[Y Stories] Lauren Haynes: "Never Stop Serving"

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) and Y Alumnae, Lauren Haynes reflects on her amazing experiences on service trips and the lasting quality relationships she formed along the way. Watch the video:

This video is a part of the YMCA's celebration of 140 years of accomplishment in its mission 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."

As part of this celebration, we would like to acknowledge stories of University YMCA alumni in order to commemorate our lasting legacy. We would love to hear your Y story, because we believe that the power of storytelling is when people say "me too."  

Watch other videos from our friends and Y alumni:

• Diane Marlin: "The Battle to Save the Park"
• Ellen Dahlke: "A Place Where I Could"
• Miss V: "Home Away From Home"
• Mara Eisenstein & Cassie Carroll: "Greening Green Street"

Press Release/PSA: 2013 Dump & Run: A Community Event with an Environmental Focus

What: University YMCA's Dump & Run environmental recycling program and annual garage sale. Who: University YMCA at the University of Illinois and International Student and Scholar Services. Where: May collections are located at the University YMCA at the University of Illinois and International Student and Scholar Services. There will also be collections in August at the U of I Stock Pavilion. When: Collection of items will begin on Monday, May 6, 2013 and the specific dates and times are: May 6-8 from 9:00am - 4:00pm May 9 from 9:00am- 6:00pm May 10-11 from 9:00am - 4:00pm May 13-17 from 9:00am - 4:00pm The Sale is on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 Website: www.universityymca.org/dumpandrun About Dump & Run: Dump & Run is a fundraising program that the University Y has been doing for the past 11 years. Its basic concept is simple: we collect reusable items, which students would otherwise dispose of as they move out, and then sell the collected items at our Annual Garage Sale in late August. This project reduces litter and consumer waste, saves space in landfills, lowers dumping costs for certified housing units, provides inexpensive items for students to purchase in the fall, and acts as a great fundraiser for the University YMCA, Champaign County's oldest charity. We do NOT collect: stoves, washers, dryers, non-working electronics and computer parts, sleeper sofas, mattresses, and large exercise equipment. The Habitat for Humanity store downtown Champaign may be able to take your donations of stoves, washers, dryers, sleeper sofas, and exercise equipment. We collect:  We will only accept clothing that is in nearly-new condition. Other than that, we will take just about anything ranging from furniture, working electronics, backpacks, bicycles, school supplies, jewelry, winter clothing, shoes, kitchen appliances, glassware, CDs/records (vinyl!!), books, working computers, artwork, toys, sporting equipment, non-perishable food items, toiletries, lawn and garden items, and other household goods. If you think an item may not be in good enough condition to be resold, give it to us anyway. Hopefully we can find it a home! Additional Information: Volunteer for 6 hours or more and receive first dibs on all Dump & Run items! For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please visit:www.universityymca.org/dumpandrun   Editor's Note: To pre-arrange interviews, please contact Becca Guyette at 217-337-1500 or becca@universityymca.org Media Kit: Video clip: Becca Guyette, University Y Development Director explains Dump & Run:http://youtu.be/o3bllDbg8FQ 4 Photos: Dump & Run volunteers at the Big August Sale at the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion

          During the Big August Sale, the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion is the perfect 

          place to find great deals on gently used furniture, clothing, and household goods, 

          and so much more.

Dump & Run volunteers during May 2012 Collection Days

One of the many boxes our Dump & Run volunteers sort during May Collection Days

Y Stories: Mara Eisenstein & Cassie Carroll of the Illinois Green Business Association

"How do you 'green' Green Street?," a question that Mara Eisenstein and Cassie Carroll began asking themselves years ago as members of Students for Environmental Concerns (SECs).  Now, as founders and directors of the Illinois Green Business Association, Mara and Cassie reminisce on their days at the Y and the Y's important role in their lives. 

This video is a part of the YMCA's celebration of 140 years of accomplishment in its mission 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."

As part of this celebration, we would like to acknowledge stories of University YMCA alumni in order to commemorate our lasting legacy. We would love to hear your Y story, because we believe that the power of storytelling is when people say "me too."  

