Becoming A Change Agent

After our first full day at the YMCA175 Global Gathering, I am in awe of the cohort of people that joined together to share ideas and collectively commit to being agents of change. There are more than 120 young people here from 42 countries, representing a depth and breadth of YMCA experience. It is such a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from such a diverse group of Y leaders. As part of our introductory day yesterday, we were challenged to reflect on our cultural competency and approach our interactions with each other over the next several days with patience, empathy and grace. This experience will help us see where we can be more inclusive through our Y work in each of our communities.

As Agents of Change, we are determined to champion and work for change in our Ys and in our communities. During the introductory program yesterday, we received a warm welcome from Mr. Christopher Hand, the Chief Executive Officer of Fairthorne Group, which is a group of Y facilities and initiatives in southern England that includes Fairthorne Manor, the outdoor activity space that is graciously hosting us these next few days. In his introduction, Mr. Hand shared a bit about his Y journey and the privilege he has had mentoring several young Y professionals who have served in previous Change Agent cohorts. He mentioned that he thinks he always learns more during his regular conversations with his mentee, and he encouraged us all to be prepared to challenge senior Y leadership to incorporate youth perspective and youth voice into the work and strategic direction of the Y.

In conversations with many of my colleagues from around the world, I am learning about different ways that Ys are supporting and engaging young changemakers, including coordinating youth empowerment committees and even integrating requirements about youth board membership into YMCA constitutions. I’ve also heard about specific funding available to any youth Y member to resource projects that are selected by special youth committees. Earlier today, some of us visited a local community housing facility for young adults that offers specific programming tailored towards life skill development. The facility hosts a weekly session called “Fight for your Right” that is an open forum for residents to share their concerns and have open dialogue about opportunities for improvement. Many of these Ys have seen the value and imperative of engaging youth voice and have incorporated systems that ensure ongoing youth engagement on issues that are important to them.

YMCA175, the Global Gathering of Agents of Change, and the Y Movement in the United States all share a collective commitment to further engaging and supporting youth to be changemakers and help craft the future we are all hoping to live in. As I look to my time at YMCA175, I’m excited to learn from thought leaders across the globe about their work and how we can better engage youth. There is momentum behind this opportunity for global Y leaders to engage and incorporate youth voice, and I’m looking forward to learning more about what this global promise will look like in action. Young people around the world are motivated to make a positive difference in the world, and it is our collective imperative to challenge Y leaders to ensure that global youth are engaged in positive, constructive and meaningful ways.