YWCA rethinks no-men policy

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NEW YORK -- Convinced that the mandatory policy of female-only leadership is no longer sound, some of the YWCA's most vibrant affiliates are taking steps to admit men as members and directors -- a challenge that could either transform or fracture the 145-year-old organization.

YWCAs in Tucson, Ariz., and Olympia, Wash., have already changed their bylaws in defiance of national rules. Tucson expects to have a man on its board of directors within a few months, even if the consequence is expulsion.

YWCAs in Madison, Wis., Albuquerque, N.M., and San Jose, Calif., are moving in the same direction. Leaders of several other YWCAs are suggesting that local affiliates be allowed to set their own policies on the issue without fear of sanction.

Some of the pro-change leaders believe that men who support the YWCA's core missions -- empowerment of women and elimination of racism -- would be valuable allies. Others want to comply with nondiscrimination policies of local United Ways or other charitable funds.

"Our mission is to fight discrimination," said Olympia YWCA Executive Director Joan Cathey. "How can we philosophically and ethically do that if we're going to exclude men?"

The challenge has been spearheaded by the Tucson YWCA. Its executive director, Janet Marcotte, campaigned for several years to change national membership rules before her agency decided to proceed unilaterally.

"We're really pushing this," she said. "We're not willing to just leave and not be YWCAs anymore."

In response to the pressure from Miss Marcotte and her allies, the YWCA's National Coordinating Board has formed a task force to study the pros and cons of admitting men.

Audrey Peeples, the board's chairwoman, said she was unsure when the task force would draft recommendations, but she welcomed the review.