Y Monthly Monday Mission Update – How to Build an Inclusive and Equitable Community

The words “equity” and “inclusion” have been in our lexicon for a very long time, but their currency and usage have grown exponentially in the past five or more years.  While there are many definitions of each word, from my perspective, when those words are used together they highlight the need to meet people where they are and to provide the opportunity for people from different parts of society to engage with one another in a manner that recognizes that the playing field we are all standing on isn’t exactly an even one. And as such, resources need to be targeted to ensure that everyone can participate and have the opportunity to succeed.

At the Y, our mission has always compelled us to be focused on equity and inclusion day in and day out, in ways big and small, even if we haven’t always used those terms or thought about it that way.

To outside observers, our Head Start, Community Schools, mentoring and several of our other programs targeted specifically at under-resourced and neglected communities are clear examples of the Y focusing on equity and inclusion. And they are, but the reality is that our commitment to equity and inclusion cuts across every single thing we do at the Y.  We recognize that the whole of our community is only as strong as each of its parts and that the success of a community as a whole is dependent on the health and well-being of each human being and family within it.

In my view, Y membership is where our equity and inclusion work is most evident, but perhaps hiding in plain sight.

A wonderful example of how Y membership contributes to a greater sense of equity and inclusion in a community is the organic formation of a group of WaterFit class participants at the Y in Catonsville who call themselves, of all things, the Babbsies (short for Bad Ass Bathing Beauties)!

Prior to joining WaterFit, these women were complete strangers, from different pockets of their local community, and likely would not have come into contact with one another if not for the Y in Catonsville. But over the course of the past four years, by engaging with one another and discovering a real sense of shared humanity, they have formed an inclusive and tight-knit community.

“Outside of water fitness, they go to movies, dinner, happy hour, play Boujee Bag BINGO and hold an annual holiday party. When times are more difficult, they support and pray for each other during sorrow and loss, illness, and injury,” shares Jessica Chiaramonte, Executive Director at the Y in Catonsville.

In addition to looking after one another, every year the Babbsies give a special gift to their incredible water aerobics instructor, Roberta Caggiano. This year, in lieu of a present, Roberta asked them to consider supporting the Y.

The Babbsies immediately thought of the Y Leaders Club, a program which helps teens develop the habit of community service through projects they design and carry out together. For years, the Babbsies had seen Y Leaders Club participants in action at the Y in Catonsville and they could see just how meaningful their work is in their community.

Shortly after Roberta made her request, The Babbsies delivered a surprise check for $400 to Jessica Chiaramonte to support the Catonsville Y’s Leaders Club.

Another great example of how equity is a cornerstone of the Y membership community was on display when over 100 Y community members came together on January 15th to support our annual MLK Day of Service activities. From holding Health Equity Fairs to collecting diapers, backpacks, food and warm coats, Y members were able to make a real difference in the lives of so many families in their community, giving life to Dr King’s famous words: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”  

Speaking of Dr. King, three of our partner organizations were recently honored at our annual Martin Luther King Tribute Breakfast held January 12th at the Y in Druid Hill. They are our friends at The Sherman Family Foundation, in recognition of their incredible support of both the Y Sherman Early Childhood Center on the campus of the Weinberg Y and our association-wide preschool work; The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for their partnership with the Y to serve residents of the Geraldine Young Family Life Center, a transitional housing center for women and children next to the Druid Hill Y; and Quest for Health Equity, who are focused on reducing health disparities experienced by underserved populations in Baltimore City. In all three cases, these organizations are guided by a commitment to equity and the success of all.

To me, these three stories illustrate that there is both a deep reservoir of humanity and a sense of shared responsibility for the collective good in our Y community. While not everyone would necessarily use the word “equity” to describe this phenomenon, to me it clearly shows an understanding by so many that when we engage more intentionally in the Y community, we will encounter and find common cause with those whom we may have otherwise ignored or misunderstood.  

With deep gratitude to them, to our many other generous volunteers, donors, partners, associates and wonderful members like the Babbsies, we say thank you. We’re humbled by your spirit and kindness.

All the best,

John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland