Diversity & inclusion — YMCA values and access for all
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, 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.
Child safety — Praesidium accreditation and safety equation
To show the Y is dedicated to the highest standards of child protection, the YMCA of Long Island is in the process of Praesidium accreditation. Y facilities follow the Praesidium Safety Equation — a research-backed method of creating an abuse-free environment — covering Policies, Screening and Selection, Training, Monitoring and Supervision, Internal Feedback Systems, Consumer Participation, Respond, and Administrative Practices.
The YMCA of Long Island is a Know. See. Respond. organization. Policies exist to ensure staff and volunteers are not alone with a child. All interaction between a staff member and a child must be observable and interruptible. Staff are prohibited from working 1-on-1 with or contacting youth outside of the Y. Staff and volunteers are mandated to report any suspected child abuse. All staff complete an extensive Child Abuse Prevention Training Program. Criminal background, sex offender, comprehensive reference checks, and FBI background checks are conducted on all staff regularly.
