BROCKTON – In 2023, two leaders from Old Colony YMCA (OCY), Danielle Paez, LICSW, Senior Director of Community Based Services, and Kristin Jones, Senior Program Director at the Stoughton Branch, participated in the YMCA of the USA’s Emerging Global Leaders Institute (EGLI). This initiative helps YMCA professionals strengthen their organization’s focus on global engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (GDEI). With mentorship and support from their Old Colony YMCA executive sponsors, Mark Groebe, Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, and KC Klier, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Danielle and Kristin developed a project to improve inclusion for Gen Z staff and members across the Association.

Their journey began in March 2023 with an in person orientation in Chicago, IL, followed by EGLI online class sessions every two weeks for two hours. In November 2023, they attended the YMCA Youth Summit of the Americas in Bogotá, Colombia, where they had the opportunity to elevate youth leadership on real world solutions to global challenges while building cultural understanding.

Inspired by Old Colony YMCA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pledge, which reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing systemic injustice and fostering a culture of equity, Danielle and Kristin launched two surveys last November to gather feedback on how the YMCA could better serve Gen Z. One survey was for staff, and the other was for members of all ages, shared via QR code flyers and emails. Using the data from the surveys, they developed training sessions to address misconceptions and improve interactions with young adults. “Filling the gaps and starting to plant these seeds with trainings was a major goal,” said Danielle.

The project featured two key training opportunities. The first was a session titled Generation Z: The Equity Engineers Are Waiting on Us, led by Ben Major from the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs, and co-facilitated by Lester Richardson IV, a Gen Z leader with firsthand experience. The second training, titled No Such Thing as a Bad Kid, was led by Charlie Appelstein, a volunteer at the Lawrence YMCA known for his strength based approach to supporting youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Both sessions provided staff with practical tools to better connect with and support this generation.

Kristin Jones shared a proud moment when all her front desk staff at the Stoughton YMCA attended training while volunteers took over their shifts. “It was personal and professional development for our front line staff, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our volunteers, and full support and trust of the association,” Kristin stated. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

The success of this project was a collective effort. Danielle and Kristin want to thank Kendall Bennett for data expertise, Linda Deane for technical support, Robin Kirby for pushing out the survey through ADP, Katie Scott for sponsoring one of the trainings, and Amanda Trask for guidance and encouragement. They also expressed appreciation to everyone who shared feedback and helped bring the project to life.

“Bringing everyone from different departments together for this shared experience really shows how dedicated we are to inclusivity here at Old Colony YMCA,” said Danielle.

With the project completed, Old Colony YMCA remains dedicated to creating welcoming spaces for all and continuing the mission of equity and inclusion for generations to come.

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