By Zion Stallings, Teen Director, YMCA of Greater Louisville (Kentucky, USA)
This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in cohort ALPHA of the Florida State Alliance (USA)Â Y-CORPS programme. Y-CORPS is a unique programme where Gen-Z from all over the country come together to brainstorm and innovate on creating a sustainable and just future. We took a deep dive into learning about different cultures, studying sustainable development goals, identifying signals of change, and much more.
Life-changing experiences in the Cayman Islands
From June 25-29, I attended our Y-CORPS excursion to the Cayman Islands. It was my first time out of the country, and it was filled with life-changing experiences and unique opportunities. From swimming with stingrays and playing with sea turtles to connecting with YMCA Cayman Islands camp staff and locals, and sharing ideas with the CEO, my cup was filled to the top!Â
IÂ stepped on the plane hoping to create change and make my mark, but I ended up learning more than I anticipated.
Reflecting on the trip, I concluded that it is refreshing to know so many people around the world are committed to creating a sustainable future. Being part of Y-CORPS opened up numerous doors for me to connect, create, and dream with like-minded individuals. Our Y-CORPS cohort gave our all in this programme, and one of the biggest rewards is knowing that the World YMCA and the Y Movement are intentional about building our future.Â
The power of Y-CORPS
Y-CORPS is a global service-learning program aimed at building a sustainable planet. Participants, known as Change Agents, are all from Generation Z (ages 10-25) and engage in a 16-month journey through sessions, missions, and excursions. This experience helps them create significant social impacts across local and global communities through various projects, from service to philanthropy.
Generation Z plays a crucial role in global sustainability, focusing on workforce development, servant leadership, civic engagement, and health and wellness. Y-Corps operationalises social responsibility to drive planetary progression and prepare young leaders for future challenges.
Developing leadership and community engagement
During our Y-CORPS excursion to the Cayman Islands, we focused on developing global leadership skills, collaborating with underserved communities, and strengthening YMCAs both locally and internationally. This experience allowed us to learn how to be global change agents, work with marginalised populations, and mobilise resources for community advancement.
We also promoted YMCA Vision 2030, executed projects supporting Sustainable Development Goals, and immersed ourselves in understanding social impact. These strategies helped us develop essential skills in leadership, workforce development, civic engagement, and overall health and wellness, preparing us to make a lasting impact in our communities.
Many people made this trip happen, and I need to give a shout-out to: Benjamin Major from the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs; he is a Gen Z advocate and provided me with this incredible opportunity. Thank you to the YMCA Cayman Islands staff, board members, and CEO Jeff Peterson for your hospitality and wisdom. Lastly, a big thank you to my Y-CORPS Cohort ALPHA—your dedication and passion have made this journey unforgettable.
Let’s continue to create, innovate, and advocate for a sustainable future together! Here are some highlights capturing the experience.
I left excited to take back what I learned to my community and my YMCA family in Greater Louisville. I left the Cayman Islands feeling more proud than ever.
