2023 Advocacy Day

Aug 09, 2023

On Wednesday, August 2, we hosted our annual Advocacy Day at the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center in Hopkinton. Advocacy Day provides an opportunity for community leaders to experience the impact of the Y on youth and the local community while enjoying a day at camp. 

State Senate President Karen Spilka welcomed Congressman McGovern, Representatives: Arena-DeRosa, Lewis and Linsky, and DA Marian Ryan, and shared some of her own reasons for supporting the Y, and participated in an archery challenge! 

During the camp tour, attendees learned more about some of the priorities of the MetroWest YMCA this year, including: 

• Provide meals to the thousands of children who are experiencing food insecurity in our region, as well as expand our sites to include additional underserved communities.
• Increase and expand educational opportunities to address equity and social emotional needs of youth in our region, including preschool to families in Framingham, after school programs, CIT/LITs, and change-maker programs targeted to teens, to increase civic engagement and set career goals and paths. 
• Expand and deliver programs that address chronic diseases, prevention and intervention. 
• Conduct safety around water and swim lessons for youth in our community to prevent drownings.
• Develop and deliver programs that support the whole person, including trauma informed care to support resiliency in our youth and reduce social isolation among all our members. 

The final stop on the tour included a new Slingshot experience. Built by our Leaders-in-Training, people tried their hand at shooting a pea (environmentally-friendly), at a western style target including, fencing and pots and pans. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the activities, and learning more about how the Y is filling important community needs, thanks to our partners and leaders.