Diversity, equity & inclusion

Committed to an Inclusive and Equitable Workplace

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement: We celebrate the diversity of our staff which mirrors the diversity of our community.

The YMCA of Dane County is committed to creating an inclusive environment for members, staff and community alike. We will:

  • Be present in the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ communities. 
  • Increase our collective cultural awareness.

Our commitment is enshrined in our Strategic Plan.

Internal Affinity Groups Enhance Our Efforts

  • The Community of Color Resource Group (CCRG) was created by staff to help connect, showcase and advance employees of color within our organization. The CCRG is building awareness, solutions and leadership for racial justice by generating ideas, information and experiences to bring transformational change.
  • Staff are in the process of forming an LGBTQ+ Affinity Group to provide similar leadership and engagement opportunities for this community.

Giving Back

The Y uses an extensive Financial Assistance program to ensure all communities have access to our facilities and programs. We exponentially increase our impact by partnering with over 100 other organizations to better-serve community needs. 

The impacts of these inclusion efforts include:

  • $635,940 in overall Financial Assistance (2023; most-recent data)
  • $184,455 in memberships and program fees donated to other local nonprofits
  • $163,145 in full summer camp scholarships
  • 31% of child care families receive Financial Assistance

DEI Partnerships of Note:

  • Free access for 30 young girls experiencing trauma to first-ever Beyond Beautiful Empowerment Camp (the Y partnered with Dr. Jasmine Zapata, Beyond Beautiful Founder, to provide this opportunity).
  • Free swim lessons and use of the Y for social functions for Black Girl Magic (provides enrichment and academic opportunities to empower 4th-8th grade Black, African-American and multiracial girls).
  • Free family memberships for The Road Home (provides opportunities for homeless children and their families to achieve self-determined goals and find affordable, stable housing.