EUGENE FAMILY YMCA LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATIONAL SERIES TO PROMOTE UNITY IN EUGENE COMMUNITY
Bi-monthly meetings aim to enhance community connection and sense of belonging
Eugene, Ore., Feb. 5, 2025 – The Eugene Family YMCA remains committed to fostering connection and belonging within our community and is excited to launch a new series focused on these ideals.
As part of the Y’s recently adopted strategic plan, the organization is expanding its programming to ensure that individuals of all ages and backgrounds continue to experience a welcoming and supportive environment at the Y. A key initiative of this expansion is the Promoting CommUNITY series—an educational series designed to build awareness, compassion and kindness in everyday life. Through bi-monthly meetings featuring guest speakers and book discussions, participants will explore themes that promote community cohesion.
While the Promoting CommUNITY series is designed for adults, the Y’s Youth Development team is introducing a parallel series for teens. This companion program invites middle- and high-schoolers to engage in these important conversations in age-appropriate ways.
“Promoting CommUNITY is more than just a program—it’s a way to cultivate deeper understanding and stronger connections within our community,” said Crispin Shelley, YMCA VP of People and Culture and Chair of the Social Responsibility Committee. “Our hope is that by engaging in these conversations, we will create opportunities to break down cultural barriers and learn from one another.”
The Promoting CommUNITY series officially launches on Tuesday, February 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., with a speaker event on understanding racial equity led by Mo Young, Inclusion and Belonging Consultant and Lane County’s Community Partnership Supervisor.
On Friday, February 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., a book club discussion will focus on The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee.
The Youth series begins Tuesday, February 6, from 4 to 5 p.m. with speaker Shanae Joyce Stringer, President of B.L.A.Q. Youth, Inc.
On Thursday, February 20, from 4 to 5 p.m., youth are invited to discuss The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers): What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee.
Tsunami Books has generously partnered with the Y to offer a 20 percent discount to the first 10 customers who purchase “The Sum of Us” from them.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Social Responsibility Committee and offer the Promoting CommUNITY teen series,” said Rachel Jackson, YMCA Youth Teen and Family Director. “By providing a platform for teens to explore these themes in a way that resonates with them, we hope to empower them to lift each other up.”
Each month the Promoting CommUNITY series will focus on a different theme, including:
- February: Understanding Racial Equity
- March: Gender Equity and Empowerment
- April: Disability Awareness and Advocacy
- May: Ageism and Age Discrimination Awareness
- September: The History and Experience of Refugees and Immigrants in America
- October: LGBTQ+ Inclusion
- November: Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Inclusion
“We are grateful for the work that our Social Responsibility Committee has been helping our Y advance; especially through our upcoming Promoting CommUNITY series,” said YMCA CEO Brian Steffen. “At the Y, we are committed to creating a welcoming place for all. We believe that the Promoting CommUNITY series perfectly aligns with our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.”
MEDIA PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY
Join us the kick-off speaker event for adults later next week!
- What: Understanding Racial Equity
- Guest speaker: Mo Young, Inclusion and Belonging Consultant
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 11
- Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Eugene Family YMCA—600 E 24th Ave. Eugene, OR 97405
MEDIA CONTACT
Beth Casper
VP of Community Engagement
Eugene Family YMCA
541.686.9622 ext. 1403
503.302.8776 (cell)
beth@eugeneymca.org
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages thousands of people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
