Celebrating National Native American and Indigenous Resource Network
Join us in celebrating the new National Native American and Indigenous Resource Network
Y-USA has announced a new ERG for Native American’s and Indigenous- First world peoples. This is an exciting achievement for our entire organization as a whole.
From Treasure Coast YMCA in Florida:
As the Chair of the National Native American and Indigenous Resource Network (NAIRN), our CEO, Charlene Lyons, is thrilled to announce the official recognition of the NAIRN as a National Employee Resource Group by Y-USA’s International, Diversity and Inclusion committee and we are thrilled to celebrate this as well.
Employee Resource Groups are pivotal in building a culture of inclusion within an organization for several reasons: representation, networking, educational awareness, mentorship, community building and driving change. ERGs have always been instrumental in driving organizational change by advocating for more inclusive practices, policies and initiatives. They are the catalysts for developing and implementing strategies that support diversity and inclusion.
NAIRN amplifies Indigenous voices to nurture healing by creating spaces to convene while providing real talk, resources, research and relationships to build capacity to benefit the greater movement. NAIRN serves as a space for the many Native and Indigenous people to create community, share stories, and ensure that their cultures and traditions remain relevant for many generations to come. NAIRN has been hosting monthly connection calls for Native and Indigenous communities, facilitated educational workshops and look forward to National Day of Remembrance, Indigenous People’s Day and Native American Heritage Month.
NAIRN is now one of the 8 National Employee Resource Groups at Y-USA including African American Resource Network (AARN), Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network (APILN), Empowering Leaders Resource Network (ELRN), Hispanic Latino Leadership Network (HLLN), LGBTQ+ Resource Network (LGBTQ+ RN), Women’s Leadership Resource Network (WLRN) and Disability Community Resource Network (DCRN). READ HERE
YGSF Celebrates
Our own YGSF Senior VP Chief People Officer is excited to hear this news- "This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and honoring our native culture's rich heritage within our organization. This can serve as a vibrant network for Native American employees across the nation, providing opportunities for professional development, cultural exchange, and many meaningful connections. By embracing and uplifting our traditions and customs, we continue to contribute to the diverse tapestry of our workplace while promoting Native leadership and cultural awareness. Congratulations Charlene Lyons, for guiding the way."- Christina Pinheiro.
Active Older Adult Program Coordinator Tony Ortiz knows there's more to come- "NAIRN has always been here, unofficially. Being connected to our community Elders is a great privilege for me, and I hope to build collaboration within the Y movement to support our people and our cause. This is an incredible moment to honor a new path." - Tony.
This Indigenous Peoples Day YGSF celebrates the achievements of all first nation tribes, NAIRN, and recognizes Bay Area Tribes: Ohlone, Coast Miwok, and Yokuts.
We encourage communities to join the conversations with Bay Area First Nation Tribes:
Learn more about our ERG for our staff
Always celebrate our unity.
Happy Indigenous People’s Day!