Application for Essential Partners-YMCA Partnership to Heal America's Divides

At a time when domestic politics and international conflicts have damaged and divided American communities, several local YMCAs and Essential Partners (EP) will embark on a project to catalyze a network of community bridge-builders across the United States.

Funded by a $224,000 grant from the AAA-ICDR Foundation, this two-year initiative will focus on building local capacity and spreading transformative dialogue practices via select local YMCA networks, beginning with the YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties (WA). EP will train YMCA staff members, volunteers, and youth leaders in its Reflective Structured Dialogue approach, a research-driven framework to build more constructive communication practices, authentic relationships, and healthier community norms around differences of identities and perspectives.

Affiliated YMCAs will serve a crucial role as conveners for community-led dialogues on issues such as health disparities, racial inequity, rural/urban divides, public safety, and the upcoming Presidential election. The project’s ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable, scalable infrastructure that empowers residents to co-create inclusive, connected, and thriving communities.

Affiliates of local YMCAs who are interested in partnering with Essential Partners on this initiative are encouraged to apply via the form below! Applications are due by June 21, 2024.