CULTURE CONNECTION AT THE YMCA OF
METRO FORT WORTH
CREATING A DEI CULTURE
INSIDE THE ISSUE
For Your Education
Inclusion Starts with I Cultural Lenses
Developing Empathy for those with Excess Weight
For Your Engagement
Youth Advocate Program Application
For Your Calendar
Virtual Events Around the Movement
National Holidays to Celebrate Bridging and Belonging Activation Learning Cohort
Nominations for 30 Under 30 Awards
Nominations for a Hispanic Leader of Excellence
Tell Me Something Good
Inclusive Nutrition Initiative
Celebrating Carlyle’s Birthday
Community Costume Drive
Congratulations to our EMLE Representatives
A Gift for the Northpark YMCA
Aug Gift Card Winner
At the YMCA, we believe that true community begins with inclusivity. As we continue our journey towards fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we invite you to join us in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Building a DEI culture is about more than just policies and programs it’ s about creating a welcoming environment where differences are celebrated, and where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Together, we can ensure that the YMCA remains a place where all people, regardless of background, feel a true sense of belonging.
Let’s embrace this journey with open minds, open hearts, and a shared commitment to making the Y a home for all!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colors, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted."
Sun Tzu, "The Art of War"
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.
INCLUSION START WITH I
FOR YOUR EDUCATION
"Inclusion Starts with I" is a powerful statement that emphasizes personal responsibility in fostering an inclusive environment. Inclusion begins at the individual level, where each person must take intentional steps to embrace diversity, show empathy, and create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. The phrase invites reflection on how our actions, attitudes, and behaviors contribute to a culture of inclusion in workplaces, communities, and social settings. Our focus is more than organizational policies, and also includes personal accountability. We invite you to watch the video below and think about how we incorporate this statement into our work.
REGISTER FOR CULTURAL LENSES
Building relationships through Cultural Lenses enhances cross-cultural understanding, relationships, and engagement among all YMCA staff. Participants will be introduced to an analytical framework through which they can explore, recognize, and honor the influence of cultural background on patterns of human behavior. This class will be hosted in Dallas on Thursday, September 26 and can be used as an elective course towards your Multi-Team Certification and is needed to obtain your Global Leader Certification. Register Here
CONTINUE YOUR LEARNING ON LCDC
WITH THIS MONTH’
S FEATURED COURSE: DEVELOPING EMPATHY FOR THOSE WITH EXCESS WEIGHT
The majority of people that come to the Y do so because they want to incorporate healthier habits into their lifestyle. Often times this includes a desire to lose weight. Making sustainable behavior changes to lose weight can be a challenging journey. This course is an introduction to help staff understand how they can develop empathy for those with excess weight by becoming aware of implicit biases, understanding factors that make losing weight a challenge, and how the Ys service and engagement principles can be applied in every role at the Y to support individuals with excess weight. This course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Leadership Competency Developed: Relationships, Inclusion, Emotional Maturity
Email mpierce@ymcafw.org a copy of your certificate by September 30 and be entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Card. Click the course name to be directed to LCDC.
FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT
SHARE THE YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM APPLICATION
Now in its 11th year, the Youth Advocate Program brings high school students to Washington, D.C. to advocate for YMCA priorities alongside their local Y leaders during National Advocacy Days. This four-month advocacy training program gives students the opportunity to elevate their voice on issues important to the Y and provides students with practical, real-world experience advocating with Members of Congress and their offices in Washington, D.C.
During the Youth Advocate Program, students will:
• Learn about the Y’s federal policy priorities and their importance to your community
• Connect with peers from across the country interested in making positive change
• Collaborate with local Ys and state alliances to craft an advocacy plan
• Learn how to effectively tell their YMCA story to policymakers
• Meet with Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. to advance YMCA priorities
• Learn strategies to continue advocating for positive change in their community and state
The Youth Advocate Program is free for all participants, and high schoolers across all YMCA programs are eligible to apply.
Important Dates Applications
Applications will be open from August 19-September 30, 2024. Approximately 50 high school students (up to 2 students per state) will be selected to serve as 2025 Youth Advocates. Past Youth Advocates are not eligible to apply.
Trainings
Youth Advocates must be available to participate in four virtual training sessions on Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm ET on Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 26, and Feb. 23.
In-Person Conference
Students will attend National Advocacy Days in Washington, DC from March 2-5, 2025.
Share the Application Today!
Please help share the application with high schoolers who may be interested. For more information, see our Program Flyer and FAQs, or visit our website. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Emily Perkins (emily.perkins@ymca.net).
Now Accepting Chaperone Applications!
