CREATING EQUITABLE
COMMUNITIES FOR BLACK MEN
YMCA Boys and Young Men of Color Cincinnati is part of a cohort of 100 U.S. cities working to create equitable communities capable of improving academic, social emotional, financial and health well-being. YMCA BYMOC is in partnership with Opportunity Insights and the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
Their vision is to scale the framework for transformative equity – teaching Ys how to develop the local partnerships, people, policies, and programs needed to create equitable communities that fortify boys and young men of color. Recognizing that leaving marginalized groups out of decision-making and leadership only perpetuates marginalization, the YMCA engages communities in their own solutions.
YMCA BOYS AND YOUNG MEN OF COLOR INITIATIVE
Vision Statement:
To ensure better outcomes that position boys of color for success.
Mission Statement:
To build and invest in pathways to success that inspire and transform personal identities so that boys of color reach their full potential.
Challenge:
Boys and young men of color live in a different America, an America that both sees and treats them differently, resulting in a unique set of barriers to reaching their full potential.
Strategy:
Through the BYMOC Strategy, the Y is seizing that opportunity by wrapping their arms around these individuals and giving them tools to thrive.
Objective:
Ensure equitable outcomes by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems and creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth.
Partnerships in Action:
Check back for news on partnerships and programs.
AREAS OF FOCUS
All youth deserve the opportunity to thrive. By improving outcomes for BYMOC, we increase economic well-being for neighborhoods and cities. We should focus on youth during critical transition points in their lives. We must shift attitudes and outcomes for the people, environments, and systems that influence participants’ lives
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Education
Impact attitudes toward education, empower to believe in capabilities, prepare them with the skills to achieve academic success.
College & Career Readiness
Create pipelines to connect them with post-secondary education and meaningful jobs, provide work-based learning experiences, financial education, skills development, career and college planning.
Belonging & Community Building
Help to build healthy relationships with peers and adults, foster positive culture and self-identity, support opportunities for community connections.
Health & Well-Being
Help with healthy physical and eating habits, teach about prevention of chronic conditions, etc.