MLD Movement Connections

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MLD Movement Connections

Official page of the MLD Strategy at YMCA of the USA.

At Y-USA, we support individuals of a variety of backgrounds in developing a career within the Y that allows them to achieve their professional goals while advancing the Y’s cause of strengthening community. Through mentoring and coaching, leadership development programs, networking and raising the visibility of emerging leaders, we are preparing YMCA leaders for a future workforce.

10/02/2026

💙💚 Healthy Families Month 💚💙

Strong communities begin with strong families.

During Healthy Families Month, we celebrate the moments that bring families together and the habits that help everyone thrive. Whether it's sharing a meal, taking a walk, playing together, learning something new, or simply making time to connect, healthy families create the foundation for healthy communities.

At the YMCA, we know that wellness is about more than physical health. It's about fostering connections, building resilience, supporting mental well-being, and creating spaces where every individual feels a sense of belonging.

This month, we encourage families to: ✅ Move together
✅ Learn together
✅ Volunteer together
✅ Grow together
✅ Support one another

Every positive interaction, every shared experience, and every act of care contributes to a stronger, healthier future for all.

Together, let's continue building communities where children, adults, and families can belong, grow, and thrive.

❤️ Healthy Families. Strong Communities. A Better Future for All.

09/30/2026

🧡 Celebrating Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters 🧡

Today, we join communities across North America in recognizing Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance, reflection, and commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day honors the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools, as well as the Survivors, families, and communities who continue to carry the impacts of that history. The orange shirt symbolizes the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school, becoming a powerful reminder that Every Child Matters.

At the YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves to belong, grow, and thrive in a community where they are valued and respected. Today is an opportunity to listen, learn, and deepen our understanding of the experiences of Indigenous Peoples while reflecting on our role in creating spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and welcomed.

As we wear orange, let us move beyond awareness toward meaningful action by building relationships, honoring Indigenous voices, and fostering communities rooted in respect, equity, and inclusion.

🧡 Today, we remember.
🧡 Today, we reflect.
🧡 Today, we recommit.

08/21/2026

🌟 You're Invited: Brave Space Conversation TODAY 1:00PM CT🌟

In a world full of noise, we all need a place where we can truly be heard—and hear others.

Join us for a Brave Space conversation: a gathering where we speak from the heart, listen with compassion, and lean into the uncomfortable moments that help us grow.

Use the link below to register ⬇️
📍 https://bit.ly/2k25mldbs

This isn't just a chat. It's a space where vulnerability is strength, difference is welcomed, and courage is celebrated.

Whether you're carrying a story, a question, or simply the desire to connect more deeply—there is space for you.

💬 Let us know in the comments or send a message if you're in. We'd love to have you with us.

08/03/2026

🎒 August is National Back-to-School Month!

As students, educators, and families prepare for a new school year, August reminds us of the power of learning, growth, and possibility. National Back-to-School Month celebrates the excitement of new beginnings and the opportunities that education creates for individuals and communities.

At the YMCA, we believe learning happens everywhere—from classrooms and afterschool programs to mentoring relationships and leadership development experiences. As we head into a new season, let's encourage curiosity, support lifelong learning, and invest in the next generation of leaders.

What are you learning this year, and how are you helping others grow?

07/30/2026

🌎💙 Happy International Friendship Day!

At the YMCA, friendships often start with something simple—a shared workout, a volunteer project, a youth program, a mentoring connection, or a familiar face that becomes a trusted friend.

Every day, Ys across the country bring people together from different backgrounds, experiences, and generations, creating spaces where authentic relationships can grow. These connections remind us that when we belong, we thrive.

Today, we celebrate the friends who cheer us on, challenge us to grow, make us laugh, and walk alongside us through life's journey. We also celebrate the YMCA community that helps make those meaningful connections possible.

Here's to the friendships formed on the sidelines, in group exercise classes, around conference tables, during leadership programs, through mentoring relationships, and in communities where everyone is welcome.

💙 Tag a friend you've met through the YMCA and let them know how much their friendship means to you!
🤝💙🌟

07/29/2026

🌟 July is Disability Pride Month 🌟

At the YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a community where they feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, perspectives, and contributions of people with disabilities. It also reminds us of the importance of building environments where belonging isn't just a goal—it's a reality.
As we work to strengthen communities, we recognize that inclusion means more than access. It means creating spaces where every individual can participate fully, lead authentically, and be celebrated for who they are.

This month, let's continue listening, learning, and advocating for a world—and a YMCA Movement—where everyone can thrive.

💙 We are stronger when everyone belongs.

07/28/2026

🌟 Help Shape EMLE 2027 in San Antonio! 🌟

Are you passionate about leadership development, creating meaningful experiences, and connecting multicultural leaders across the YMCA Movement?
Applications are now open for the 2027 Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience (EMLE) Planning Committee! Committee members will play a vital role in designing, developing, and implementing one of the YMCA's premier multicultural leadership experiences.

Planning committee members will collaborate with colleagues from across the Movement, contribute to key workstreams, and help create an unforgettable experience for EMLE participants.
✅ Collaborate with YMCA leaders from across the country
✅ Influence the attendee experience and program design
✅ Develop your leadership, project management, and networking skills
✅ Help bring EMLE 2027 to life in San Antonio, Texas

Committee members should be prepared to commit several hours each month to planning activities and participate in committee meetings throughout the planning process. Supervisor approval is required.

If you're ready to make an impact and help shape the future of multicultural leadership in the YMCA, we encourage you to apply by August 17th! https://yusa.smartsimple.com/

07/24/2026

Happy Parents' Day!

Today, we celebrate the parents, caregivers, guardians, and family members who nurture, encourage, and support young people every day.

At the YMCA, we know that strong families help build strong communities. Whether you're cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, offering words of encouragement, or simply showing up consistently, your impact matters.

Thank you for all the ways you help young people grow into confident, caring, and capable leaders.
💙

07/19/2026

It's National Ice Cream Day! 🍦

Nothing brings people together quite like a scoop (or two!) of ice cream on a warm day.

At the YMCA, we celebrate the moments that create connection, laughter, and community. Whether you enjoy classic vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or a flavor all your own, today is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy time with the people around you.

Tell us: What's your favorite ice cream flavor? 👇🍦

07/17/2026

🌟 You're Invited: Brave Space Conversation TODAY 1:00PM CT🌟
In a world full of noise, we all need a place where we can truly be heard—and hear others.
Join us for a Brave Space conversation: a gathering where we speak from the heart, listen with compassion, and lean into the uncomfortable moments that help us grow.
Use the link below to register ⬇️
📍 https://bit.ly/2k25mldbs
This isn't just a chat. It's a space where vulnerability is strength, difference is welcomed, and courage is celebrated.
Whether you're carrying a story, a question, or simply the desire to connect more deeply—there is space for you.
💬 Let us know in the comments or send a message if you're in. We'd love to have you with us.
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Chicago, IL
60606

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https://link.ymca.net/

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