Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation
diversity, inclusion & global innovation
our dig MISSION
"The Summit Area YMCA is committed to creating a culture in which diversity and inclusion are integral to everyday operations. Our Y will empower communities through access to the support and connections all people need to learn, grow, and thrive. Through welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, we will welcome and engage all people from all diverse groups of the community to help and impact lasting, meaningful change."
—Approved by the Summit Area YMCA Board of Trustees, February 2017
DIG PROGRAMS & EVENTS
The communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit are diverse communities with a long history centered on celebrating food, community and the arts. Join the festivities as we explore National Awareness Months, cultural traditions, workshops, discussions and more! Financial Assistance is also available.
View Upcoming Events VIEW MORE PROGRAMS
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GLOBAL YMCA MOVEMENT
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Did you know that the Y is in 119 countries? Through International partnerships, Ys around the globe respond to the needs of their communities. The Summit Area YMCA has an international partnership with the YMCA of Peru.
FIRST DIG INNOVATION NETWORK YMCA IN NEW JERSEY
In 2008, Y-USA developed the Global Centers of Excellence (GCE) network, later named Diversity, Inclusion & Global Innovation Network, as a core strategy to respond to rapidly changing demographics and build local Y capacity to welcome, connect, advocate for, and serve diverse and underserved communities at home and abroad. In line with the Summit Area YMCA's continual commitment to providing meaningful programs and services for our diverse community, we proudly became the first DIG Innovation Network YMCA within the State of New Jersey.
The Y is Committed to Be an Anti-Racist Organization
In order to achieve our mission of empowering all people, especially the young to reach their fullest potential, the Y must become an anti-racist organization committed to educating ourselves, having hard conversations, reducing barriers, supporting staff, and unleashing potential for all.
We're beginning by owning and acknowledging the truths of our past so we may all heal from the harm we have caused. We use this knowledge to inform the anti-racist and equitable future of the Y. Join us on our journey and review the steps we have taken and how you can get involved.
We've taken three major steps to inform the anti-racist future we envision at the Y.
Owning Our History
The Summit Area YMCA is owning the painful truths of our past to learn, grow and heal our community.
DIG Mission Statement &
Community Messages
Our Board of Trustees fully supports the work involved in being an organization committed to Diversity, Inclusion & Global Innovation.
BECOMING ANTI-RACIST
We are focused on addressing the needs of our community and dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. View free resources on How to Stand Against Racism and more.
DIG into the Y: volunteer
Your unique experiences, culture and skills can make the difference in our community. Click below to learn more about the ways you can join the movement.
Join the Y
At the Y you’ll find a warm environment with friendly members who are all part of a cause dedicated to bringing about meaningful change for themselves and for their community.
GIVE TO DRIVE EQUITY IN OUR COMMUNITIES
The Y is committed to meetings the needs of the community and advancing equity for all. Now, more than ever, we need the Y. Get involved today to learn how your contributions make a difference in our community. Donating to the Y drives innovation, learning, and action in creating equitable and just communities that thrive.
SUMMIT AREA YMCA
BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA
In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.
Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.