Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity

The Y community is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure everyone—regardless of gender, income, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, or cultural background—has the opportunity to live life to its fullest. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith—everything we do stems from it.

We know that the key to effectively empowering the potential of children, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors is a passionate, experienced, and diverse array of staff, volunteers, and members who value what everyone brings to the table. Working in 10,000 U.S. communities and more than 120 countries worldwide makes strong diversity and inclusion practices paramount for the Y.
 

• Recognizing that a diverse and inclusive organization is foundational to developing and engaging everyone across the entire Y spectrum.  Our volunteers, members, program participants, families, leaders, staff, vendors, suppliers, donors, collaborators, and the community at large all contribute to our efforts to make positive, lasting personal and social change. 

• Believing we all benefit from the unique talents of our diverse staff.  We encourage all Y employees to form and participate in active groups with other employees who share similar interests.  These Employee Resource Groups give our 20,000+ employees opportunities to contribute, learn, network and share experiences as they progress in their careers.  YMCA Affinity Groups provide invaluable input and insight to address challenges in our communities.

• Offering professional development and training programs that steward staff through a range of opportunities that build 21st-Century leadership competence and help them obtain the experience they need to lead YMCAs in all our communities.
   

Diversity and inclusion practices at the Y foster a high-performing learning environment where staff and volunteers are engaged, valued, and encouraged to collaborate, generate ideas, and contribute at the highest level.  We are passionate about our purpose and know that our ability to achieve it begins with reflecting and partnering with all people and communities.