A Message of Hope and Support from the MetroWest YMCA

May 26, 2022

To Our YMCA Family,

Just weeks after the hate-filled attacks in Buffalo, NY and Laguna Woods, CA, our hearts break once again for the children and families in Uvalde, Texas. Yet another senseless shooting, killing 19 children and two teachers, which we struggle to comprehend.

At the MetroWest YMCA, we condemn these and all hate-filled acts. These most recent acts of violence are not only a personal tragedy for the victims and their families but also a tragedy for our country. We stand in solidarity with movements and measures taken that pursue policies and strategies which embrace inclusion, create equity, and encourage a safer, more peaceful world.

We encourage you to talk with your children, friends and family members as we work to comfort to each other and process the painful images and anxiety caused by these tragic events. We know these are incredibly difficult conversations, and we would like to share the following resources with you to help:

NASP Talking to Children About Violence

APA Helping Children Manage Distress After A Shooting

We also know words and intentions are not enough. That is why our team members are taking action to become an anti-racist, multicultural community organization. We are focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all of our operations. This includes having a dedicated professional on our team with expertise to lead our YMCA in DEI. We have created an internal DEI Committee and four subcommittees comprised of our leadership team members to look at our programs and policies through a DEI lens. Our leadership team has participated in “Undoing Racism” training and our other team members will be completing “Dimensions of Diversity” training later this year. Our work is more important than ever, as we strive to be there for our community as a welcoming and caring organization.

We keep the victims whose lives have been lost or forever altered, present in our thoughts, and we ask you all to spread kindness and comfort to each other. We know, especially during difficult times, that we are stronger together.

In that spirit, we invite you to share your thoughts and ideas for how we can support each other, heal, and take action to ensure that our MetroWest YMCA continues to disarm hate and nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Sincerely,

MetroWest YMCA Leadership Team

Untitled Poem by Beth Strano

(available on Facing History and Ourselves website)



There is no such thing as a “safe space” –

We exist in the real world.

We all carry scars and have caused wounds.

This space

seeks to turn down the volume of the world outside,

and amplify voices that have to fight to be heard elsewhere.

This space will not be perfect.

It will not always be what we wish it to be

But

It will be our space together,

And we will work on it side by side.