In this edition of Us!...
September is a month of “Welcome” in the Y community. We welcome students back to school, we welcome the fall season, and we take time to welcome newcomers to the Y community! In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to forget that America is largely a nation of immigrants.
September at the Y is also a time to remember… A time to remember a good friend who helped us feel included in a group of folks who we were less familiar with. A time to be in community with families and neighbors who speak languages other than our own. To be in community with friends who observe different rituals than we do and eat different foods than the ones that we know. This month gives us the opportunity to purposefully capture the strengths that differences can make!
It is my hope that all members of the Y community experience a deeper sense of belonging and inclusion just for who they are! Everyone is welcome in this space!
Dr. Lisa Williams
Vice President, Strategy, Equity & Innovation
When Welcoming Newcomers Becomes Part of Our Culture
By Natasha Bentzen, Associate Executive Director, School Partnerships
(Natasha is a 1st Generation Immigrant who arrived in America in 2005. She spent 4 years as an English as a Second Language student.)
While many people feel a level of discomfort in engaging with and approaching people who may not speak the same language as them, or share the same cultural upbringing as them, it is important to remember that we are all bound together by our collective humanity.
As the Y works to become more inclusive and intentional, please consider the following suggestions for creating welcoming systems. These suggestions are plucked from my brain, so make sure you check in with your supervisor before implementing!
Create a Welcoming Committee: This can be done on a center level, a school level, or with any customer/people facing service. I recommend inviting the historic population as well as the newcomer population to be part of this effort. Create a system where newcomers check in with a member of the welcoming committee whether over the phone or in person, to receive basic information and create connections.
Examples:
For Y School-based programs: explain policies like uniforms, bell schedules, free breakfast and lunch initiatives, how to let the school know if the student will be absent or needs more support. Do you need documentation to register? How can the parent contact the school with a concern if they don’t speak the same language?For Y Family Centers: consider laying out processes around memberships such as: scanning in and out of centers, accessing additional programs, volunteer opportunities, etc.
While language barriers are often used as a reason not to connect, there is no excuse! Our phones have capabilities to translate complex sentences to written words and can even speak the sentences out loud, which can help lower literacy families.
Look into PocketTalks, a translation device used in many schools (shoutout to Principal Mullally for this recommendation!)
- Create a MULTILINGUAL One Pager: What are the top things to know? FAQ’s, schedules, dates when your school or center will be closed, days when you have multilingual help on site (e.g. if you have someone working at the front desk who speaks Spanish, what days do they typically work, etc.). Many sites have this information available in English, what other language groups do we serve?
- Get Visual: Using images and pictures can be a great way to bridge some of the language gaps for basic functions of your center or school. As humans we may feel drawn to use images that are fun and jovial, but ultimately make no sense. I remember when we first left Denmark and my parents saw a medication commercial on TV; it was people dancing, smelling flowers, cooking, twirling, and hugging a random child. If we watch those types of commercials without sound, there is no way to guess what they are about. We do the same thing with flyers and graphics. Consider looking at all of your materials without words and try to guess what will or will not be communicated. Use universal symbols for things like bathrooms 🚻 and trash 🚮. ALSO, if something is free, make sure it's clearly stated.
- Consider Communication: Non-verbal communication is communication too; always remember this. I see a lot of people who instinctively will avoid eye contact or look away when they feel they cannot communicate with someone. A smile, a friendly hand gesture, a high five for a child; all of that matters. We communicate way more with our presence than just with our words.
- Lean into Learning: If you notice a large population of newcomers from a specific region or country in your program, do your research! When is this country's national day? What holidays are typically celebrated? Do they have a national soccer team? A cricket team? What does school typically look like in that area? The more you know, the more nuanced your views on newcomers becomes. There is no universal immigrant experience; show interest in the individuals, their specific cultures and their experience interacting with large organizations like the Y. What recommendations do they have? How can we make the Y experience even better?
