Over the past few years, the value of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) has become more prominent in exploring current systemic structures within our workplaces, community conversations and awareness campaigns. The increased realization in the need to address EDI, created an opportunity for individuals to self-reflect and reexamine their values and impact of their actions.

Written by Christina Sanakidis and Ellah Mangwiza, Managers – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

“Black History is not just for Black people — Black history is Canadian History” The Honourable Jean Augustine

Black people have been on the lands now known as Canada prior to the formation of this nation. From the sought-after explorer and linguist Mathieu da Costa, whose presence here was noted in 1608, to young Olivier le Jeune, an enslaved child from Madagascar who was brought here by a British convoy in 1628, Black presence on this land predates the 1867 formation of the dominion of Canada on Indigenous lands.

Literacy is a foundational life skill, but did you know it also offers other benefits beyond comprehension and engagement with written texts? Developing literacy skills enables us to function in society, achieve our goals, and develop our abilities. It has been shown that adult literacy levels benefit not only individuals but also society in general.

Rising rates of obesity and related chronic disease tell us that getting kids active should be a top priority for parents, schools, and all Canadians. Here are some tips on how you can help your family become more active, eat nutritiously, and build stronger bonds.

We rely on good balance a lot in our day-to-day lives. It helps us walk with ease, climb stairs without stumbling, sit down and stand up, and even dance to our favourite tunes. It isn’t until we start to lose this faculty that we realize how much we need it. So we asked Sam Casmey, Manager of Adult Health & Fitness Programs here at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, to share her advice for building balance while you’re at home right now.

Regular exercise that gets your blood pumping is important for people of all ages, but older adults in particular have a lot to gain. Cardio can strengthen your heart and lungs, boost your energy, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. To help you tap into these benefits, we asked Sam Casmey, Manager of Adult Health & Fitness Programs here at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, for some tips to safely get your heart rate up at home.

We’ve all heard that practicing yoga can help you find balance — and we’re not just talking about standing on one foot. Yoga can help you restore your energy levels, find peace, and build overall emotional resilience during this tough, stressful time. And moving through life with more ease and less stress means more energy for the things you love! So we asked Emilie Wong, a yoga and meditation teacher, to share how yoga can help support your mental health.

What can you do to stay calm and optimistic when life starts to take its toll? Well, yoga! Instructor Emilie is here with an easy exercise you can do right now, from the comfort and safety of your home, to help boost your emotional resilience and feel a little more positive.

One of the reasons I became a personal trainer was to help others. I know from personal experience that leading a healthy lifestyle is a never-ending journey that requires commitment, self-discipline and a burning desire that keeps you from quitting.

Last year, the YMCA Young Leaders Council launched a mixed media club for staff called 'The Diversity Learning Project: More Than Just a Book Club'. They met monthly as a group to discuss various topics with the intention to learn and grow through dialogue. Their very first meeting focused on the topic, 'The Indigenous History of Turtle Island' and the resource list featuring Canadian Indigenous authors, poets, filmmakers, and more was compiled with care and commitment.

In light of Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, we want to share this resource list with you too. We hope that it will help you further your knowledge of Indigenous Peoples' histories, cultures, traditions, challenges, wins, and truths in Canada.

Becoming a lifeguard is more than a just a job and earning money, it provides life skills that are transferable for any career path one may take – such as building confidence, leadership and improving your ability to work as part of a team. Take a look at some of the ways that lifeguarding can help you or your children gain life-long skills both on poolside and outside a working environment.