What follows is a call to action by Michelle Robertson, Director of Strategic Initiatives shared at a recent staff leadership meeting.
At a time when social issues such as bullying, discrimination, inequality and sexual assaults plague our headlines, it’s easy to feel cynical and pessimistic about the future of our society. But when I stop to consider the Y and the role that we play, I feel encouraged because I believe that we are perfectly positioned to help change the headlines for future generations.
Right now, young black children drown at rates five times higher than their white peers.
Right now, headlines appear just about every day with new reports of sexual harassment and assault towards women.
Right now, children and teens are committing suicide because they are bullied by classmates.
But right now, the Y is eliminating barriers and making programs like Detroit Swims, Girls on the Run and STRIDE available to youth, not just in Metro Detroit, but across the country. We are making water safety a priority for ALL children, regardless of race and economic situation. We are teaching boys and girls that they are valued and worthy, simply because they are alive. We are teaching them to be young men and women with character and integrity and to use their words to build one another up and to stand up for themselves and others.
So while we can’t go back and change the historical social structures that contribute to today’s headlines, we can change things NOW so that tomorrow’s headlines look different. And when I think of what we are already doing, I believe we are making a difference. I believe that we are not only changing the lives of the youth in our programs today, but that we are changing the headlines for all generations to come.