Change Will Happen: Bringing YMCA175 Back Home

After three days of workshops, networking, and pin trading (YUP! It was intense), YMCA175 is officially over. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE.

This past week inspired me to embrace being a Change Agent/Maker and not fear making changes. Thinking about my local Y, I’m always curious about what MORE we can do for our community and programs. Change was never a scary idea to me, but more of a concern of whether I can do it or not. Before YMCA175, I never thought that I could be a changemaker in our movement or have a voice to suggest change, but that all changed after my week in London.

At YMCA175, I met so many leaders from all over the world. Some of them I consider my family now. They all shared the amazing work happening at their local Ys, much of which is being led by young leaders and volunteers! Their stories opened my eyes to all the opportunities we should be giving our youth and the difference we can make together. I was also lucky to enough to co-lead the discussion on what we predict 2044 to look like and what work the YMCA needs to get done beforehand in order to build strong communities.

This once in a lifetime experience with my EGLI/Change Agents family is truly special. I am honored to return having learned the importance of creating change alongside the youth in our communities. Hearing everyone share their personal stories about mental health, climate change, inequality, etc. was eye-opening. It inspired me to want to change the system, change the environment, and change the world. They are already doing it!!

Carlos Sanvee told us, “Think globally, act locally.” I am going to remember that when I return to San Francisco wanting to take on the world right away. I know I can make a difference, I know I can lead change, but I also know it cannot happen overnight. But it will happen.