Just What is Character in the YMCA?
By now, many of you may have read or heard about character values in the YMCA, but I suspect most folks aren't quite sure of why colors are linked to the values and how does it really apply within the YMCA.
In the mid 1990's, YMCA of the USA felt it was important that we all re-focus on character within our local YMCA communities. Though there are many values associated with integrity and character, four core values were chosen to model throughout our YMCA movement. The four selected are: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Some Y's have added faith and service to the list.
To more easily remember each value, colors were linked with each and they are:
Caring - red - as it comes from the heart
Honesty - blue - "true blue"
Respect - gold - like the golden rule
Responsibility - green - taking care of the environment/area around you
YMCAs across the country, including our Y's in Delaware, have promoted character development in camp programs, wellness challenges, before and after school care, swimming lessons and special events.
However, character values go beyond our programs. Each one of our interactions should be done with character in mind. Whether it's enforcing a rule or policy, disciplining an employee, listening to member's input, conducting staff meetings, interviewing potential staff or board members or even problem-solving dificult situations, we must keep character in the forefront of all we do. It helps define us as an organization and helps build strong kids, families and communities.
As we "grow older" in this branch, though we're just in week 5 of operations, you'll begin to witness character in action throughout the facility. I hope you'll be part of that action.
Thank you for being a member of our Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA!
In the mid 1990's, YMCA of the USA felt it was important that we all re-focus on character within our local YMCA communities. Though there are many values associated with integrity and character, four core values were chosen to model throughout our YMCA movement. The four selected are: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Some Y's have added faith and service to the list.
To more easily remember each value, colors were linked with each and they are:
Caring - red - as it comes from the heart
Honesty - blue - "true blue"
Respect - gold - like the golden rule
Responsibility - green - taking care of the environment/area around you
YMCAs across the country, including our Y's in Delaware, have promoted character development in camp programs, wellness challenges, before and after school care, swimming lessons and special events.
However, character values go beyond our programs. Each one of our interactions should be done with character in mind. Whether it's enforcing a rule or policy, disciplining an employee, listening to member's input, conducting staff meetings, interviewing potential staff or board members or even problem-solving dificult situations, we must keep character in the forefront of all we do. It helps define us as an organization and helps build strong kids, families and communities.
As we "grow older" in this branch, though we're just in week 5 of operations, you'll begin to witness character in action throughout the facility. I hope you'll be part of that action.
Thank you for being a member of our Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA!
posted by Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA at
1:47 PM
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