YMCA of Greater Cincinnati's Better Us Initiative

Let's get to work.

A Better Us means that we are better as a community when equity takes center stage. We work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We denounce prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination.

The Y welcomes everyone to grow in a healthy spirit, mind and body; achieving goals, deepening relationships, and finding a true sense of belonging. We welcome all ages, abilities, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, beliefs, and socio-economic statuses. A Better Us means everyone has an equitable seat at the table. To do this, the Y is finding ways to uplift disadvantaged members of our community.

The Better Us Initiative is the overarching umbrella for the following programs and services:

• The Black & Latino Achievers program: A national college and career readiness program supporting all students, especially  students of color, in setting and reaching higher education and career goals.
• Membership For All: A scholarship program providing access to Y programs and services for individuals and families. Currently 44% of Y membership scholarships are for BIPOC families and individuals. 
• 21-Day Equity Challenge: A program for the community that challenges us to examine how we perpetuate racism in our everyday lives and can become anti-racist by unlearning our toxic mindset through education, communication, and action. 
• Community Action Collaborative: A program bringing together volunteers and community leaders together for conversations and projects with a goal of strengthening the community through diversity, inclusion and equity.

Donate today to help the Y send disadvantaged teens to college, connect minority families with a healthy support network, and build bridges to move our communities from inclusive and tolerable to welcoming and colorful!