Commitment Statement

The Y is dedicated to fostering an environment that values fairness, mutual respect, and opportunity for all. We strive to build an organization that actively supports collaborative leadership and meaningful community engagement across backgrounds and experiences. Achieving fairness and representation requires action at individual, organizational, and community levels. Outcomes are strengthened by intentional, collaborative efforts focused on improving access, support, and engagement.

We recognize that this work requires broad participation and shared responsibility—across YMCA staff, CEOs, volunteers and community stakeholders—so that no single group carries the responsibility alone. As we continue to grow as an organization that reflects the communities we serve, we remain committed to amplifying the perspectives and strengths of all backgrounds.

Responsibilities

  • Promote efforts across the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs and local YMCAs that support access, representation, and collaborative practices.
  • Establish goals and action steps for the committee and provide guidance and tools to support ongoing learning and organizational improvement efforts.
  • Offer leadership and encourage staff and volunteers statewide to take part in advancing the committee’s goals.
  • Uphold shared commitments to respect, learning, and collaboration as outlined in the committee’s social contract, and meet Ys across Illinois where they are in their organizational journeys.
  • In partnership with our HUB affiliate, expand access to leadership development opportunities for staff of all backgrounds.
  • Report committee efforts to all associations and encourage participation in programs related to group learning and innovation networks.
  • Support committee members continued personal and professional growth.
  • Develop a process for reviewing the committee’s goals, responsibilities, and progress.

Open Space Discussions

Bi-monthly on the 4th Thursday at Noon
February - Belonging is an Act of Love
April - The Cost of Holding it Together
June - Belonging Without Conditions                                                            Register for Open Space Calls
August - Holding Tension Without Causing Harm
October - The Stories We Tell - and the Ones We Don't
December - What We've Carried - and What We're Ready to Set Down

Open Spaces are thoughtfully designed gatherings where YMCA staff come together to share, reflect, and connect. These conversations provide a respectful and supportive environment where all voices are encouraged, and individuals can listen deeply, explore different perspectives, and build mutual understanding. Open Spaces are for everyone—regardless of background, role, or experience. Each person brings value to the conversation, and all are welcome to participate.

Our aim is to strengthen relationships across our YMCA community by fostering dialogue rooted in curiosity, em­pathy, and shared experience. These conversations are guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Open Spaces are not trainings or lectures—they are intentional opportunities to engage with others, share personal insights, and learn from diverse lived experiences in a way that supports connection and growth for all participants.