Y.M.C.A. Four letters made popular by the Village People’s 70s song

How many times have you made those shapes on the dancefloor?

More importantly, have you ever stopped and thought about the meaning behind that song? The Village People supposedly wrote the song to praise the original YMCA – the Young Men’s Christian Association – for being a place where young men could spend their time, symbolising inclusivity and acceptance. And even though in 2024 we’re living in a very different time and place, the YMCA’s mission and goal remains, centred on inclusivity and the safety of young people.

Essential and valuable community services

For well over a century, people have known of the YMCA. It has deep roots in communities, decades of experience enabling young people and communities to thrive, along with an extensive global network spanning over 120 countries.

The Y Canberra Region, part of this YMCA movement – the largest and oldest not-for-profit youth organisation in the world – offers many support services for all stages of the life cycle, from early childhood education, to after school hours and vacation care, student accommodation, health and wellbeing, and job opportunities linked to career growth and personal development centred on giving back and helping the community thrive. All essential and highly valuable community services.

With and for young people

But how about taking a closer look at the Why in the Y – the why we do what we do, rather than the what we do.

It all comes back to the Y’s vision – to create a better world, with and for young people. Our mission is to empower children, young people and communities Australia-wide to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world where every person can thrive in body, mind and spirit.

There’s that inclusive word that the Village People were singing about again.

Safeguarding of children

Safeguarding of children and young people is also at the core of our why. For children and young people to feel safe is a basic human right. It gives them a voice and a say, it enables them to speak up with confidence and support. Central to our why, we are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable people first and foremost in all our programs and activities. And we embed a safe culture through our regularly reviewed and improved extensive Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures.

Representing youth voice in the Canberra Region

All our Y Canberra Region employees, our ‘Y People’, complete appropriate safeguarding children and vulnerable people training, and understand their responsibilities to act in the best interests of these people.

Our young people are our why, and as such we have also developed the Youth Representative Group – the chance for young people of the Canberra Region to feel empowered and inspired, to have their voices heard and have opportunities to grow. Open to anyone who works for the Y Canberra Region aged 18-30, members serve to consult on the Y’s plans, policies and procedures, programs and initiatives, all with a focus on young people. Genuine change and driving real social impact are at the heart of the Group’s why.

For more information on the Y’s safeguarding of children and Youth Representative Group, discover more about Our Why.