CULTURE CONNECTION AT
THE YMCA OF METRO FORT WORTH AUG
INSIDE THE ISSUE
For Your Education Equity Versus Inclusion
Advancing Equity: Opportunities to Advance Equity
For Your Engagement
New National ERGs
Apply to go to EMLE 2024
Join our DEI Council
For Your Calendar
Women of Excellence Events Around the Movement National Holidays to Celebrate
Tell Me Something Good
Kollin’s Story
Back-To-School Event Support Squad
Congratulations to Beverly Brown
July Gift Card Winner
REFLECTING ON OUR SUMMER ACHEIVEMENTS
As summer comes to a close, let’s reflect on the vibrant initiatives and achievements of our DEI community. This season, we saw inspiring workshops, meaningful conversations, and innovative programs that fostered inclusion and equity across our organization. We introduced this new DEI newsletter, designed to keep you informed and engaged with our ongoing efforts. We launched impactful programs that brought our community together, fostered understanding, and promoted equity. Our YMCA programs have been particularly beneficial, offering diverse activities and resources that support individuals and families. From youth mentorship and educational support to wellness programs and cultural events, these initiatives have strengthened our community bonds. Our staff also participated in comprehensive development workshops, such as the Academy and Dimensions of Diversity, enhancing their skills to better serve our diverse members. As we celebrate our summer successes, we're gearing up for even more meaningful work this fall. Thank you for your commitment to making our YMCA a more inclusive and welcoming space for all. Thank you for your dedication and passion let’s keep this momentum going!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Edward Everett Hale
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT THE Y
Our Commitment
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility they guide everything we do.
Together, we celebrate strong inclusive communities. FOR ALL.
We Believe
Access, inclusion and engagement helps to ensure the Y’s continued relevancy, viability and impact as a cause-driven organization focused on strengthening community.
FOR YOUR EDUCATION
EQUITY VERSUS INCLUSION
Equity and Inclusion are both critical components of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but they focus on different aspects of creating a fair and supportive environment.
Here's a comparison of the two:
Equity
Equity is about fairness and justice in the way people are treated. It involves recognizing and addressing disparities and barriers that individuals face, ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity often requires providing different levels of support based on individual needs to achieve equal outcomes.
Focus: Fairness and justice.
Goal: To provide everyone with what they need to succeed.
Approach: Tailoring resources and support to address the unique challenges and barriers faced by different groups.
Inclusion
Inclusion is about creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and able to fully participate. It involves fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and considered.
Focus: Belonging and participation.
Goal: To create a culture where all individuals feel welcomed and valued. Approach: Encouraging diverse voices, promoting respect, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Key Differences
Equity addresses the what (the resources and opportunities needed) and how (methods to achieve fairness), while Inclusion focuses on the experience and environment (ensuring everyone feels they belong and can contribute). Equity is about justice and fairness, often requiring different levels of support, whereas Inclusion is about participation and belonging, emphasizing the value of diversity.
Example
Equity: In a classroom, equity might mean providing additional tutoring or resources to students who need extra help due to various challenges, ensuring all students have an equal chance to succeed.
Inclusion: Inclusion would involve creating a classroom environment where all students feel respected and encouraged to share their perspectives, ensuring that every student feels they belong and are valued.
Both equity and inclusion are essential for creating a truly diverse and supportive environment. They work together to ensure that not only are opportunities available to everyone, but that everyone also feels welcome and valued in their environment.
CONTINUE YOUR LEARNING ON LCDC WITH THIS MONTH’S FEATURED COURSE:
Advancing Equity: Opportunities to Advance Equity
To fulfill the Y’s purpose of strengthening community and to support the Y’s goal of being an anti-racist, multicultural organization, Y staff must develop awareness of their leverage points to influence operations at their Y to have more equitable outcomes. In this course, staff will identify opportunities to advance equity at their YMCA. Through a review of Y programs, staff will practice assessing them using an equity lens to practice identifying modifications to ensure the intended outcomes of the program are met. This course is part three of a three-part series of eLearning courses about the Y’s approach to advancing equity. Students are encouraged to take all three courses in the eLearning series. This course will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Leadership Competency Developed: Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity Email mpierce@ymcafw.org a copy of your certificate by August 31 and be entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Card. Click the course name to be directed to LCDC.
FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT
TWO NEW EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS
Congratulations to the Disability Community Resource Network and the Native American Indigenous Resource Network for being recognized among the now 8 National Employee Resource Groups at Y-USA. Since 2022, a group of seed committee members comprised of Y staff, volunteers and leaders convened courageously and diligently in working towards formal recognition.
Click here to join the NAIRN Click here to join the DCRN
APPLY TO GO TO EMLE 2024
We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for professional development and networking: the upcoming Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE). This conference, held in Virginia Beach from October 2-4, is a dynamic learning experience designed to help multicultural staff deepen their connection with the Movement, discover their potential as leaders and grow their careers in the Y.
