PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES
The Florida Alliance of YMCAs monitors legislation and regulations that could impact local Ys and other nonprofit organizations. Our Alliance seeks to educate state lawmakers concerning the important role the Ys play in promoting healthy living, building strong families, providing safe recreational programs for children, and supporting communities throughout the state.
Each year the Florida Alliance of YMCAs defines key advocacy priorities within our three focus areas. These priorities serve as the catalyst which forms the basis of our educational and legislative efforts throughout the year and during the legislative session.
2022-2023 STATE PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Empowering young people to reach their full potential, Florida YMCAs advocate for the following:
- Helping children recover from learning loss due to COVID-19 and teacher turnover
- Supporting and engaging youth in character development, social-emotional skills, and a strong physical and mental wellbeing
- Identifying developmentally appropriate rules care for childcare and early learning licensed programs
- Ensuring teens have access to programs and experiences that enhance civic engagement, character development, health education, leadership development, workforce education, and community service.
HEALTHY LIVING
Improving individual and community health and well-being, Florida YMCAs advocate for:
- Equitable access to healthy food and physical activity
- Communities that are safe, walkable, and bikeable
- Reducing the number of drownings in the State of Florida through education and swim/water safety lessons
- Access to affordable, high-quality health care and evidence-based programs
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Providing support and inspiring action in our communities, Florida YMCAs advocate for:
- Ensuring equal access to YMCA services and programs for all Floridians
- Ensuring philanthropy and volunteerism remain pillars of community strength
- Protecting nonprofits from potential tax and business burdens that would limit the ability to serve all
- Keeping children healthy and preventing child abuse
2022-2023 STATE FUNDING PRIORITIES
We ask the Florida State Legislature to provide a total of $3,264,972 in funding from the Florida Department of Health; and Education to serve more youth with drowning prevention and literacy initiatives.
Florida Department of Health
- YMCA State Alliance/YMCA Safety Around Water - $2,000,000 total for our drowning prevention program to reduce the number of child and adult drownings.
Florida Department of Education
- YMCA State Alliance/YMCA Reads - $1,264,972 total for a literacy program to reduce the number of students not reading at grade level in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
2023 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Check out the YMCA of the USA's National Legislative Priorities.