[Peace] clarification about "relgiousness" of Univeristy Y

[danielle at illinoisnorml.org]

I apologize for so many posts lately, but I have been busy so have much to share
with AWARE folks!

Due to some feedback from my last post about peace work at the Y, I would like
to make an important point:

The University Y is NOT a religious organization.  It keeps the affiliation with
the YMCA because it has been doing so for over 130 years.  The University Y's
mission statement is to challenge and nurture the mind and spirit of
individuals and communities to develop and practice ethical principles and
responsible leadership for social justice and the integrity of our natural
world.  The only "faith" work the Y does is interfaith work, and I have been
heavily involved in the Y for over 2 years despite being as far from relgious
as one can get!

Why is this important?  Because the Y has great potential to serve the
community, as long as people are willing to put some time and effort in and
work together.  The staff is small and the Board is just beginning to become
more active, but with community input and support there are many
possibilities...

If you need more information about the Y, you can read the website
(www.universityymca.org).  I take full blaim for how rudimentary the site is,
as I am still learning html :)

Danielle



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