March eNews: Spring Outdoors with YES!
Dear Friends,
Spring is in the air, and here at YES, we are excited for longer days in the sun and the return of green hillsides and wildflowers in our neighborhoods. After a year of pandemic-related maneuvering, the prospect of getting back outdoors with our Richmond families has us all smiling. Starting this Saturday, March 20th, we have not one, not two, but three events we’re eager to kick off!
Most of our team will be hosting families at our first Nature Day Outing of the year right across the street from the YES offices in Nicholl Park. This is the first of five day-long outings this spring, so if you're interested in volunteering at an upcoming outing, please read on. Secondly, we’re launching our Richmond Roots Rites of Passage program with partner Gaia Passages. The program is for 6th grade girls and gender-expansive youth and includes weekend day outings and camping trips. And lastly, it’s the first day of our virtual 6th annual Fund-Racer. Count on YES to get you inspired to set some physical activity goals by starting a fund-racing page or becoming a supporter.
In addition to upcoming programs, we’re excited to celebrate our graduating Adult Leaders and Fellows and introduce four new leaders to our team. Don’t be shy to reach out and say hi! We always love hearing from our YES community and hope that you and your loved ones are well.
Most Sincerely,
Eric Aaholm, Executive Director
Run, Walk, Bike or Hike to Nature: Mountain Hardwear Sponsors Virtual YES Fund-Racer
Now in its 6th year, the Fund-Racer is a fun and powerful community event that raises essential funds to get youth and families into nature. The event started with Board Member Mike McLively’s run on Mount Diablo six years ago and turned into a community event that typically brings together 50-70 runners and more than 250 supporters.
“Because of Covid, the in-person race has been canceled this year, but that's not going to stop us from doing a virtual race!” said McLively.
Participants will set their own goals and move at their own pace. They will run, walk, bike, or hike (or whatever outdoor activity they choose!) in any location between March 20 and April 4. The challenge, time, and location are up to each individual participant. Run a 10k. Hike 40 miles in two weeks. Complete a sprint triathlon. It's up to you!
Many thanks to Richmond’s own Mountain Hardwear, which is matching donations to the Fund-Racer dollar for dollar up to $5,000 and providing some exciting incentives to participants and donors.
Need challenge ideas? Check out other participant and team pages.
Congratulations, Adult Leaders and Fellows!
Graduates Make their Mark on their Communities
"Celebration" by Kool & the Gang played on repeat. Some people danced. Others chatted and laughed. Joy, love, and community were in the air as participants, their families, board members, and staff gathered virtually for YES’s Adult Leaders and Fellows graduation ceremony on March 5.
After months of workshops, community building, goal-setting, leadership and facilitation training, and one-on-one mentorship, twelve Richmond residents built on their knowledge, skills, and strengths to effect positive change in their lives and in our community.
The graduates reflected on what they learned and how they will affect change in their communities. Leader Tomasa learned of the Adult Leaders Pathway through her children’s involvement in YES’s Youth Leadership Pathways program. Her time in the Leaders program taught her that analysis was one of her greatest strengths. “I’d never thought I was an analytical person before,” she reflected. Gaining this important insight into her strength helped her design a project that she knew could make a difference in her community. Seeing first-hand the rise of virtual schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tomasa is designing a workshop series to support moms and other caregivers in her community with technology needs, including the nuts and bolts of using virtual platforms like Zoom.
Another Fellow is leading a project that engages more Richmond boys, young men, and fathers in community and advocacy spaces.
“YES helped me be the voice I needed to be in my community,” reflected Fellow Juanita at the graduation. With the support of YES, Juanita recently joined the team at Building Blocks for Kids as their Policy Advocacy Organizer.
Since the Adult Leaders Pathway was established in 2018, 28 Leaders and 10 Fellows have graduated from the program.
Ready, Set, Go!
Families Gear up for Nature Day Outings
YES is excited to engage with Richmond families at Nature Day Outings this Spring. Nature Day Outings are half-day programs for families that combine engaging environmental education with fun physical activities for the whole family.
YES staff pilot-tested this program from August to November in 2020, hosting five outings for more than 50 families at Richmond local regional parks, including Point Pinole and Miller Knox Regional Shoreline. Our upcoming Nature Day Outings take place on March 20, April 3, April 17, and May 1.
Although we have had to scale back volunteer engagement due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, we do have a few spots open to volunteers. If you would like more information about how to get involved, please complete this form. We also expect that additional volunteer opportunities will be available in the coming months, so stay tuned!
Meet Our Newest Team Members
We could not be happier to welcome new staff members to build on our work with YES youth, families, and the greater Richmond community. Welcome Luis, Michelle, Devika, and Milenna!