Watch other videos from our friends and Y alumni:

• Diane Marlin: "The Battle to Save the Park"
• Ellen Dahlke: "A Place Where I Could"
• Miss V: "Home Away From Home"  
• Lauren Haynes: "Never Stop Serving"
• Tom Seals: "For A Better Tradition"

PRESS RELEASE/PSA: University YMCA honored for the Community Service Award at the 9th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Banquet

At the 9th Annual Dialogue and Friendship Banquet, the Intercultural Friendship Foundation (IFF) at the University of Illinois presented the Community Service Award to the University YMCA in appreciation of the University Y's impact in local communities in building friendships, creating dialogue, and impacting policy change for the common good.

When: March 27th, 2013

Where: Illinois Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign

Background: Since 1873, the University YMCA has sponsored activities, organizations, and programs dedicated to fostering ethical leadership committed to building a better world.  The University Y works with committed student and community leaders who share our mission of promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, social justice, and environmental activism.  The University YMCA not only hosts but engages in community forums, such as the Champaign-Urbana Immigration Forum --a group of immigrants, students, clergy, service providers, labor union representatives, local residents and community organizations concerned about the progress and plight of immigrants in our community.

“IFF and Niagara Foundation can take great pride in doing the work on the ground in our community to promote fellowship, cultural exchange and breaking down the barriers that are too often the source of ignorance, poverty and conflict. It also makes this award that much more meaningful coming from others who share our concern for building a better world of peace and understanding, “ said Mike Doyle, Executive Director of the University YMCA. 

"University YMCA is a unique organization which addresses social justice, environmental, intercultural and interfaith issues in Champaign-Urbana community," said Melikhan Tanyeri, Executive Director of the Niagara Foundation. "The Y plays a significant role by providing leadership opportunities to students and by sponsoring, hosting organizations, programs and activities that makes a difference both on campus and within the community. In this regard, our humble award (Community Service Award) is an appreciation of the valuable efforts by the staff towards fulfilling the mission of fostering understanding, cooperation, and collaboration on issues of common concern."

FORMER RECIPIENTS: The former recipients:

(2011) Conrad Wetzel, Interfaith Alliance and First Mennonite Church of Urbana

(2010) May Kao Xiong, Assistant Director at the Asian American Cultural Center

(AACC)

Contact: Mike Doyle, Executive Director

[217-337-1500 or mike@universityymca.org]

Website: www.universityymca.org

Press Release: Local groups gather to rally for comprehensive immigration reform

On Wednesday, April 10th more than two dozen local organizations and congregations will hold a candlelight vigil and march to underscore the need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). The event, which is entitled "Light the Pathway to Citizenship - Don't Block It" is just one of dozens of events taking place on that day as part of a National Day of Action across the country to build support for CIR in communities throughout the nation.

"We want to demonstrate to our elected officials that there is broad community support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform," explained Ricardo Diaz, a member of the Steering Committee of the C-U Immigration Forum who is organizing the event. "There is growing consensus in our country that the time has come to fix our broken immigration system and provide a pathway to citizenship to the many undocumented immigrants living in and contributing to the vitality of our community."

Details: The event will begin at 5:30 PM at the University Y (1001 South Wright Street). From there we will march to the Unitarian Universalist Church, home of the East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center (ECIRMAC) at 309 West Green, Urbana for a brief rally before proceeding to the federal Courthouse in downtown Urbana.

Background: The November elections reset the national debate on immigration reform forcing even the most ardent opponents of immigration reform to reconsider their position. As a result there is a narrow more window of opportunity to make Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) a reality and provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of our family, friends and neighbors. The Champaign-Urbana Immigration Forum is a group of immigrants, students, clergy, service providers, labor union representatives, residents and community organizations concerned about the progress and plight of immigrants in the Champaign County community works to:

• celebrate the diversity and culture that immigrants contribute to our community;
• educate the public about issues that affect local immigrant communities;
• advocate for the rights of immigrants and encourage their full participation in civic, cultural, social and political life in our community;
• promote permanent and positive changes that will improve the quality of life for immigrants in our community; and
• organize for policies that lead to just and humane treatment to all immigrants that are part of our community.