Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Work & Commitments

Now more than ever, as communities are hurting and individuals are continuing to face the dual challenges of systemic racism and the COVID-19 crisis, community-driven organizations like the YMCA are vital to our ability to advance on common ground.

In the wake of tragic deaths like those of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and BreonnaTaylor, as organizations across the country began to speak louder and take greater action against racism, the YMCA began to critically evaluate how we fulfill the promise of our mission - to build stronger communities for all. Equity, inclusion, and the principles of anti-racism must be core to our operation if we are to be successful in this promise.

This movement has inspired us to form an organization-wide Anti-Racism Council to continually evaluate and advise policies and systems within the YMCA. Through this consulting body to our executive leadership, the YMCA adopted a commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization and hired a Senior Vice President of Equity & Inclusion to lead us in taking intentional action and outreach. Our journey in 2020 taught us a great deal about our position and potential, and we are looking forward to deeper work and partnerships throughout 2021 to uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in pursuit of equitable communities where all people can reach their full potential.

The YMCA’s Commitment to Anti-Racism

The YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to reducing and eliminating racism and racial harm. This work will include engaging the Board, staff and leadership teams in bold actions, deep work, healing practices through policies, training and systems that cultivate a culture of personal responsibility, equity and timely administrative response to reports of racism.