Partnering with the Biden Foundation, the YMCA of the USA selected the YMCA of Southern Maine to participate in its LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Equality Initiative.
“The goal of this initiative is to work with YMCAs across the country to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, families and communities,” states a YMCA of Southern Vermont press release, which also asks YMCA members and others to participate in a survey through Dec. 15 to help the YMCA better understand LGBTQ+ concerns as they relate to YMCA facilities and programs.
(Even if you aren’t in the Southern Maine region, or a YMCA member, or even LGBTQ+, the survey takes about 10 minutes and helps the organization better serve LGBTQA people.)
Under the Initiative, the “YMCA of Southern Maine was chosen as one of a pilot cohort of Ys that will develop and implement locally focused strategies designed to engage and support LGBTQ individuals and their families,” reports the Portland Herald.
“These strategies may include staff training; member outreach and engagement; program innovation for LGBTQ youth, adults, seniors and families; and community collaborations. In following years, the best practices and tools developed by the cohort will be scaled to reach Ys nationwide, the Herald reports and goes on to say:
Both [the Biden Foundation and the YMCA of the USA] share a commitment to ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect. YMCA of Southern Maine was chosen as one of a pilot cohort of Ys that will develop and implement locally focused strategies designed to engage and support LGBTQ individuals and their families. These strategies may include staff training; member outreach and engagement; program innovation for LGBTQ youth, adults, seniors and families; and community collaborations. In following years, the best practices and tools developed by the cohort will be scaled to reach Ys nationwide. …
The initiative is being funded by the Gill Foundation and the David Bohnett Foundation. The Biden Foundation and Y-USA will provide technical support and strategic guidance to Ys, and the initiative will be supported by a Biden Fellow and a new Y-USA staff position dedicated to LGBTQ inclusion.
“The Biden Foundation is committed to changing our culture so that everyone, including LGBTQ people, feel supported and affirmed,” said Louisa Terrell, Executive Director of the Biden Foundation. “We could not ask for better partners in this work than YMCA of the USA, with its history, reach, and impact in communities across America. The Gill Foundation, which has supported innovative strategies to advance LGBTQ equal treatment for decades; and the David Bohnett Foundation, which has invested significant resources in supporting and empowering local LGBTQ communities are equally powerful partners in this work.”
“The Y is committed to addressing critical social issues and helping all people reach their full potential with dignity and respect,” said Kevin Washington, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “Our commitment is rooted in our inclusive mission and our belief that communities are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Supporting the well-being and safety of LGBTQ youth and adults is an important need in our communities, and we are proud to partner with the Biden Foundation, Gill Foundation and David Bohnett Foundation to support it.”
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