For many immigrants there are HUGE systemic barriers to receiving support and services that many Americans take for granted. Healthcare, higher education, housing support, food stamps, all have caveats for our immigrant communities.
Consider what systems and American institutions our families have had to navigate since arriving. When families enter as asylum seekers, they are held in detention centers and border facilities? If this is your first “All American” experience, how can we as an organization create another kind of American experience? What commitments can we make as an individual and as an organization to be ALL in on Community, even when the communities don’t look or sound like us?
Welcoming is everyone’s job. Kindness is universal, willingness to help is transcultural, and true intentionality with the way we engage is transformative.
I want to give shoutouts to the Y associates who work alongside newcomers every single day. You are all seen and your work is sacred. The work you do daily is ablaze with all the greatest promises of the American Dream: hope, opportunity, community and kindness. It is an honor to share in this work with you.
Happy Community School Coordinators Week!
For those of you familiar with the critical role Y Community Schools play in neighborhoods across central Maryland, you'll know that the work of a Community School Coordinator doesn’t necessarily fit neatly between the hours of 9 am - 5 pm.
As we celebrate Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week (September 15-21), we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our 29 extraordinary Community School Directors. These champions of change never waver showing up daily with resilience, compassion, and an inspiring commitment to strengthening communities and uplifting youth. Their unwavering dedication defines what it truly means to go the extra mile. Click below to hear the inspiring stories of just a few of these remarkable individuals.
The Dragon Boat Festival
At the Y, we’re constantly inspired by the incredible work happening right in our community and our mission to create a welcoming and inclusive environment is coming to life in the most vibrant ways!
Recently, the Dancel Y in Ellicott City played host to a truly special event that perfectly embodies our commitment to celebrating diverse cultures. Partnering with the Chinese American Parent Association, the Dancel Y had the honor of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival—a cherished tradition that brought our community together in a spectacular way.
This event was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the Y’s ongoing effort to embrace and uplift all cultures. The event not only provided a platform for cultural expression, but also fostered a sense of community and belonging. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of coming together to learn, celebrate, and grow as one.
At the Y, we believe that every event, program, and interaction contributes to a more inclusive and welcoming environment. The success of the Dragon Boat Festival is a shining example of how we’re making strides toward this goal. It’s about more than just opening our doors; it’s about opening our hearts to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community!
Latest and Greatest
Generations of Children Building Community: A Tribute to Cheryl Rosendahl
From the moment Y associate Cheryl Rosendahl saw a Stay & Play job advertised on a dry erase board at the Y in Westminster 30 years ago (now called the Hill Y), she knew it was right up her alley.
“My husband and I had just moved to Carroll County and we had a two year old. The Y was just looking for someone to work four or five hours a week and I thought, I can do that!”
After three decades of unwavering commitment to the Y, Cheryl has decided to retire as the Director of Y Chipmunks Preschool located in Carroll County, a position she held for over 20 years.
Described by her colleagues as caring, dedicated and fun, Cheryl’s favorite part of the job was - unsurprisingly - playing with the kids, watching them grow and engaging with the families.
“Many, many generations have come through Chipmunks. For the children, it gives them a safe place to explore the world without their parents there. In just one month we see them go from crying to walking in, putting their bags away and having conversations with each other. It’s like a little village!” says Cheryl.
When asked about her Y career highlight Cheryl shares, “There was this one year when it all seemed to come together. The kids in the class I was teaching built such a little community with one another. They were so kind and nurturing to one another and it felt really good! I felt so proud.”
Cheryl may have left the Y, but her influence will live on as the steady, stalwart, principled and warm leader she is. Cheryl influenced, taught and loved generations of children and their families. In so doing she set children up for happy and fulfilling lives girded by confidence.
Enjoy your next chapter, Cheryl. We hope you revel in the knowledge that you made countless contributions to the lives of countless little precious beings and their families. Your work will endure forever.
Thank you.
Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K Resources for Littles
This year, we are making an even more intentional effort to welcome our youth development families into the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K! Not only can children ages 6 and under register for free until September 30th but we also have a number of fun coloring and activity sheets along with pumpkin stencils that associates can use to engage our families.
UPCOMING TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
September Y Family Center Events
Welcoming Week: September 13-22
Looking for a local way to celebrate Welcoming Week? Please visit our website to explore a number of fun and inclusive ways you can join us for a celebration of community!
Healthy Seniors Week: September 23-27
Healthy Seniors Week focuses on activities specifically designed with seniors in mind, from healthy aging information to fun activities that prove age is nothing but a number.
Welcoming Week & Senior Events
Disrupting the Narrative of the Perpetual Outsider: "They" Are Our Community Too!
Wednesday, September 25
9:00am - 12:00pm
The Y Engagement Center, New Horizons Room
Historically, challenges of inclusion have required us to contend with notions and narratives of “Outsider” status. As a society addressing inclusion, there have been changes to the Constitution, to laws, to public policy, and to social practices designed to move outsiders, inside. As we address the correlates of this history within the Y, how do we intentionally shape the narrative with clarity that “they” too are Y members, associates, volunteers, donors etc? Shifting practice without interrogating the narrative leaves conditions that can be harmful unchallenged. This session is designed to support leaders’ deliberate consideration of the efforts relevant for their team.
Please register in Dayforce.
A Conversation with Parents/Caregivers of LGBTQIA+ Youth
Friday, October 11
11:00am - 12:30pm
The Y in Catonsville
Thursday, October 17
3:30pm - 5:00pm
The Weinberg Y in Waverly
Parents/caregivers of LGBTQIA+ youth are invited to a conversation where we will explore:
- Tips for safety and support of LGBTQIA+ youth have you figured out as you navigate various institutions that may be prepared and/or under-prepared to receive them
- The questions you have for other parents and caregivers
- The suggestions you have for the Y in Central Maryland
Please register in Dayforce.
Virtual Book Review: Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
Thursday, October 24
12:00pm - 1:00pm
The African American Resource Network (AARN) is hosting a talk about the importance of self-care and rest. Rest is Resistance shares a point of view about rest as a form of resistance and a divine human right.
Y Turkey Trot Charity Fundraising Dinner at Gertrude's
Thursday, November 7
4:30pm - 8:30pm
Gertrude's Chesapeake Kitchen (inside the Baltimore Museum of Art)
10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218
You, your friends and family are invited to dine out to help out local Y families! Treat yourself to a delicious fundraising dinner at one of Baltimore's finest restaurants, Gertrude's Chesapeake Restaurant!
Gertrude’s will donate 25% of dinner proceeds to the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K, enabling access and inclusion in healthy Y programs for all.
Reserve your table in advance at gertrudesbaltimore.com or call 410-889-3399.
GOOD VIBES
Boasting Swim Safety for Young Baltimoreans
In August, the Y in Central Maryland announced an exciting partnership with GEHA Health and the Baltimore Ravens to help boost swim safety with a new Learn to Swim program. This initiative aims to benefit 100 young Baltimoreans and help tackle cultural and geographical barriers to health equity. Thank you to our good friends at GEHA and the Ravens for diving in and helping the Y create positive change in our community.
Y ASSOCIATE SHOUT OUTS
We have more great Y Associate Shout Outs today. These are 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 Nevaeh Brown, Stacie Jones, Anirra Thomas, Kelly Walker, and Riquelle Harris.
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 October 17th. The submission deadline is Friday, October 11th.
PAYROLL, RECRUITMENT AND RISK
GET PAID!
| Pay Period | Pay Date |
|---|---|
| September 8 - 21 | October 1, 2024 |
| September 22 - October 5 | October 15, 2024 |
| October 6 - 19 | October 29, 2024 |
ASSOCIATE REFERRAL PROGRAM
If you know someone who may be a qualified candidate for an in-demand position at the Y, such as educators and instructors, 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.