EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS (ERGs)
YMCA Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are employee-led groups that seek to provide a space for the support, networking, and development of YMCA professionals from a variety of cultures and/or different experiences. These groups are open to all YMCA employees and volunteers.
Mission Behind ERGs
YMCA of the USA believes our employees and volunteers are our most valuable assets in our quest to strengthen the foundations of communities. In order to emphasize our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment, we offer our employees and volunteers the opportunity to participate in our ERGs.
These employee-led groups provide a space for people to network, mentor one another, share their knowledge and experiences, participate in personal and professional development, enhance their leadership skills, inform strategic decisions, and provide consultation when needed - all while building meaningful connections across the movement.
Overall Goals and Objectives
Each ERGs operate with the understanding that they exist to:
- Mentor/support staff/volunteer careers in the YMCA
- Make the YMCA organization more diverse and inclusive
- Build cultural awareness of the group's identified target communities
- Market YMCA services and employment opportunities to the target communities
- Support Diversity & Inclusion efforts across the Y Movement.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
See Upcoming Employee Resource Group Events below!
Upcoming African American ERG Events
ERG Council: Professional Development
6:30-8 pm| October 9, 2024
500 Smith Rd, Webster, NY 14580 (Abe Lincoln Lodge)
The ERG Council, comprised of members from all ERGs at the YMCA of Greater Rochester, will be offering professional development opportunities in the fall.
As part of this event, Talethea Best, Chief People & Culture Officer, will be leading a keynote discussion: Navigating Microaggressions in the Workplace
A big part of our Y's Advancing Equity strategy is learning how thinking and behaving inclusively becomes embedded in all our work Association wide. In this highly interactive session, you will understand what a microaggression is and how to best navigate different experiences. You will also learn how these experiences affect individuals personally and professionally and heighten your ability to operate inclusively. Bring a friend (or two!)
There will also be tips on building your LinkedIn profile, a Networking Workshop, and professional headshots onsite.
End of the Year Mixer
December 3, 2024
Join the African American ERG to celebrate and reflect on another impactful year of service and community. Additional details to be announced.
Upcoming Pride ERG Events
ERG Council: Professional Development
6:30-8 pm| October 9, 2024
500 Smith Rd, Webster, NY 14580 (Abe Lincoln Lodge)
The ERG Council, comprised of members from all ERGs at the YMCA of Greater Rochester, will be offering professional development opportunities in the fall.
As part of this event, Talethea Best, Chief People & Culture Officer, will be leading a keynote discussion: Navigating Microaggressions in the Workplace
A big part of our Y's Advancing Equity strategy is learning how thinking and behaving inclusively becomes embedded in all our work Association wide. In this highly interactive session, you will understand what a microaggression is and how to best navigate different experiences. You will also learn how these experiences affect individuals personally and professionally and heighten your ability to operate inclusively. Bring a friend (or two!)
There will also be tips on building your LinkedIn profile, a Networking Workshop, and professional headshots onsite.
Upcoming Women's ERG Events
ERG Council: Professional Development
6:30-8 pm | October 9, 2024
500 Smith Rd, Webster, NY 14580 (Abe Lincoln Lodge)
The ERG Council, comprised of members from all ERGs at the YMCA of Greater Rochester, will be offering professional development opportunities in the fall.
As part of this event, Talethea Best, Chief People & Culture Officer, will be leading a keynote discussion: Navigating Microaggressions in the Workplace
A big part of our Y's Advancing Equity strategy is learning how thinking and behaving inclusively becomes embedded in all our work Association wide. In this highly interactive session, you will understand what a microaggression is and how to best navigate different experiences. You will also learn how these experiences affect individuals personally and professionally and heighten your ability to operate inclusively. Bring a friend (or two!)
There will also be tips on building your LinkedIn profile, a Networking Workshop, and professional headshots onsite.
Annual Review & Strategic Planning
November 2024
The Women's ERG will be hosting their annual review and strategic planning meeting for 2025!
Holiday Mixer
December 2024 or January 2025
Celebrate the holiday season with the Women's ERG! Details will be announced as they become available!
Upcoming Emerging Leaders ERG Events
ERG Council: Professional Development
6:30-8 pm | October 9, 2024
500 Smith Rd, Webster, NY 14580 (Abe Lincoln Lodge)
The ERG Council, comprised of members from all ERGs at the YMCA of Greater Rochester, will be offering professional development opportunities in the fall.
As part of this event, Talethea Best, Chief People & Culture Officer, will be leading a keynote discussion: Navigating Microaggressions in the Workplace
A big part of our Y's Advancing Equity strategy is learning how thinking and behaving inclusively becomes embedded in all our work Association wide. In this highly interactive session, you will understand what a microaggression is and how to best navigate different experiences. You will also learn how these experiences affect individuals personally and professionally and heighten your ability to operate inclusively. Bring a friend (or two!)
There will also be tips on building your LinkedIn profile, a Networking Workshop, and professional headshots onsite.
AFRICAN AMERICAN ERG
The YMCA of Greater Rochester African American ERG will serve as a safe space and offer support for members of the African American community within the Y staff team. The group will work to identify opportunities within our Association to make the YMCA of Greater Rochester an inclusive space for all staff.
Reach out to the African American ERG
PRIDE ERG
The YMCA of Greater Rochester Pride ERG will serve as a safe space and offer support for members of the LGBTQ+ community within the Y staff team. The group will work to identify opportunities within our Association to make the YMCA of Greater Rochester an inclusive space for all staff.
Reach out to the PRIDE ERG
WOMEN'S ERG
The YMCA of Greater Rochester Women’s Employee ERG will serve as a safe space and offer support to women along with all Y staff teams. The group will work to identify opportunities within our Association to make the YMCA of Greater Rochester an inclusive space for all staff.
Reach out to the Women's ERG
EMERGING LEADERS ERG
The YMCA of Greater Rochester Emerging Leaders ERG will serve as a safe space and offer support for members who are emerging leaders within the Y staff team. The group will work to provide staff with opportunities to grow their careers through professional development and networking opportunities. It will also identify opportunities within our Association to make the YMCA of Greater Rochester an inclusive space for all staff.