Inclusion & Belonging

Old Colony YMCA has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs since 1887.
 

By building a culture of inclusion and belonging , we aim to ensure that our employees, our youth, our families, and our communities have equal opportunities for merit based outcomes and live fulfilling, healthy lives. We know that when we work as one, we move people and communities forward.

The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side by side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty,respect and responsibility they guide everything we do.

Emerging Global Leaders Institute (EGLI)

At the Y, we value the diverse array of talent and experience that emerging leaders bring to our Movement. EGLI is a cohort-based experience with a curriculum to develop global competencies and perspectives towards enhancing the Y’s ability to positively impact our changing and increasingly diverse communities. The Institute prepares emerging YMCA leaders to assume pivotal leadership roles to sustain and expand the Y’s impact in advancing inclusion, equity, and global engagement.

Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

We know that the key to effectively empowering young people to reach their full potential, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring action in our communities is a passionate, experienced and diverse array of staff, volunteers and members who value what everyone brings to the table. Believing we all benefit from the unique talents of our diverse staff, we encourage our Y staff to participate in our six national Employee Resource Groups, which offer opportunities to contribute, learn, network and share experiences as they progress in their careers.

Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE)

EMLE is a dynamic learning experience designed to help emerging multicultural staff and allies deepen our connection with the movement, discover our potential as cause driven leaders and grow our careers in the YMCA. While this experience is designed for emerging multicultural staff, the Y has an opportunity to serve as a bridge builder. EMLE is about changing and disrupting the status quo! We need voices represented at all levels in order to grow as a movement. Whether you are a Senior Leader in your YMCA, a volunteer, or an ally, you play a vital role in affecting change and are welcome to join us on this unique experience as there will be tracks catered to all!

Multicultural Executive Career Advancement (MECA pilot program)

MECA is a 12 month professional development experience designed to prepare emerging leaders for their first Executive position in the Y. MECA includes a blend of experiences, professional assessments, professional development plans, webinars, workshops and stretch assignments to provide a unique learning experience focused on preparing participants to succeed in achieving an Old Colony executive position. The purpose of MECA is to prepare staff to become competitive candidates for Y executive positions so that OCY staff at every level reflect the communities that we serve.