YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is launching “My Y Story.,” the nonprofit organization’s new original content series featuring recognizable personalities who share their personal Y stories and discuss the impact of the organization nationwide.
Featured stories include those of Olympic gold medalist and Y youth participant Allyson Felix, chef and Y donor and volunteer Marcus Samuelsson, and Oscar-nominated actor and lifelong Y member Ethan Hawke.
The goal of “My Y Story.” is to highlight the great work that happens every day at Ys around the country and to help viewers understand the Y’s mission to strengthen communities through programs and services for families and kids that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The stories shared through “My Y Story.” can be found at every Y, in 10,000 communities across the U.S., and each offer a unique perspective from different people who have felt its impact.
The original content series debuts today with a trailer video featured on the Y’s YouTube channel, which will give viewers a sneak peek of episodes to come. The release schedule is as follows:
• Episode One: Allyson Felix—Tuesday, February 20
◦ Felix leads a hands-on experiment with kids from Y programs at the Crenshaw Family YMCA in Los Angeles, CA, using her running career to pique their interest levels in STEM.
• Episode Two: Marcus Samuelsson—Monday, February 26
◦ Samuelsson teaches the importance of giving back to your community, one meal at a time, with local kids from Y programs at the Harlem YMCA.
• Episode Three: Ethan Hawke— March 2018
◦ Lifelong Y member, Hawke steps outside of his normal Y routine to discover new things at the Dodge YMCA in Brooklyn.
“Using the stories of well-known individuals, we hope “My Y Story.” helps viewers rediscover the Y to shed light on the great work we do in more than 10,000 communities across the country," said Valerie Barker Waller, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Y-USA. “These authentic and personal stories will make you smile, laugh, and see the Y differently.”
“My Y Story.” is an extension of the Y’s national “For a better us.” multimedia positioning campaign which launched in 2016. The campaign aims to change perceptions and elevate the Y as one of the country’s most effective and enduring nonprofit organizations.
For more information on “My Y Story.,” tune-in for new episodes at youtube.com/ymca or visit ymca.net/forabetterus.
