The YMCA has long been committed to fostering a sense of belonging. At a time when our nation is grappling with a loneliness epidemic, when surveys show rising anxiety and depression among children and teens, and one in five adults reports feeling lonely “a lot” of the day, the Y is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference.
Belonging starts with the experience people have when they walk through our doors. That includes our members, the children and teens we serve and the dedicated people who show up every day to make our mission possible.
In that spirit, we recently reviewed the results of our latest staff Belonging Survey, first conducted in 2023. At that time, 61% of employees reported feeling a sense of belonging at work. Since then, we have been intentional about strengthening inclusion across our organization. In 2025, that number rose to 74%, alongside significant gains in our diversity, equity and inclusion measures.
This is exciting and I want to celebrate that progress!
At the same time, I know our work is not finished. And we won’t be until 100% of our employees truly feel a part of our team.
True belonging means that everyone feels welcomed, valued and connected. As an organization grounded in Christian principles, we hold ourselves to a high standard: to treat every person with dignity, care and respect.
Improving outcomes requires thoughtful reflection, listening and action. But beyond surveys and strategies, belonging is built in everyday moments through how we greet one another, how we listen and how we choose to show up for the people around us.
If we live our mission consistently and authentically, every person who engages with the Y as a member, a participant or part of our team will feel seen and supported. Together, we can continue moving closer to an environment where everyone truly belongs when we survey again in 2027!
