Engage with the Y
Our vision is to advance equity and justice for all in everything we do, everywhere we do it. By bringing more voices into the conversation, we seek solutions and promote healing and belonging and produce more equitable outcomes for all, especially Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC), as well as, other marginalized youth, families, older adults and communities, to develop their full potential.
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.
Walk with us. Learn more about Vision 2025 and our goals, strategies, and impact. And make the pledge to get involved as a donor, volunteer, and learner today.
Visit this page often, we'll continue to update it with new learning, resources and ways for you to invest in community. And we want to hear from you: share your ideas, solutions and ways you're making an impact by Tweeting us, leaving a comment on Facebook, or tagging us on Instagram.
Three Actions You Can Take Today
1 > Take the pledge...
Take the pledge and help spread the word by sharing the below with your network on social media or e-mail.
I took the pledge to empower youth and remove systemic barriers to opportunity with the Y. Join me and learn more about how to bring equity and justice for youth to education, health care, civic action, and more.
2 > Give a little...
Give a little to help a lot. Sign up to be an investor in community.
With a donation to the Y, you'll help make Vision 2025 a reality for hundreds of thousands of kids and families in need across Greater Seattle and beyond. The need is great and there is much work ahead, but with your help we can make progress and help remove barriers to progress.
3 > Start the journey...
Start the journey to self-education.
Learn about the most pressing issues facing youth or read an article in the learning section below, and share your thoughts with us on social media. We want to hear your ideas for solutions, suggestions for more continued reading we should share with others, and about your journey with the Y through Vision 2025. Walk with us!
Resources for Learning
Start your journey to self-education, engagement and activation by learning more about some of the issues and barriers facing youth today. Then join us to take action with a donation, volunteerism, raising awareness on social media, engaging with civic leaders on solutions, and walking with the Y to reach out to youth who may need our programs.
Vision 2025 Primer
- Executive Summary
- How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion
- Blind spots: The dangers of unchecked social bias in race and media
- The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Harvard’s Implicit Association Test
- A Racist Attack Was Caught on Camera. Nearly 45 Years Later, It Still Stings.
Education
- Case Study, Early Ed in Washington | Gates Foundation
- Early Ed Research | US Dept. of Education
- Are Learning Styles a Myth?
- Systemic Racism in Education
Health
- COVID-19 Cases Among King County Residents by Race & Ethnicity | King County
- Key Economic, Social, & Overall Health Impacts in King County | King County
- Increased concern of suicide risk in youth during COVID-19 | Washington State Department of Health
- Older Adults and the Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 | Journal of the American Medicine Association
- Health Impacts on BIPOC Communities
Homelessness
- 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report
- Homelessness | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- Understand Homelessness
- Homeless population | USAFacts
- Drivers of Homelessness in Washington State
- Student Homelessness in Seattle
Broadband
- Broadband Access and Availability in King County
- Understanding the Digital Divide
- Digital Divide Statistical Research
Food Insecurity
- Food Security in US | USDA
- By the Numbers | NPR
- Who needs food assistance in US?
- What is Food Insecure?
- Seattle and Food Insecurity
Hate Violence/Criminal Justice
- Documenting Hate | ProPublica
- Hate Crimes, Explained | Southern Poverty Law Center
- Path To Radicalization: A Mother Turns to Hate | NBC Left Field
- The 2015 Chapel Hill Shooting: Was It a Hate Crime?
- Hate Crimes | FBI
- Hate Crimes | National Institute of Justice
- Hate Crime Statistics | Department of Justice
- Bias/Hate Crime Data | Seattle Police Dept.
- Stop AAPI Hate Report
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How to Get Involved
Join us in this critical work to advance equity and justice for all.
Invest in Youth
We need your partnership and support as we work to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
Give Your Time
Volunteering at the Y is a rewarding and fun way to start advancing equity and justice for all. There are many ways to contribute, no matter the interests or schedules.
Walk With the Y
You can help empower youth through self-education, advocacy campaigns, sharing knowledge, writing civic leaders, and helping reach out to youth who are in need.
Do Work That Matters
Work for the Y and you'll lift up community while doing work that matters alongside amazing, driven, and passionate Y staff and volunteers. Apply today!
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STAY ENGAGED WITH THE Y
More Ways to Give
There are many ways to make a difference through the Y: Make a pledge, donate stock, volunteer, or learn about planned giving and matching gifts!
Your Impact
Many hands help community at the Y, from staff who counsel youth experiencing homelessness, and volunteers who help give out meals, to donors who empower the Y to reach more people in need. Learn more about your impact as a Y supporter.
Join the Y!
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.
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