YMCA National Advocacy Days

A delegation from the Alliance recently attended YMCA National Advocacy Days in Washington D.C. The delegation from Washington State included CEO Loria Yeadon from YMCA of Greater Seattle, CEO Peyton Tune and Chief Development Officer Jennifer Willows from Snohomish County YMCA, CEO Wendy Bart from Olympic Peninsula YMCA, and Randy Heath, Executive Director of the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs. In addition, the team was joined by two youth advocates from the state, Lucy Clinton and Zay Reed. Both youths have been positively impacted by the YMCA through childcare, teen programming and employment at the YMCA and did a great job sharing their Y stories.

While in Washington D.C. the delegation networked with colleagues from around the country and met with elected officials and their staff. We were pleased to have YMCA of the USA CEO Suzanne McCormick join us in our meeting with Senator Patty Murray. In addition to discussing items of importance to local YMCAs, we also addressed national YMCA priorities including increased funding for Child Care Block Grants, Support of CDC funding for Chronic Disease Prevention Programs, and support for the Community Mental Wellness and Resiliency Act.