October 14, 2019
One of the things that I hold dearest about the Y’s mission is that we are, simply stated, “for all.” That is such a simple, clear concept, but one that is tremendously difficult to bring to fruition in an increasingly polarized climate. However, at the Y, it is both the challenge and opportunity that we relish and exist for when you come to understand our history, our programming and our purpose, which is to increase the sense of well-being for individuals, families and communities. Inherent in the concept of well-being is the cohesion of a community made up of people from all walks of life, with different beliefs, and with a richly diverse set of personal characteristics.
That is why we were very pleased that the Y in Central Maryland recently hosted the Y’s recent international conference on Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation over a three day period in Baltimore. With over 500 attendees from around the country and the globe, this was the largest Y international conference ever focused exclusively on diversity and inclusion. And it all happened right here in Charm City!
The theme of the conference was “Engaging Communities, Changing Systems, Advancing Equity.” It was kicked off by a series of “Stoop Stories,” using the iconic Baltimore white marble front steps as a metaphor for neighbor to neighbor storytelling that have formed the essence of relationships in cities like ours. One by one the storytellers stood alone on the stage to tell their personal stories, recounting experiences of great joy as well as discrimination based on perceived differences, with both tragic and humane outcomes. The stories were moving and inspiring and superbly set the stage for the conference’s focus on the work of diversity and inclusion.
The final speaker, capping off three days of excellent and thought-provoking discussion and workshops, was Mari Copeny (who became known as Lil’ Miss Flint), the 12 year old from Flint, Michigan who became a powerful advocate and voice shedding light on the inequities underlying the water crisis in Flint, MI.
The bravery of this young advocate sets an example for us all. The work is never “convenient” or easy, but if we are to realize our full potential as individuals, as a community and as a Y, we must be willing to engage in the work, ask the tough questions and frequently get out of our comfort zones.
The more we do that, the faster we will advance forward to a place where our lives, our communities and institutions (like the Y) are richer and stronger because of the diverse influences which compel us, collectively and individually, to be the best version of ourselves every single day.
A very big thanks goes out to our stellar Social Responsibility team (Michele Becote-Jackson, Eric Somerville and Sasha Batts), who worked tirelessly with the national Y DIG team to ensure that everything went off without a hitch and that the purpose of the conference, set in the context of the City of Baltimore, was fulfilled.
Also, thanks to our Y partners at Legg Mason, McCormick and McGuireWoods, who lent their voices and expertise to the conference in a compelling manner.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland