The Y (YMCA)’s Post

Our annual Youth Governors Conference brought youth leaders from across the country to Washington, D.C. for several days of collaboration, learning and inspiration as these students connected on the civic issues that are meaningful to them and shared what they are doing in their communities. For the second year, this event was sponsored by MissionSquare Retirement t as part of a multi-year national partnership that will also expand access to youth civic engagement opportunities in more schools and communities nationwide. They also presented the 2024 MissionSquare Bridgebuilder Award to Anna Castro Spratt of YMCA of Greenville. Her community project, "It Starts with Us,” will help build bridges between communities and different perspectives through organized youth-focused conversations. Many thanks to MissionSquare for partnering with us to help shape the next generation of thoughtful, committed and active citizens. https://lnkd.in/eWg-pErG

"Allies serve as lighthouses, and they are spread throughout the entire YMCA movement." In our Advancing Equity for All blog series, guest writer Becky Richmond from the YMCA of Florida's First Coast shares her thoughts and experiences on being a part of the LGBTQ+ community within the Y, and the support and allyship she has received along the way. https://lnkd.in/gtNjGiHE

Pool parties are meant to be fun - let's keep them that way. #SafetyAroundWater

Is your child headed to their first overnight or sleepaway camp this summer? Nerves, anxiety, excitement...all are common, especially when it's a new experience! Our experts share some tips to help set your camper up for success at overnight camp.

In memory of many, in honor of all. On this Memorial Day, we express our gratitude and say thank you. #MemorialDay

"Being raised with putting aloha first is why I love working with the YMCA." In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, guest writer Kalei Marialuz Dowsett from the YMCA of Honolulu shares her family's deep ties to Hawaiian culture and how it led to a career at the Y. Read more in our latest "Advancing Equity for All" blog post. https://bit.ly/4dIBkGt

Our first three-day weekend of the season is upon us. Please take ten of those extra minutes to make sure your family is set up to safely enjoy the water all summer long. #SafetyAroundWater. 🚣 🏊🏾 https://bit.ly/4dQrDFL

Every community is unique, and so is every Y. For the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard, a small island located seven miles (and a ferry ride away) off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., strengthening their island community--including both year-round residents and the more than 100,000 vacationers who flock there in the summer--means creating a safe place for teens to hang out after school, offering robust health and fitness classes for active older adults, providing some of the first camp experiences for island children, and operating the island's beloved ice arena. 📺 https://lnkd.in/dCQYuJTd #strengtheningcommunities #findyourY

#TeacherAppreciationWeek is truly a week worth celebrating. THANK YOU #teachers for all you do for our kids, families and communities. #TAW24