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WE BELIEVE
The Y believes that, in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen our community. Together, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values – caring, honesty, respect and responsibility – guide everything we do.
For more than 160 years, the Y has played a central role in knitting together the vibrant fabric of America. There have been times of peace and times of conflict, times of unity and times of discord. Through it all, the Y has been a safe, welcoming place for people from all backgrounds. Click here to read a snapshot of key YMCA historical contributions to social movements.
FOR ALL
For all is a simple but powerful phrase. Without it, our mission is incomplete. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity creates better individuals, a better community and a better world.
We know that the key to effectively empowering young people to reach their full potential, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring action in our communities is a passionate, experienced and diverse array of staff, volunteers and members who value what everyone brings to the table.
This means:
- 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 our staff to participate in our six national Employee Resource Groups, which offer opportunities to contribute, learn, network and share experiences as they progress in their careers.
- Having a supplier diversity program that seeks out talented minority and women-owned contractors and service providers.
- Offering Y staff and volunteers professional development and training programs that build key competencies to welcome, engage, serve and advocate for all segments of society.
We are passionate about strengthening communities and know that our ability to achieve it begins with reflecting and partnering with people from all walks of life.
WELCOMING WEEK
Welcoming Week, held every September, celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomer immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. We’ve all experienced moments where we felt like we didn’t belong. Welcoming Week serves as a reminder that there’s more that unites us than divides us. Join the conversation on our Facebook page or check out one of our Welcoming Week events. All events are free and open to the community!
Be a Welcomer
Join the conversation and show that you are a welcomer by posting on social media! Take a selfie with the “I’m a Welcomer” or “___ Welcomes You” signs and share the photo on your social media channels. Don’t forget to tag Family YMCA of Greater Augusta (@familyyaugusta) and use the hashtags #WelcomingWeek and #YforAll!
SHOWING OUR COMMITMENT
Y members and community friends can purchase “Belonging Begins With Us” shirts! Belonging Begins With Us is a national campaign to create a more welcoming nation. One small act of inclusion or visibility can change someone’s life, and this shirt serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to make others feel welcome. Shirts are available for preorder and can be shipped or picked-up at your local Y.
We believe that our members and community friends are the greatest supporters for the Y. That’s why everyone has the opportunity to purchase a “Listen Learn Love” diversity shirt and spread love. We want everyone to know that the Y is a place that welcomes all shapes, colors, genders, beliefs and religions. Shirts are available in long-sleeve or short-sleeve varieties and can be shipped or picked up at your local Y.
OUR COMMITMENT
The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status and other characteristics that make our employees unique.
