OPINION: Greenville's YMCA fosters community unity

For a community our size, Greenville County is home to an impressive number of international companies. One hundred and fifty from more than 26 different countries to be exact. And these companies contribute much more than business capital to our area. They also contribute significant and diverse cultural capital. Michelin is one of many examples.

Greenville County also is home to an impressive number of foreign-born residents (8 percent of our population), as well as foreign students and diversity leaders studying at Furman University and other Upstate higher education institutions.

All of this on top of those who have called Greenville home for generations. The net result is a rich blend of cultures, perspectives, and interests.

Developing an infrastructure to support a diverse and inclusive community does not mean giving up on what you may hold dear. Rather, it is an opportunity to share, exchange, and learn from each other.

Now more than ever it is critical for organizations and communities to lead here. From a professional perspective, I observe each day the link between diversity (“the mix”) and inclusion (“making the mix work”) to overall business success. Or as Malcolm Forbes put simply, “Diversity:  the art of thinking independently together.” The more and more South Carolinians understand the value of embracing global competencies, the better we will be able to attract, grow and retain more businesses and talented professionals. The more our children are brought up with this way of thinking, the more competitive they will be when they reach the job market. Ultimately, this leads to a stronger, better South Carolina for all.

YMCA of Greenville is leading by example to bring a community of people together from many different cultures and places. Globally the YMCA serves 45 million people in 119 countries. In the US alone, 2,700 YMCAs engage 9 million youth and 13 million adults in 10,000 communities. The Y was founded in England in the 1800’s with a mission to drive social change. This mission is still a part of what makes the Y a leading unifier in our community.

YMCA of Greenville is the only Y in South Carolina to participate in Y USA’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Global (“DIG”) Innovation Network — a group of 71 YMCAs across the country that have made an organizational commitment to integrate global diversity and inclusion strategies across key operational and programmatic areas. The goal is to strengthen capacity to serve diverse and underserved populations, foster community cohesion, and address social equality issues.

In the spirit of unity, an example here is the Y’s recent and inaugural “Festival of Nations.” The festival highlighted performances and cuisines from among other places such as France, Korea, India, Africa, Germany, and Mexico. All involved celebrated the opportunity to share, exchange, and learn.

Similar sharing and exchange occurs daily in the Y’s different branches. Employees, members, and volunteer leaders come from all walks of life. As do all of those who benefit from the Y’s mission and broad outreach. Celebrating differences is encouraged and a way of life. If you want to see mission/diversity/inclusion in action, visit our Y.

Greenville is a great place. And getting better. Over the years each generation has reflected and progressed. It continues today. Just think about the faces and voices you now see and hear walking down the street, in our schools, or at work. It is much different than 20 years ago; and not by accident.

Sharing, learning, and exchanging ideas works. So does thinking and working independently together.

Dan Sanders is VP, General Counsel & Secretary at Michelin.  He is immediate past YMCA of Greenville Metro Board Chair; and current Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Innovation Committee Chair.