BACK

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

What Matters Most: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

When anyone walks through the doors of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, we want them to feel like they belong. Creating an environment and an atmosphere that welcomes anyone is one of our top priorities, and we extend that desire to our employees and our company culture as well. At the Y, we are committed to fostering a culture that reflects our community — a rich, diverse, and inclusive environment for all.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Policy Statement


To actualize our mission, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago commits to being an anti-racist, multicultural organization that strategically promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and access across all dimensions of diversity.

This commitment touches all aspects of how we do our work. Through leadership engagement, intentional partnerships, systems thinking, planning, and active, continuous learning on the part of all stakeholders—including employees, vendors, volunteers, and collaborators—we advance social change in our communities.

Furthermore, we commit to purposeful engagement with local change agents and the global Y community, connecting our efforts to the ongoing work of creating a more just world.

Statement on Racism


The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago understands that racism causes and perpetuates serious inequities, both locally and globally.

The impact of racism on our staff and communities, both individually and systematically, is foundational to how we organize, operate, and serve. As such, it is imperative that we uphold anti-racism through our policies, words, and actions.

The recognition of racism as a traumatic, dehumanizing, intergenerational, and violent experience is critical to achieving our aims of empowering future leaders and creating healing spaces that connect all people to their purpose, potential, and each other.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago adheres to all applicable federal, state and local employment laws. The company is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity that recognizes the value each individual brings to the organization. YMCA policy prohibits any form of discrimination by its managers, employees, vendors or customers based on race, color, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.