Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
An intersectional approach to creating vibrant communities where everyone can shine.
Our vision for the future of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is to build vibrant communities where everyone can shine. To realize that, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to broadening and deepening our work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, to support more equitable outcomes with Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups across the GTA, with an intersectional approach to this work.
"Over the next five years, our YMCA will work to boost well-being and promote equity. By well-being, we mean feeling healthy and happy. At the bare minimum, most of us need a few things to experience well-being: a safe place to live, a decent job and income, human connection, and a sense of purpose. But these and other necessities are not equally available to everyone in our communities."
“That’s why equity is just as important to Ignite the Light. By equity, we mean ensuring everyone is treated fairly and has access to the opportunities they need to achieve their full potential. If we don’t promote equity, our work to boost well-being will only benefit some of our community members, leaving others behind.”
- YMCA Strategic Plan, “Ignite the Light 2020-2025”
Anti-Colonialism and Indigenous Reconciliation
Goals:
- To contribute to anti-colonial processes that enhance reconciliation efforts.
- To strengthen and build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, with attention to intersecting identities, to ensure that the Y is a trustworthy partner.
Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity
Goals:
- To ensure the Y is intentionally anti-racist, and makes continued efforts to dismantle anti-Black racism.
- To ensure the Y is intentionally racially and culturally diverse.
- To ensure the development of consistent equitable practices, programs and education that address inequities related to race, ethnicity, religion and intersecting identities.
Disability and Accessibility
Goals:
- To ensure the Y is accessible to disabled communities, adopting and promoting universal design principles.
- To advance a strength-based and intersectional approach to disability.
Gender and Sexual Diversity
Goals:
- To ensure the Y supports the advancement of women and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- To develop equity oriented gender and sexual diversity initiatives, applying them consistently across the Y with attention to intersecting identities.
If you’d like to learn more about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at the Y, please contact diversity@ymcagta.org.