For more information on the EMLE conference, click here. To download the EMLE application, click here.
JOIN OUR DEI COUNCIL
We are excited to announce the formation of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, and we need your passion and commitment to make a difference! At the Y, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but core values that drive innovation, collaboration, and success.
Why Join the DEI Council?
• Make an Impact: Contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Champion Change: Be a part of initiatives that promote diversity, challenge biases, and foster a culture of belonging.
• Develop Skills: Gain valuable experience in leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication.
• Collaborate: Work with a diverse group of colleagues who share your commitment to DEI.
Council Goals
• Education and Awareness: Organize workshops, training sessions, and events to increase awareness and understanding of DEI issues.
• Policy and Advocacy: Review and recommend policies that promote equity and inclusion within the company.
• Community Engagement: Build partnerships with diverse communities and organizations to support DEI efforts both within and outside the company.
• Feedback and Improvement: Create channels for employees to voice their experiences and suggestions, ensuring continuous improvement in our DEI practices.
How to Get Involved?
If you are passionate about making a positive change and are willing to dedicate your time and energy, we encourage you to apply to join the DEI Council. Here’s how:
• Submit Your Application: Fill out the DEI Council Application Form by August 31, 2024.
• Share Your Vision: In your application, tell us why you want to join the DEI Council and how you can contribute to our goals.
• Interview Process: Selected applicants will be invited for a brief interview to discuss their ideas and commitment.
Next Steps
We will review all applications and notify selected members by September 30. The first Council meeting will be held in October where we will discuss our plans and set our priorities for the coming months.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our success, and we need your voice to help shape a brighter future for all. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone thrives.
Thank you for your commitment to this important cause.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR FOR YOUR CALENDAR
EVENTS AROUND THE MOVEMENT
Aug 12: Measuring Socio-Emotional Skills
The Latin American and Caribbean Alliance of YMCAs (LAC) invites you to participate in an international webinar on the importance of measuring socio-emotional skills in youth programming.
The YMCAs of Latin America and the Caribbean have been working and learning on this topic and they're eager to share and learn together with colleagues from the United States. Register Here
Aug 13: An Introduction to Link Link is the Y's knowledge sharing and social networking platform. Join a 45-minute platform overview; learn the basics of navigation; and leave with tips, tricks, and tools to maximize your Link experience! Register Here
Aug 16: MLD Brave Spaces
These spaces are designed for our BIPOC leaders, our allies, and all those from historically and/or systematically excluded backgrounds. Brave Spaces are meant to be where we can come together, show up for each other as our most authentic selves, and be brave and honest about how we are, what’ s heavy on our hearts and minds, and voice to the group what we need. Register Here
Aug 27: Infusing Equity Series
Infusing Equity Series are short, 30-minute webinars that showcase easy-to-implement, and practical ways to operationalize DIG efforts. Register Here
Aug 1–23: National Global, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Multicultural Leadership Awards
Nominations are now open until August 23, 2024, for the 2024 National Global Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (GDEI), and Multicultural Leadership Awards.
Four awards will be presented at the end of the year to recognize excellence in advancing Diversity, Inclusion, Global Engagement, and Multicultural Leadership. The GDEI & MLD advisory councils will review nominations and select the four awardees. Submit Your Nomination Here
2024 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
The WLRN's Women of Excellence Award celebrates exceptional women in all areas of YMCA leadership who are making a lasting impact in the Y and their communities. Qualities of excellence include being an advocate for change in the Y, inspiring the next generation of women leaders and making a lasting impact.
Nomination Dates: Nominations Open August 1-31
Announcement: during EMLE (October)
Submit Your Nomination Here
Whom should I nominate?
A woman who is a leader in the Y and who has accomplished specific achievement in the areas of:
• Advocate for Change: Have been influential in leading improvement for women's equity within their organization, not afraid to speak up in the face of bias or other inequities, and a clear track record of meaningful community involvement, especially in the areas of Diversity Inclusion and Global initiatives that align within the YMCA values of strengthening community and being For All.
• Inspiration: A woman whose example is so noteworthy as to spontaneously inspire others. Someone who not only embraces their personal ability to create influence for meaningful change but influences others to embrace theirs.
• Impact: What specific change or impact has this woman created in the Y and/or the community in which she serves.
Can someone be nominated multiple times?
Yes. However, multiple nominations for the same person do not enhance the nominee’s chances of being selected as an honoree.
Why should I nominate someone?
This is a chance to honor a peer or a mentor. This is also an opportunity to share an inspiring story of success with others. If you know someone who serves as an example to you, this is your chance to help share that person ’s story with a larger audience.
Will more than one nominee from the same YMCA be accepted?
