In this edition of Us!...
We sit at the dawn of a new year, in a world becoming more complicated, conflict laden, and challenging in many different ways. And while these are daily realities, this is also a time filled with possibility. It’s a moment filled with opportunities to create and to start anew. As the Y in Central Maryland continues to grow in its capacity for inclusion, belonging and connectedness, it is our hope that these efforts inspire us all to lean into creating.
Can we lean into creating a place and space for all to belong and find social connections? Can we lean into creating more opportunities for people to become healthier versions of themselves? Can we lean into creating more ways for families to experience the full scope of the Y experience?
I believe we can.
Onward to “All In On Community!”
Dr. Lisa Williams
Vice President, Strategy, Equity & Innovation
MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES, ONE Y
Over the coming months, the Associate Resource Group (ARG) team is convening a series of conversations focused on some of the most important equity and access challenges we have to contend with as an organization.
From listening sessions to debriefs with senior leaders, to Town Halls, the team is seeking multiple perspectives that support this enduring sentiment of social justice, “Until all of us are free, none of us are free.”
The struggles of the LGBTQ community are not separate from the struggles of those contending with economic challenges. There may be different issues but the issues are not disconnected. The struggles of folks of color are connected even while not being synonymous. We seek the connections, the intersections, and the common agenda because an equity agenda that is unconcerned with some of us is an equity agenda unworthy of all of us.
So when you have opportunity to attend a listening session or a Town Hall, to share your perspective as a member of an ARG or an ally of a group, don’t let it pass you by. It will take the engagement of the village to realize the change we want to see in the world.
For more information, please email lisawilliams@ymaryland.org.
Y GIVING TREE: URGENT APPEAL
We’re focused on a special mission this holiday season. We have 200 Y children who are counting on all of us to give them the kind of warm, loving holiday experience every child deserves.
🎁 How Can You Help? 🤝
Email shannonkowal@ymaryland.org TODAY expressing your interest in getting involved in our Y Giving Tree initiative. Every act of kindness, big or small, will make a significant difference.
🎁 Spread the Word! 📣
Share this post, tag your friends, and create a wave of generosity that reaches far and wide. Let's show these children that they are cherished, that they matter, and that the spirit of giving knows no bounds.
Thank you for your generosity, and may your holiday season be filled with love, joy, and the warmth of giving.
WATCH THIS SPACE
The LGBTQ Associate Resource Group will be sponsoring a speaker series on gender inclusive practices. Stay tuned for opportunities to attend these events. They will be a combination of virtual and in-person opportunities. Please contact zalankajones@ymaryland.org or lisawilliams@ymaryland.org for more information.
GOOD VIBES
Y ASSOCIATE SHOUT OUTS
We have more Y Associate Shout Outs than I can remember in a long time! These are great stories about pitching in, reaching out, showing initiative, being a great colleague, and going the extra mile: all of which are hallmarks of Y associates and our organizational culture.
Click the blue "Shout Out" icon above to read about Helen Goode, Dayana Henriquez, Michelle Morrow, Izzie Powell, Shikera Shelton, De'Andre Shearin, Tyler Stitcher, Jennifer Umphlett, Jacques Wieciech, and Zalanka Jones.
If you have a colleague you'd like to "Shout Out", simply click below to fill out the nomination form.
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Us! associate enewsletter is published monthly and we need to hear from you! Share your stories, what’s new in your Y world, and what you are proud of. We want to know and we want to share your news! The next regular Us! enewsletter will be published on January 11. The submission deadline is Friday, January 5.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OPEN THE MIC, PRESENTED BY THE EMERGING LEADERS RESOURCE GROUP
Thursday, January 18
6:00pm
Y Engagement Center Lobby, 1506 Joh Ave., Baltimore, MD 21227
Join us for an evening of poetry, comedy, and talents of all kind! This is the perfect opportunity to share a different side of you and explore parts unknown. Please join us as we flip the script on what is our work identity and open the mic to all. Everyone is welcome! Light refreshments will be served.
GENDER INCLUSION 101 TRAINING
Dayforce
Sessions Vary
This 3 hour, on-demand virtual session is designed to support associates as we deepen efforts to ensure inclusion across all identity groups. Gender considerations are important to our community. This session will provide participants with a basic knowledge of important vocabulary, legal considerations, and social and political aspects of gender.
To Register: Log into Dayforce, click Learning, Course catalog, and search "Gender Inclusion".
PAYROLL AND RECRUITMENT
GET PAID!
This Pay Period: December 3 - 16, 2023
Pay Date: December 26, 2023
Next Pay Period: December 17 - 30, 2023
Pay Date: January 9, 2024
GROW YOUR Y CAREER
We are actively filling the positions listed below with both internal and external candidates. To view these positions in Dayforce: log into Dayforce, click the upper left menu, select Careers, Search Jobs, and search by keyword or requisite ID#.
Baltimore City Head Start Teachers (search for Head Start Teacher)
Lead Enrichment Specialist (search for Req #2818)
ASSOCIATE REFERRAL PROGRAM
We are growing our Y associate community and need your help. If you know someone who may be a qualified candidate for a high demand position, please encourage them to apply. If your referred person is hired, you can potentially earn a $150 - $500 referral bonus!
WHY RISK IT?
The Y's Risk Management Team has created a monthly newsletter to highlight key risk reduction practices, reviews and reminders. This serves as an excellent quick reference for high priority risk awareness in our Y programs, centers and sites.