Welcoming Week is an opportunity to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring residents together in a spirit of unity. On this special episode, we hear Luis's story starting with his mom's migration from Mexico to how his participation in the Youth and Government program at the Y welcomed him and give him a voice to share about his culture. 

Want to learn more about Welcoming Week? Visit https://welcomingamerica.org/

We have another sibling duo, Youth Governor, Nicole who felt lost before finding her Youth and Government family and was able to build back up her confidence in the things she enjoys most. And Nicole’s younger brother, Youth Secretary of State, Joshua joins and gives us insight into the importance of learning by doing and how that has helped him better debate the topics he’s, most passionate about, while also gaining new perspectives.

If this conversation sparked your interest to get involved with Youth and Government, find your local delegation at ymcayag.org/states and email your state’s director for more information.

*YAG = Youth and Government

Youth and Government builds leaders by doing. Lauryn chats about her involvement in the Youth and Government Program offered at the Y and the importance of Civic Engagement and the impact youth can have on public policy.

Teens are taught the principles of a democratic society and are given leadership roles in the models of judicial, legislative and executive branches of local, state and national government. 

Find out more about this program offering at valleyymca.org/youth-government.

The Athena Awards is internationally prized honor, recognizing women who demonstrate excellence in professional leadership, community service, and mentorship of future leaders. Our very own COO, Libby Corral, was nominated for this award and we couldn't help but put together a mix up of a few special testimonials showcasing Libby's successes and impact in the community👏

Have you had the chance to listen to Episode 1 of our podcast yet? If not, it's worth the listen because on this week's episode of #WhyTheY we have our very first youth guest. Gigi is one of Monica and Rita's volleyball athletes who reminds us to keep our energy high in the areas of life we are most passionate about ✨  

Thinking about impacting a youth's sport experience by becoming a volunteer coach? Contact your local Y for your opportunity! valleyymca.org/locations

The Y is known for youth development, but often times our high school aged youth are over looked. From Watts Family Maryvale YMCA, Tracee Spire, Executive Director, & Dustin Panoff, Y Achievers Program Director, gives us a look at how they tackle this in the Maryvale Community. The Y Achievers program answers the question of how to give this high school aged population the best opportunities to go to school, find a job coach or a mentor, and to earn a fulfilling job. Tune in to hear about the exciting initiatives in place to help young adults learn the workforce skills to be successful in a career. 

To learn more about the Y Achievers Program, visit valleyymca.org/y-achievers.  

Notes:

*RFP: Request for proposal

Volunteer basketball coach out of Legacy Foundation Chris-town YMCA sits down with Becca Varney to chat about his experience as a coach at the Y on this week's episode of #WhyTheY. 

Volunteer youth volleyball coaches out of Desert Foothills Family YMCA joins our host, Becca Varney for the first #WhyTheY podcast.