Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
Learn about our journey and how we are taking action in our JAIDE work.
Our purpose as a charity is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential.
Since 2020, as the YMCA of Three Rivers, we have rooted ourselves in the principles of
JAIDE - Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity as we work towards becoming an equity-advancing organization. JAIDE is not a project; it is a way of being. It guides our actions, interactions, and decisions. When we started this work, we used the core values of Equity and Accountability to shape our way forward.
We are excited to take the next step in our journey with our JAIDE in Action Roadmap.
The Truth in Our Data
Representation matters.
18% of our employees feel there is not enough representation of equity deserving groups at all levels of the YMCA of Three Rivers.
Belonging matters.
26% of employees do not actively feel as though they belong at the YMCA of Three Rivers and 20% say they feel excluded at the Y.
Stopping harm matters.
18% of employees have experienced abuse, harassment, and/or discrimination at the Y..
Currently, 1 in 5 of our employees still feel like they do no belong at our Y, based on our 2023 JAIDE Survey data.
Our Streams of Focus
To build our JAIDE in Action Roadmap, we leveraged the data collected from our JAIDE Survey (completed in November 2023), our Employee Insight Survey, as well as the feedback and diverse experiences of our employees, participants, volunteers, and community members that have engaged with us over the last few years.
When we looked deeply at our JAIDE Survey data, we determined our need to branch out with our JAIDE in Action Roadmap to identify six streams of focus.
While we believe all six streams are important, not all streams will be active at once. We will move between all six as needed and as resources and capacity allow, ensuring we are making the best choices possible.
We encourage you to explore and learn about these unique streams through the links in the gallery below.
Gender Justice and Pride Inclusion
Our objective is to provide resources and education that help promote understanding of all identities to foster inclusion. This will create accountable spaces where employees and the community can experience belonging regardless of their gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
