US. ALL: Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging In A Thriving Workforce

“Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities – tell people, share with them your goals and what you need to succeed, what you want to learn, and give people the opportunity to give you these chances to lead. When those moments come, don’t be afraid to take those chances and run with them – especially when you think you’re not ready.” – Matt Moheban

“This idea that the OST profession is not something that you just fall into or do just because… we are changing the narrative and creating a sense of belonging so that people understand it can be a steppingstone or it can be a landing spot.” – Rodrigua Ross, MCA of Greater Dallas

“We talk a lot about this out-of-school time space – but people don’t always think that it’s a real thing. One thing that I think the pandemic did for the field was it showcased that we ARE essential workers – that’s a place we need to believe ourselves.” – Keith Vinson, YMCA of Greater Dallas

“We learned relationships help retain staff, but it helps keep young people, too. Isn’t it lovely when someone knows your name?” – Denice Williams, New York City, Department of Youth & Community Development

“We need to put our people first. People first, mission second. Include belonging in your policies and practices – you have to weave it into your organization’s culture to foster a lasting legacy of inclusion.” – Shawna Rosenzweig, Camp Fire

“Let’s shift from a space of scarcity to envisioning a space of that serves the whole person. Let’s be the launching pad to whatever future our staff want.” – Matrex Kilgore, Center for Imagining and Performing Justice

“We have to stop enforcing the systems we’re trying to change. Stop coming in as child care, as housing, as food pantries… We need to all come in as human service providers, because right now, we’re fighting one another. Make a collective impact together.” – Denice (again)

Looking for more inspiration and impactful statements? Check out the full General Session 2 video here, stay tuned for General Session 3, and make sure you save the date to join us in Dallas, Texas, March 17 – 20, for NAA24!