Affinity Network

In February 2017, the YMCA launched the national ‘Why Not?’ campaign to champion our organisation’s three new platforms: youth unemployment, youth mental health, and marriage equality. These platforms were identified by young people as the most significant issues facing young people in Australia. To support the nationwide movement, YMCA NSW is working to build engagement and rejuvenate our relevance and support to the LGBT+ community by upholding our organisational values of inclusion, diversity and acceptance.Research shows that policies and workplace climates that are supportive of LGBTI+ employees are linked to greater job commitment, enriched workplace relationships, increased job satisfaction and improved health outcomes. A visual representation of supportive policies and climates is through employee support networks.The Affinity Network is an employee support network that assists in advocating and facilitating a culture of inclusion and respect, regardless of sexuality, gender and expression. It also raises awareness of LGBTI+ people and issues to support the Y as a ‘safe place’ for LGBTI+ employees. The Affinity Network achieves this through a range of social and personal development opportunities for members of the network and provides a platform for inclusion and diversity training for Y employees.