The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the insights and contributions of the many diverse populations and communities living within the Greater Toronto Area. We share in a vision of an inclusive, healthy and dynamic society in which every person, regardless of background, experience or circumstance is able to participate and benefit fully.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto strives to include meaningfully diversity of people, thought and experience throughout the Association. We seek to foster and sustain a respectful and welcoming environment for all community members, volunteers and staff.

In valuing diversity, we recognize as assets, people of different ages, classes, ethnicities, genders, images, mental abilities, opinions, physical abilities, races, religions, and sexual orientations. It is this commitment to fairness and excellence that compels us to identify and remove systemic barriers to programs and employment in the YMCA of Greater Toronto.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity is lived and requires us to be intentional in our planning, determined in our efforts, and attentive to any discrepancies between our vision and practice. We assume responsibility for strengthening our capacity to work with integrity across differences.

As we do this work, it is our aspiration that the YMCA of Greater Toronto will be known for practicing inclusion by valuing the diversity of all people within our Association and the communities we work with.

Definition of Diversity

Diversity exists when every individual and all communities are able to access, participate in and benefit fully from programs and employment at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Diversity is valued when the diversity of people and communities are regarded as assets and their contribution to the social, political and cultural enrichment of the GTA and this Association is recognized.

Definition of Social Inclusion

Social Inclusion ensures that diverse communities share in power, give voice effectively to their issues, are involved in decision-making processes and have fair access to information, and services. Inclusion is also promoted by challenging specific forms of exclusion including systemic barriers.