Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy
Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) Vision Statement
“To build and invest in pathways to success that inspire and transform personal identities so that boys of color reach their full potential”
Overall Goal: Improving the Outcomes for Boys and Young Men of Color
Since the launch of the YMCA of the USA initiative in 2018, the YMCA of Rome & Floyd County with 25 other Ys in 26 cities and 16 states have been working to improve outcomes and impact more Boys and Young Men of Color in the communities we serve across the Y movement.
We have increased our reach and are now in 54 cities and 25 states. In partnership with YUSA and other Ys, we are particularly focused on reducing school truancy and chronic absenteeism, improving graduation rates and helping them establish career pathways to ensure their economic mobility.
The YMCA of Rome & Floyd County is joining a national YMCA movement to invest in boys and young men of color. The YMCA Boys 
and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) strategy ensures equitable outcomes for boys and young men of color ages 11-17 by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems, and creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth.
Programming will focus on education, college and career readiness, character development, belonging and community building, and health and well-being. The first program to launch was Young Men with Dreams, a mentoring program for boys offered at by the YMCA at Restoration Rome.
Additionally, the Y is partnering with several other organizations including the United Way and Georgia Power, so resources and mentors are available for our young men.
WHY WE FOCUS ON BOYS AND YOUNG MEN OF COLOR:
- They are twice as likely to grow up in poverty
- They are more likely to live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty
- They are more likely to fall into poverty as adults, regardless of background
BYMOC Areas of Focus
Belonging & Community Building
Help them build healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Foster their positive cultural- and self-identity.
Support opportunities for community connections and civic engagement.
Health & Well-being
Help them develop healthy physical and eating habits.
Teach them about lifestyle changes that can prevent chronic conditions in adulthood such as diabetes and heart disease.
Combat their experiences with food insecurity.
Character Development
Create experiences and environments that strengthen social-emotional competencies. Support character development across the Y's core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
Education
Impact their attitudes toward education.
Empower them to believe in their 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 and resource navigation opportunities.
What We are Working on at the Local Level
In accordance with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement, the YMCA of Rome & Floyd County will improve the well-being of Boys and Young Men of Color through intentional Youth Development programming with a focus on inspiring and transforming lives and setting the pathway for successful adulthood within the communities we serve.
Become a part of the solution!
Are you a member of a group or company that would like to support the Y’s efforts to
improve outcomes for our youth?
Email Stephanie McElhone, Director of Community Development, smcelhone@ymcarome.org
Click the link below to watch YMCA Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy
https://youtu.be/zKGDkqwcI7U
