ADVANCING TOWARD OUR BE S T by Catherine Klene
The American Youth Foundation is dedicated to forming Diversity, and Inclusion, in late 2021. Ford holds a master’s degree in transformational, inclusive program communities at Merrowvista social work, spent years as a seasonal staff member at Miniwanca and Miniwanca. In May, AYF leadership invited alumni, families, and and Merrowvista, and is a member of the inaugural class of Mulcahy participants to gather online for Advancing Toward Our Best, a Fellows. webinar to learn more about how the organization plans to further “It’s so important to support our words with real, measurable action,” that goal in the next few years. Ford said. “The AYF is leaning into those difficult yet rewarding “The pandemic gave us the opportunity to listen to the needs of youth conversations. We are building strong foundations to make greater today,” said President Anna Kay Vorsteg. “Life in 2022 calls us to do change.” better, to support participants through difficult and sometimes scary One key element of this work was the creation of the AYF’s Diversity, times.” Equity, and Inclusion Committee in February 2022. This 16-member The AYF has spent the last two years listening to staff and participants committee is currently assessing the AYF’s larger mission and values discuss how programs can be safer, more welcoming spaces for all. through a DEI lens and developing a strategic plan with actionable “To be their best selves, youth must be able to be their authentic steps to support those objectives. selves,” Vorsteg said. “The AYF is committed to creating inclusive “It is important the committee represent different demographics, spaces for all participants, especially people of color and LGBTQ+ identities, and experiences within the AYF, including the amount of youth." time spent with the organization,” Ford said. “The committee includes To help lead the organization toward this multifaceted goal, the AYF people who have experienced programs at Miniwanca, Merrowvista, welcomed Ambrean Ford to a new role, Director of Community Life, and National Leadership Conference.”
Mulcahy Fellows gather for an annual retreat. 8
