Togetherhood - Activating People for Good
The Y’s Togetherhood program connects people from all backgrounds to
plan and carry out volunteer projects that address a real need in their
community.
Benefits of Volunteering
Good for you

Volunteering can improve personal well-being, build relationships, and provide an outlet to discover purpose.
Research shows that volunteers experience wellness benefits,
including lower depression, improved mood and self-esteem, less stress,
better heart health and lower mortality rates.
Good for community

Togetherhood leverages the Y’s charitable mission to unlock
people’s potential to improve lives and create a more connected society.
Bringing diverse people together to tackle social issues creates
more cohesive communities. A culture of volunteerism can also yield
social benefits such as lower unemployment, greater income equality, and
youth that are more likely to stay in school and avoid risky behaviors.
“To be able to volunteer
alongside my YMCA friends was such a unique experience. It really added
to my understanding of what the Y does and the impact it can have on our
community." – Member, Reuter Family YMCA (NC)
How it Works
A Y staff advisor guides a committee of Y members who plan and lead
volunteer service projects. A comprehensive resource toolkit ensures
Togetherhood committees are supported each step of the way, from
planning the year of service to running projects to reporting and
celebrating their successes.
“The Togetherhood program
unites members of our community to participate in positive social change
and make an impact on peoples’ lives. The Y facilitates this effort by
providing a framework that allows volunteers to act on ideas." - Dan
McCauley, Somerset Hills YMCA (NJ)
How to Get Involved
The Y is mobilizing thousands of volunteers nationwide who are using
their creativity, passion and hard work to transform communities. We invite you to join us! Ask
your front desk staff if your Y offers the Togetherhood program. With
Togetherhood, there are opportunities to serve on a committee throughout
the year or volunteer on individual projects that interest you. If your
Y doesn’t yet offer Togetherhood, let your branch leadership know that
your’re interested and ask about other ways to volunteer and give back
through the Y.
“I now see the Y as the house
of the community, where people come together to make a better society.”
– Edison Blanco, Rye YMCA (NY)