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The
Origins and Objectives of the YMCA National Diversity
Initiative
During
its more than 150 years in the United States, the YMCA
has responded consistently and successfully to the demands
of a constantly changing society as it has built strong
kids, strong families and strong communities. As the turn
of the 21st century approached, a new era for the YMCA
began. Fulfilling its mission in the new century would
require a targeted and innovative response to the changing
demographics and needs of communities across the country.
The time had arrived for a national diversity initiative
-- an initiative that finds energy and direction in the
voices of communities nationwide that expect the YMCA
to remain significant, relevant and viable.
History
In the late 1990s, the North American Urban Group of
YMCAs began exploring ways for associations to become
more culturally competent and inclusive in their service
areas. It formed a task force to assess cultures within
YMCAs and make recommendations for improvement. In 1999,
the 12-person task force began working with Tina Rasmussen,
Ph.D., a diversity consultant, to create a diversity
plan and develop a process that could be replicated
at YMCAs across the country. Their expressed goal was
"to advance the YMCA mission by encouraging, facilitating
and supporting increased cultural competence in YMCA
individuals and organizations, achieving measurable
progress on locally defined diversity goals." Their
work formed the foundation of the YMCA National Diversity
Initiative, which YMCA of the USA has guided since 2000.
Purpose
Y-USA's vision for the diversity initiative is that
the YMCA movement will be known for practicing inclusion
by valuing the diversity of all people within its associations
and the communities it serves. Through training and
counsel, Y-USA helps YMCAs increase and support the
cultural competence of their staff professionals, volunteers
and members. Diversity is the mosaic of people who bring
a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, beliefs
and competencies as assets to the YMCA. By practicing
inclusion, Ys not only address societal trends and remain
relevant to their communities but also remain true to
the YMCA mission, goals and values.
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