Every once in a while in the course of our work, something happens which shifts the landscape and last Tuesday, it just might have happened.
To the best of my knowledge, for the first time ever in central Maryland, over 200 leaders from the Y and the Jewish Community Center ("the J"), converged for a day long discussion and experience about our shared mission of inclusion and community building. Themed "Better Together," the J and Y teams worked together on multiple service projects throughout the community and shared ideas for building a more equitable and inclusive community, exploring thoughts on how to combat the growing forces in our culture that seek to separate us and developing a plan of intentional social impact.
I’ve been friends with Barak Hermann, the CEO of the JCC of Greater Baltimore, since he came to town almost seven years ago. I have also had a great relationship with his now retired predecessor, Buddy Sapolsky. We’ve talked a good deal over the years about working together, and have explored some ideas that for a variety of reasons didn’t come to fruition. Recently, Barak and I decided that we’re kind of tired of simply talking, and so we decided to spring into action. Last week’s meeting is the very real start of something much bigger. What that will be (and it won’t be one thing), we are now officially on a (not so long) journey to figure out.
These photos and the news story linked here give a good picture of this inspiring day:
Tremendous credit and thanks goes out to the "Better Together" planning team, which worked tirelessly to make this a meaningful experience for all. They were (from the Y): Diana Beeson, Ashley Funk, Heather Naviasky, Christie Ryan and Eric Somerville, as well as (from the JCC): Justin Dominick, Judy Jacobson, Lynne Kness, Sharon Siegel, Reeut Singerman and Emily Stern.
Their work formed the foundation and relationships that will help us plan and execute more joint community building work in the future. Given the nature of our respective organizations, people and the communities we serve, and the obvious need to create a more connected Baltimore and region, there's nothing but opportunity moving forward.
Thanks also to our many community partners who provided memorable and highly relevant volunteer experiences for the group, including The SAFE CENTER, Second Chance, GEDCO, Marian House, the Carrie Murray Nature Center and The Baltimore Station. They each facilitated hands on experiences which were potent reminders of the "why" in our work.
We're just getting started!
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland