourself and engage in whatever way feels right for you.

👉 Register here for the Oct. 20 virtual event: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vJ0e2yf-S6i6iPq6svmYEA #/registration

10/12/2026

The YWCA MDI office is closed today in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

We honor the Wabanaki, the People of the Dawnland, and the land we are located on, where they have lived since time immemorial.

We hope you'll join the for special programming from 10am-5pm at the museum today! Details here: https://www.abbemuseum.org/events/oct13-indigenous-peoples-day

10/12/2026

Before Bar Harbor, before Maine — this was, and is, Wabanaki land.

This , we honor the Wabanaki, the People of the Dawn, whose relationship to this place stretches back thousands of generations and continues today. We also honor all Indigenous peoples, here and around the world, on this day.

Acknowledgment matters. Action matters more. Here are just a few organizations to support and stand with Wabanaki communities:
🔹 Wabanaki Alliance — sovereignty & advocacy
🔹 Abbe Museum — Wabanaki history & culture, right here in Bar Harbor
🔹 Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance — sustaining generations of craft
🔹 First Light — returning land to Wabanaki Nations

Honor. Learn. Show up. 🧡

10/11/2026

Nearly 1,200 children were legally married in Maine before we finally closed the loophole in 2025. Most were girls — wed to adult men years older than them, with no real power to say no.

Child marriage is still legal today in 33 other states, where a parent's signature or a judge's approval is all it takes to marry off a child. Every one of those marriages raises a girls' risk of domestic violence. Every one cuts off her path to education and healthcare.

This , we ask you to take action:

📞 Call your state legislator and ask where they stand on ending child marriage
✍️ If you live in one of the 33 states without a ban, tell your representative you want a bill with no exceptions
💛 Donate to organizations fighting this fight on the ground
📣 Share this post — most people have no idea child marriage is still legal in their state

Children deserve the right to grow up protected and given the chance to determine their own future. Child marriage takes that choice away.

10/09/2026

Reminder! Join the Abbe for Indigenous Peoples' Day - Monday, October 12, 2026. Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pay-what-you-can admission!

REMINDER!
Join us at the Abbe for Indigenous Peoples' Day - Monday, October 12, 2026.

Pay-what-you-can admission. Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Presentations at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm featuring special guests Grammy Award Winner Defoe (Ojibwe + Oneida), and Passamaquoddy Storyteller @ Minquansis Sapiel. (Presenting together, both times)

The Abbe is grateful for the partnership of Smithsonian Folklife. Ty Defoe presentation funded by NEFA

10/08/2026

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Myth vs. Fact

Abuse may look like constant criticism, manipulation, controlling access to money, online stalking, threatening messages or sharing private images without consent. Not all abuse leaves visible bruises, but all abuse can have lasting impacts.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let's expand our understanding of abuse and help create communities built on respect, safety and healthy relationships.

To learn more, visit https://www.mcedv.org/learn-about-abuse/ for resources, statistics and ways to seek help if you need it.

10/06/2026

We’re one week away from our Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration! Join us on Monday, October 12th at Capitol Park in Augusta for a day of drumming, dancing, and celebrating our presence in our homelands now called Maine. We will be showing “We are the Warriors” and “Bounty” followed by guided reflection and discussion. Every day is a great day to be Indigenous and we look forward to being in community with you all!