The JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion) Committee, led by the Y’s Executive Director of Youth Development Lynne Boyer, is made up of staff, volunteers and Y members committed to this work and cause.

The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility — they guide everything we do. The JEDI Committee is helping our YMCA advance equality for all.

The YMCA of Greater Nashua recognizes that in order to be truly “for all,” we need to lead with equity. As an organization we look to remove the barriers that historically have prevented some of those in our communities from thriving, while ensuring that each individual can access the unique support they need.

Here are a few items and events the JEDI committee has been working on:

Cultural Café
Lynne Boyer and Janna Vartanian (Kid Stop Supervisor) have been working on this a new initiative for English Language Learners called Cultural Café. This group meets and fosters an opportunity and comfortable, supportive environment for members to practice English in a relaxed, social setting.  Our first meet-up will be offered February 17 at the Merrimack Y, from 7:00 to 8:00pm. There is no need to pre-register. Everyone is welcome to just show up.

Celebrating Chinese New Year
Lynne has been working closely with Wei Lin, a JEDI member and the president of the Chinese Cultural Society of Greater Nashua to create a small celebration around Chinese New Year.  We are offering a few family activities on Saturday, February 4, from 10am to 12 noon at the Nashua Y.  There will be Chinese New Year information available as well as crafts and activities.  The St. Joseph Hospital Mobile Health Clinic will also be on site. Their goal is to bring healthcare to community neighborhoods hoping to break down barriers and create access to services. Their Mobile Health Clinic is a fully licensed Mobile Health Clinic that offers preventative care and primary care services. They are staffed with physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, and registered nurses to assist in your care.

LGBTQ+ Resource Group
A resource group for the LGBTQ+ community here at the Y, for both staff and members.  It was formed to support the demographics of that community, their families, allies and community members. We meet every last Sunday of the month in the Wellbeing Center at teh Nashua YMCA from 1-2pm.

If you are interested in volunteering on this committee or know of a staff member, volunteer or Y member, who may be interested in joining the JEDI Committee please connect them to Lynne Boyer via email (lboyer@nmymca.org) or via phone at 603-881-7778. The committee meets once per month.   New members are welcome!