Multiple nominees from the same YMCA are accepted, but because of the committee’s goal of finding a diverse group, only one would likely be chosen. However, multiple nominees from separate departments and/or branches of large YMCAs could be chosen.
Are self-nominations acceptable?
Yes, you can nominate yourself.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE
National Back to School Month is an opportunity to help families adjust to the coming school year as well as encourage supply drives to help your community’s children as they gear up for the new school year.
National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. The Y is uniquely positioned to share resources with members of your community who may have questions about immunizations at any stage of life.
KOLLIN’S STORY
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD
Over the summer, the Hood County YMCA provided invaluable services and support for Kollin, a child with autism. Our dedicated staff worked to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment tailored to his unique needs. Through our specialized programs, Kollin received personalized attention that helped him develop social, physical, and cognitive skills. Our adaptive activities allowed him to engage in physical exercise and recreational activities, promoting his physical health and social interaction. Additionally, Kollin had an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and improve his communication abilities. The consistent encouragement and acceptance he found at the YMCA not only bolstered his self-confidence but also empowered him to thrive both within the community and beyond. We’re thrilled to share his story.
Written by Charity Doege, Kollin’s mother
I was on the lookout for a place where my son Kollin, who is autistic and non-verbal but in the beginning stages of learning American sign language, could swim. At the suggestion of my mom, Sara Doege, we decided to try the Hood County YMCA. To our delight, we discovered that they not only had a swimming program but also a soccer program for kids with special needs, just like Kollin. It was through this that we met Carolanne Dunaway and Jeff Thomas, who later Introduced us to a new program they were launching that summer to teach children with special needs, like Kollin, how to swim. This was a game-changer for us as Kollin not only learned the physical aspects of the sports but also improved his social skills, ability to follow Instructions from others, and how to be safe and look out for others.
We are immensely grateful for the incredible employees at the Hood County YMCA, such as Angela Gentry, Lacy Lynn, and Amber Griffiths DiGanci, as well as their dedicated lifeguards like Jack, Hayden, Olivia, and many others. Their presence in Kollin's life has been a blessing, as they have consistently encouraged him, cheered him on, and effectively communicated with him. We had been regulars at the YMCA for a few years until we had to take a break due to Kollin's constant ear infections caused by holes in his eardrums. When he was two years old, we discovered his hearing impairment, and our late friend Dr. Palmer inserted tubes into his ears, which improved his condition for a while. However, another surgery to remove the tubes caused unforeseen damage to his eardrums, leading to several surgeries and years of waiting for the holes to finally close up.
This summer has been truly remarkable for us as we've returned to the Hood County YMCA, witnessing Kollin's joy and progress in swimming. It wasn't just me and my parents, Sara and Kelly Doege, who noticed Kollin's renewed enthusiasm for swimming, but also the wonderful staff and lifeguards at the YMCA, who have played a pivotal role in helping Kollin regain his confidence and skill in the water. We feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have such a strong support team rooting for my beautiful boy.
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD
BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY
Having back-to-school supplies is important for kids as it improves grades, creativity, attitudes towards learning, behavior, peer relationships, and self-image. It helps kids feel confident and prepared for the school day and fosters a sense of belonging and comfort in the classroom. Yet, for one child, the average cost of back-to-school supplies is nearly $600. This expense can seem overwhelming and simply unrealistic. The Eastside YMCA, in partnership with Why Not You, 711, Walmart and other organizations, provided backpacks filled with school supplies to ensure the kids in the community started the year on the right food. This event was a great experience for our community and deepened the Ys commitment to equity.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BEVERLY BROWN!
Congratulations to Beverly Brown, of the Ryan Family YMCA, on being awarded a prestigious YUSA scholarship to attend the EMLE Conference! This achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to self-development and professional growth. Her dedication to expanding her knowledge and skills not only benefits her personally but also enhances our team's overall excellence. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and confident that this opportunity will further her journey of continuous learning and success. Well done, Beverly!
CONGRATULATIONS TO STEPHANIE FRENCH!
Stephanie French, of the Northwest YMCA, was selected as July’s winner of a $25 Gift Card. You can be the lucky winner in August by completing the course of the month and sending a copy of your transcript or certificate to mpierce@ymcafw.org. (see page 2 for a link to the course of the month)
SUPPORT SQUAD AT THE BENBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER YMCA
Last month, our Y community of staff and members rallied around one of our own, a group ex instructor who is currently battling breast cancer.
A fellow instructor designed shirts and had them made for the July Les Mills Launch. She organized the sale of them then donated all proceeds to help with Carissa’s medical expenses.
GOOD NEWS TO SHARE?
Do you have a good news story around diversity, equity and inclusion, and want to be featured in our monthly newsletter? Send your news and a photos to mpierce@ymcafw.org.