Rockland County YMCA Leaders Advocate on Capitol Hill

Earlier this month, representatives from the Rockland County YMCA traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the 2026 YMCA National Advocacy Days (March 2–4). YMCA leaders from across New York State and the country gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff to highlight the important role YMCA programs play in communities nationwide.

 

The Rockland County YMCA was represented by Phil Donnelly, Juliet Allen, Erica Dsouza, and James Mullen, who joined colleagues from the Alliance of New York State YMCAs and YMCA of the USA to advocate for policies that support youth development, strengthen working families, and promote healthier communities.

 

Advocacy Days focused on several national priorities that directly impact YMCA programs offered locally in Rockland County. These included federal support for child care and afterschool programs, community health initiatives, swim safety education, and mental wellness programs.

 

Access to quality and affordable childcare remains a critical issue for families across the country. Federal programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Head Start, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) help support early learning and afterschool opportunities for children. At the Rockland County YMCA, these investments help sustain programs that serve families every day, including before and after school care across local school districts, summer camp programs, and youth enrichment activities that provide safe and supportive environments for children to learn and grow.

 

Health and wellness initiatives were also an important focus during Advocacy Days. With more than seven in ten American adults living with at least one chronic disease, community-based programs that promote active living and prevention are essential. At the Rockland County YMCA, programs such as swim lessons, water safety education, and health and wellness programs for adults and older adults help improve health outcomes and strengthen community well-being.

YMCA leaders also highlighted the importance of expanding programs that support mental wellness and community connection. Initiatives such as the YMCA’s Teens In Action leadership program, Youth and Government civic engagement program, and community fitness and wellness programs provide opportunities for individuals to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

 

Advocacy Days also recognized an important milestone for the YMCA movement—175 years of service to communities across the United States. Today, the YMCA serves more than 17 million individuals across 10,000 communities nationwide, continuing its legacy of strengthening youth, families, and communities.

 

During their visit to Capitol Hill, the Rockland County YMCA team met with the offices of Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Mike Lawler, Congressman George Latimer, and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, along with other members of Congress, to share how YMCA programs are making a difference in communities across New York.

 

Through advocacy efforts like these, the Rockland County YMCA helps ensure that policies and investments continue to support programs that strengthen families, promote healthy living, and create opportunities for youth throughout our community.