On behalf of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA and our Board of Directors, the Y stands firm against any and all forms of racism, social injustice, and inequality. We strongly believe in providing opportunities for all so that everyone can reach their full potential. Simply put, everyone is welcome at the Y.
We will continue to spread a consistent message of equality, and create tangible and impactful ways to implement positive change. At the Y, our ‘Diversity Statement’ is at the core of who we are as an organization, and is ingrained into our everyday actions. It reads:
“Here at the Y, we believe that a healthier and stronger community emerges when everyone has the opportunity to cultivate and nurture a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Our core values are honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring – they guide everything we do. Together, we ensure that everyone across age, ability, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, language, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation has the access to resources to reach their full potential.”
These are deeply troubling times for many reasons, but even among the hardships, there is a ray of hope. As Kevin Washington, our YMCA of the USA President and CEO states: “I have noticed at least one very important, very encouraging difference as I’ve tried to make sense of what I’m witnessing and find the right words to express what I’m feeling: It’s not just black people marching for equity and justice… They are joined by allies of all races and ethnicity – representative of the great diversity of our nation – and most of them are young people. So, while I am sad, frustrated, angry, and scared, I am not hopeless.”
The Fond du Lac Family YMCA is uniquely positioned to be a voice of hope during these troubling times. Our organization will continue to prioritize our stance on inclusion, and continue to look for ways to partner with local organizations and community leaders to create positive change for all. ‘For all’ is a simple but powerful phrase. Without it, the Y mission is incomplete. Our commitment to equality and inclusion will continue to create a better community.
In service,
JJ Raflik, CEO/Executive Director, Fond du Lac Family YMCA
Mike Hierl, Fond du Lac Family YMCA Board President
Fond du Lac Family YMCA Mission Statement :
Putting Christian principles into practice, through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for ALL