Y-USA invites Youth Development professionals to apply to serve as a staff chaperone for the 2025 Youth Advocate Program. This is a great professional development opportunity for folks interested in learning more about civic engagement and advocacy as they will have access to all National Advocacy Days content, materials, and sessions, and will participate in all Youth Advocate Programming. Please share the application with YMCA Youth Development Staff! The deadline to apply is September 30, 2024.
Y-USA will cover registration, travel, accommodations, and onsite meals for chaperones. Learn more and apply on our website.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
EVENTS AROUND THE MOVEMENT
Sep 19: CULTURA Virtual Conference
The Hispanic Latino Leadership Network (HLLN) presents CULTURA! CULTURA is a celebration and recognition of the influence that the Hispanic and Latino culture has among our communities. The virtual conference will include education and trivia, panel discussion from Hispanic/Latino Y leaders and a keynote. Register Here
Sep 20: 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
Sep 24: 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
Bridging and Belonging Activation Learning Cohort Join Y leaders from across the Movement in an Activation Learning Cohort organized to increase knowledge of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (GDEI) Leading Practices through activation of bridge building skills at the individual, organizational, and community levels. Register Here by October 11
30 Under 30 Awards The Empowering Leaders Resource Network is proud to celebrate young Y leaders who are blazing trails in their communities. This prestigious award honors individuals under 30 who have demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership, and a commitment to the Y's mission strengthening communities. Nominate here by Sep 20
Hispanic Latino Leader of Excellence The Hispanic Latino Leadership Network will be highlighting Hispanic and Latino Staff of Excellence over the months of September and October as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Nominate here by Sep 30
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is an opportunity for members and your community to learn more about childhood obesity and help families adapt healthier lifestyles that will help children reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Hunger Action Month challenges everyone in the U.S. to take action to fight hunger in their community, all month long. Use this month to promote your Y’s actions against hunger or start a food drive for your local community. hungeractionmonth.org.
Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to educate your community on the importance of mental health and share any resources or programs that your Y offers in this area. cdc.gov/suicide
Welcoming Week is celebrated this year from September 13-22 and is an opportunity to highlight immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring residents together in a spirit of unity. welcomingamerica.org
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15-October 15. Elevate the Y’ s commitment to diversity and inclusion by celebrating the contributions and achievements, and recognizing and uplifting the struggles of Hispanic/Latino individuals and communities. hispanicheritagemonth.gov
The International Day of Peace is observed annually on September 21. This United Nations-led observance is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, and focusing on our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace in our own communities. Use this opportunity to promote your Y’s community-connectedness and your commitment to welcoming all. https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace
On September 22 we celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Falls are the leading cause of injury related ER visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures and responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Use this day to raise awareness and prevent falls. ncoa.org/older-adults/health/prevention/ falls-prevention
September 30 is National Day of Remembrance (also known as Orange Shirt Day) where Indigenous Peoples who have been (and/or continue to be) impacted by residential boarding schools are honored and commemorated for their experiences. Use this opportunity to encourage your staff and members to wear orange, and to learn more about this observance.
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD
INCLUSIVE NUTRITION INITIATIVE WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS HEALTH
Our Y was selected to represent Texas at an Inclusive Nutrition Summit hosted by Special Olympics Health. The two day summit, in Washington DC, brings together leaders and organizations throughout the country to improve nutrition and health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Y was invited to join the conversation to learn about the problem, explore solutions and make a bold and impactful commitment for change. Let s wish Kylie Wood safe travels as she represent our Y and Texas in DC!
HAPPY 99TH BIRTHDAY, CARLYLE!
The Benbrook Community Center Y celebrated with our member, Carlyle Hayes on his 99th birthday. Carlyle joined the Y nearly 75 years ago and is a staff and member favorite around the Y!
COMMUNITY
CONGRATULATIONS TO PARTICIPANTS
Thank you to all the Y employees who completed their application to represent Fort Worth at this year s EMLE conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia. From those who applied, we selected four amazing leaders. Please join me in congratulating the following staff.
Kathryn Wade from the Association Resource Office
Chaz Jackson from the Benbrook Community Center YMCA
THE NORTHPARK YMCA RECEIVES $1,000 TO SUPPORT THE LIVESTRONG PROGRAM
The Amon G. Carter, Jr. Downtown YMCA is accepting new and gently used costumes to be given to our community on October 10. Last year, the branch provided more than 300 costumes to over 75 families in our community. If you would like to support this amazing initiative, you can drop off the costume at the member services desk.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AMBER!
Congratulations to Amber DiGanci from the Hood County YMCA for being our August gift card winner! You, or a member of your team, can be entered into the drawing by completing the course of the month.