Eight representatives from the Denver YMCA joined 3,500 delegates from over 100 countries at YMCA175, a global youth event in London. The event celebrated 175 years of the YMCA’s impact on youth and communities and brought together young leaders and YMCA staff in a commitment to social justice and positive cultural change through promoting global equity and diversity.
The Denver delegates included three teens who are active in the Y’s leadership programs, along with five senior leaders and chaperones. Together, they went to workshops on health and well-being, civic engagement, and environment and economic employment and empowerment. Through it all was a focus on nurturing spirit, mind and body, with several activities and break-out opportunities for exercise and reflection.
YMCA Director of Community-Integrated Health Caitlin Stackpool says it was an incredible experience for all the kids, noting that they could hear from speakers who were not just “adults talking at them,” but peers sharing information about their work and experiences.
Moreover, Denver delegates gained a new outlook of what unites Ys and teens everywhere. “Before, some of their worlds were limited to Colorado, but now suddenly they got this giant perspective about issues that affect us all – obesity, youth mental health, and climate change,” says Caitlin.
What the group brought back was greater insight on how we can all better connect with youth as more than just the changemakers of the future but the changemakers of right now. “These kids were empowered to think about not just what they’ll do some day, but what they can do to create the communities we all want, starting immediately. They don’t have to wait until they’re called on.”
These youth will be sharing their insight through presentations at their Wellness Centers and to the Y Board. As for the senior staff and chaperones, they too came back inspired with tools and ideas on how the Y can better engage Denver’s youth.
“Whether it’s through leadership programs, or youth board opportunities, we have to explore ways we can connect with youth and give them opportunities to contribute and lead,” says Caitlin. “The time is now, for all of us.’