Subject: RE: New direction in the Indian Guides/Princesses Program

Thank you for your recent email. It gives me a chance to share with you the

YMCA of the USA's position on our parent-child programs. We appreciate your

concerns in light of recent communication distributed outside of our direct

control. The recent issue of Drumbeats, dated 11-30-01 was misleading.

The YMCA Guide Program is a parent/child program with the primary goal to

develop strong bonds of long-term friendship between parent and child. The

program purpose, pledge, aims; slogan, song, etc. reinforce that goal.

Nowhere in any of those overview materials, developed by the YMCA of the

USA, is there a reference to Indians, the Native American culture, or a

program that supports a Native American theme. The Native American theme is

more incidental; it is not what matters most to the outcome of this program.

Although many YMCAs used the theme respectfully, others fall back on what

they were taught and what they see in our culture--Hollywood stereotypes and

misconceptions.

It's a different world today, than it was in 1926, when the program was

introduced in the St. Louis YMCA. One of the YMCA's strengths, (both local

and national) is that we have been able to adapt and respond to societal

changes and remain relevant in our communities. We do this not to be

"politically correct" but to be responsive to changes in kids, families, and

communities. Character development, cultural sensitivity, a better

understanding of Native American history, and changing demographics

resulting in diverse communities and diverse family structures, have

prompted YMCAs across the country to evaluate their parent/child programs.

Just as our YMCA health and fitness, child care, aquatics, camping, older

adult programs, and sports have changed to reflect the times, so must our

family programs. As our organization celebrates its 150th anniversary,

there is no question that we've been around for so many years because we

have been courageous enough to make the changes we've needed to stay

relevant. We will stay focused and continue with what matters

most...building strong bonds of long-term friendship between parent and

child.

The group that met in Chicago on December 1-2-2001 affirmed the Y/USA and

local Y's commitment to strengthening families through a parent/child

program. The program as we know it (parent/child, small groupings,

rituals/routines, camping experiences, and a celebration of the program

history and legacy) will not change. Our development team will help craft

program revisions grounded in these proven principles and program practices.

Out of respect for Native Americans and individuals of other cultures who

have opted not to participate (and therefore benefit from the goal of this

great program), the new program manual will no longer use or imitate other

culture's names, traditions, or cultural practices.