See you at the Y.
A City-Wide Initiative to Confront Loneliness, Isolation and Division To Make Greater Boston the most Community Connected City in the Country.
Check out our partners in this initiative.
Lead sponsor Highland Street Foundation
Highland Street Foundation is supporting the campaign with funding allowing us to expand programming for children, families and seniors.
Campaign Launch
On May 7 we launched our See You at the Y campaign at the Oak Square YMCA with a community conversation: Addressing the Epidemic of Loneliness, Isolation, and Division to Make Greater Boston the Most Connected Community in America.
This important gathering brought together city leaders, advocates, and community members to confront the growing crisis of loneliness and disconnection. We were proud to feature a panel of leaders in behavioral health, community building, and youth advocacy:
- Dr. Gene Beresin (The Clay Center for Healthy Young Minds, MGB)
- Sandra Harris (MA Coalition to Build Community)
- Dr. Kevin Simon (Boston Public Health Commission)
- Nora Sun (Harvard University and MA DPH)
In the News
WBZ News Radio – YMCA Greater Boston Helping Fight Loneliness, Strengthen Community
Boston Globe – Feeling alone? Go to the Y. YMCA launches campaign to fight loneliness.
“Strong communities are the foundation of a healthy city…the YMCA of Greater Boston has always been a leader in bringing people together, and their See You at the Y campaign is a critical step toward healing the disconnection that affects too many of our residents. We are grateful to the YMCA for their work to deepen community connections and build safe, healthy and active spaces for our residents.”
– Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
Let’s Start Building Community Together
Join the Campaign
See How Things Get Better When We See Each Other
- Sign on as a partner
- Use the slogan “See You at the (your organization name)”
- Post content on social media using the hashtags #SeeYouAt(NAME) and #BuildCommunity and tag the YMCA of Greater Boston and other partners
- Get Started Here: Social Media Tool Kit
- Add link to the campaign landing page on your website
At Your Organization
- Offer paid time off for volunteering
- Have a walking meeting
- Schedule an in-person meeting
- Plan an annual staff and family gathering
- Host a game at your place of work (Connect 4, Scrabble etc.)
- Offer meeting space for local group meeting
- Form employee resource groups focused on community action
As an Individual
- Be a good neighbor – offer help, share resources or just say “hi”
- Volunteer your time
- Help raise awareness of local issues
- Promote civic engagement
- Join or start a community project
- Support local businesses
- Mentor youth or young professionals
If you have any questions or need further assistance contact Irene Collins, Vice President of Communications at icollins@ymcaboston.org.
“Community is a powerful source of life satisfaction and life expectancy. It’s where we know each other, help each other, and find purpose in contributing to each other’s lives.”
– Dr. Vivek Murthy, 19th & 21st Surgeon General of the United States, Vice Admiral, United States Public Health Service
Our Partners
Partners who have joined in a common cause to end loneliness, isolation and division to make Greater Boston the healthiest community in the country.
Contact Irene Collins, Vice President of Communications at icollins@ymcaboston, to have your resources linked and/or be listed as a partner.
Be on the lookout soon for our city-wide activation.
We will be placing large Connect Four Games in locations throughout the city encouraging people to connect through the joy of play and conversation. Our Connect Four games will be customized with conversation starters and ways to stay connected with each other.
