A very diverse group of people pose for a group photograph

By Thomas Bawden

The YMCA of Greater Flint has provided programs that promote health, youth development, and social responsibility for over a century. While our mission has always been rooted in service to all, we recognize that there have been periods of our history where certain communities were excluded or underserved. Today, we are committed to moving forward with intentionality, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in ways that make everyone feel welcomed and valued.

Thomas Bawden is the associate executive director at the YMCA of Greater Flint and chair of their Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Prioritizing DEI efforts not only removes barriers but also enhances our internal culture. Staff and volunteers who feel valued and empowered bring their whole selves to work, creating a stronger, more collaborative team. Externally, this work deepens our relationships with our community, connecting us to the diverse populations we serve.

Our ongoing equity journey has led to meaningful changes in internal operations and community engagement. We have taken strides to ensure that the makeup of our staff and board leaders resembles the diversity of our greater Flint community. We’re making progress with inclusive recruiting and hiring practices, and training on unconscious bias and cultural competence.

Additionally, we’ve put community voice at the heart of our programming. Where access to the Y and its programs has been limited, we’ve taken tangible steps to expand our reach and increase our inclusion. These include offering financial assistance for membership, making the application process easier, and undertaking a comprehensive review of our membership policies to remove barriers.

We’ve made training a cornerstone of our DEI strategy, offering workshops on topics like systemic inequalities, equitable HR practices, and inclusive leadership. These sessions have become opportunities for growth, sparking important conversations and leading to marked changes in how we approach our work.

While progress is ongoing, the impact of these efforts is clear. By embedding DEI into our culture, we’ve built stronger relationships within our organization and with our community.

For those inspired to take meaningful steps toward fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, here are a few considerations:

  1. Listen and engage: Build relationships with community partners and listen to the voices of the community your organization serves.
  2. Evaluate internal practices: Regularly review organizational policies and practices to ensure they are equitable and inclusive.
  3. Prioritize education and training: Offer opportunities for staff of all levels to engage in DEI training and development.
  4. Measure impact: Regularly assess the outcomes of DEI efforts, using feedback as a tool to improve and grow.

We are committed to ensuring that our organization reflects the diversity of the community we serve, and we invite others to join us in this important work. Together, we can build a future where equity, inclusion, and belonging are a reality for everyone.