Community & Belonging Statement:
The Y is a place where common ground thrives and people of all walks of life can belong. We approach making our community a welcoming environment FOR ALL through the Christian principles of love, compassion, kindness, and respect. The Akron Area YMCA will promote and exemplify togetherness. We value, encourage, and nurture the contributions that each person makes to our association and the community we serve.
The Akron Area YMCA infuses Community & Belonging through:
Our Leadership
Our leadership team helps provide direction to all of us at the Akron Area YMCA to help promote our mission statement of being FOR ALL.
Events
Our leadership staff will be hosting/visiting different events to help promote and encourage unity and belonging.
Training & Learning Opportunities
Our leadership staff have already begun fostering trainings and learning activities for all of our Akron Area YMCA leadership staff members.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Logan Buchanan
"Everybody no matter should feel welcome anywhere. It is my goal to play a role in making our Y's a safe and welcoming environment for all."
Laura Davisson
Tony Grimes
Morgan Manning
"I believe EVERYONE deserves a seat at the table and to be heard, if we can regulate ourselves, we can connect and find common ground. I am happy to serve on this team to further extend the culture of kindness!"
Kishan Patel
"I believe that with support, compassion, and our ability to inspire others we can help people reach their full potential no matter what their background is. As we attempt to change the world, we must look to change ourselves and create an environment where ALL can find their voice and find success."
Amanda Warner
Ashley Whittaker
"The importance of Community & Belonging is driven by my desire to create positive change and be a part of an organization (and world) in which everyone has a voice and feels valued."
Joan Wilson
"This work is important to me because ensuring that people feel comfortable and that they belong at the Y and Camp Y-Noah is a mission driven belief. When everyone has a seat at the table and we are striving to love each other loudly and boldly, we are helping our teams, families, and selves be the best."
Shay Wood
"I strive to be a role model and advocate for our youth, our staff, our members, and our community. When I graduated from CVCA High School, I was involved in the new organization called EMBRACE."
YMCA of the USA For All Statement
Learn more about the YMCA of the USA's commitment to being for all and global engagement here. YMCA of the USA is the governing body of YMCAs across the U.S.
Resources
Our Akron Area YMCA Cultural Cookbook
Click here to view our Akron Area YMCA Cultural Cookbook or find information to send in your own recipe.
Understanding What BIPOC Means
Click here to learn about what it means to say BIPOC instead of "people of color".
Free Implicit Assessment
Click here to take a free self assessment to help understand your own implicit associations.
Our Community & Belonging Presentation
Click here to download our Akron Area YMCA ADEI Presentation.