Building Togetherness at the YMCA
Our Vision
Our hope and aspiration is for YMCA children, families, and educators to develop a deeper appreciation for themselves and others and to help create a world free from racism, antisemitism and discrimination.
Building Togetherness
The mission of Building Togetherness is to teach children about the diverse tapestry of the human experience while developing a sense of their own cultural identity and learning to appreciate the cultures of others. Through a collection of books, classroom activities, and family experiences, children develop a sense of belonging and understanding of the many cultures and traditions in our YMCA communities and build knowledge of Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, Hindu, Indian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures.
“Given the challenges we are all facing today with democracy in America, it is so important to teach children to love and appreciate differences. That begins with Education. And that is why I am so excited to be the Founder and supporter of the Building Togetherness program at the Boston YMCA. We are bringing children and families together through terrific books and cultural experiences, and we are helping them celebrate the beauty of diversity while also seeing what unites all of us from diverse backgrounds. When it comes to education there is nothing we cannot accomplish with family, food, and fun!”
Developing Positive Self – Identity
Children feel good about themselves, develop positive self-esteem, and build a foundation for social connections.
Embracing Differences Across Communities
Children learn about the people in their community and beyond. Children discover similarities and differences in their friends and environment.
Understanding Family Traditions
Children learn and share about their own family traditions and begin to explore the traditions of others both within and outside of their community. This exploration reflects the beauty of the students, families, and communities we serve at the YMCA.
Fall
Family Experiences
Back to School Night (September):
Featuring a family style dinner and and a Jewish Rosh Hashana Water Ceremony.
YMCA Family Apple Picking Day (October):
Features gifts of books, apples and honey in celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana while visiting a local apple orchard.
Fall
Family Experiences
Back to School Night (September):
Featuring a family style dinner and and a Jewish Rosh Hashana Water Ceremony.
YMCA Family Apple Picking Day (October):
Features gifts of books, apples and honey in celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana while visiting a local apple orchard.
Fall
Family Experiences
Back to School Night (September):
Featuring a family style dinner and and a Jewish Rosh Hashana Water Ceremony.
YMCA Family Apple Picking Day (October):
Features gifts of books, apples and honey in celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana while visiting a local apple orchard.
Building Togetherness Fall Books
Self-Identity: In this unit, we are focusing on curriculum that supports a positive self-identity in our young people. Our goal is for children to feel good about themselves without making others feel bad, as well as setting intentions for the new year. Books and anchor lessons support building a positive identity and embracing one’s characteristics and traits.
Click on a book below to listen to a read aloud!
Winter
Family Experiences
Festival of Lights (December):
Features traditions from Black, Christian, Hindu, Latino and Jewish cultures and a ceremony of lighting a kinara, menorah, and diyas.
Multicultural Family Potluck (February):
Features traditions from children’s individual cultures during a shared family meal experience.
Winter
Family Experiences
Festival of Lights (December):
Features traditions from Black, Christian, Hindu, Latino and Jewish cultures and a ceremony of lighting a kinara, menorah, and diyas.
Multicultural Family Potluck (February):
Features traditions from children’s individual cultures during a shared family meal experience.
Winter
Family Experiences
Festival of Lights (December):
Features traditions from Black, Christian, Hindu, Latino and Jewish cultures and a ceremony of lighting a kinara, menorah, and diyas.
Multicultural Family Potluck (February):
Features traditions from children’s individual cultures during a shared family meal experience.
Building Togetherness Winter Books
Family Traditions: In this unit, we are focused on learning more about family traditions and cultures both within and outside of a student’s own community. Our goal is supporting classrooms with a diverse range of materials, books, and resources that reflect the beauty of the students, families, and communities we serve.
Click on a book below to listen to a read aloud!
Spring
Family Experiences
Family Carnival (April)
A celebration featuring a parade, costumes, gifts, performances and food.
Moving-Up Ceremony (June):
Celebrates all children as they complete their school-year.
Spring
Family Experiences
Family Carnival (April)
A celebration featuring a parade, costumes, gifts, performances and food.
Moving-Up Ceremony (June):
Celebrates all children as they complete their school-year.
Spring
Family Experiences
Family Carnival (April)
A celebration featuring a parade, costumes, gifts, performances and food.
Moving-Up Ceremony (June):
Celebrates all children as they complete their school-year.
Building Togetherness Spring Books
Embracing Communities: In this unit, Children learn about the people in their community and beyond. Children discover similarities and differences in their friends and environment. Our goal is to lay a strong, secure, confident and self-assured foundation in children that value their own identity and diversity amongst others.
Click on a book below to listen to a read aloud!
Over the past year, the Greater Boston YMCA has implemented a comprehensive DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) professional development program in collaboration with our Early Education Curriculum of “Building Togetherness”. Our program has aimed to foster inclusive environments by equipping staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote diversity and equity within their classrooms and the communities they serve.
Key components of the program have included workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. Participants have engaged in interactive sessions designed to encourage open dialogue and self-reflection, allowing them to explore their own biases and understand the experiences of others. The program has also featured guest speakers from diverse backgrounds who shared their insights and stories, enriching the learning experience.
Overall, “Building Togetherness” and the professional development provided through our philosophy and program has not only strengthened the YMCA’s commitment to DEI but has also fostered a sense of community and belonging among staff, children and families that has contributed to a more inclusive culture.
Evaluation
Throughout the year we have partnered with Bell Xcel’s SCRI to measure the impact of the Building Togetherness program and make continuous improvements. This is done through various methods including:
- Pre/Post Family Surveys
- Pre/Post Staff Surveys
- Focus Group Feedback Sessions
- Use of Observation Tools
- Summative Reports
