An Open Letter to Our Hi-Rock Family

By a group of Hi-Rock Staff, Board Members, Alumni and Camper Parents

Dear Hi-Rock Family, 

We stand in solidarity with Black members of our community and communities across the country to express our outrage and sadness over the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and countless other victims of police brutality and racial injustice. We say unequivocally: Black Lives Matter. 

Our core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility compel us to support and engage in the efforts of systemic changemakers to fight for justice and equity.  As we explore what meaningful action looks like for Hi-Rock, we commit to keeping an open dialogue about our role in these efforts and to taking action with our board, staff and community. We reaffirm our commitment to making camp a more inclusive community where campers, staff and all who visit feel safe, valued, included, and welcomed. 

We each have an important role to play in the fight to dismantle systemic racism. Let us not be silent in words or actions as we work to create a more just and fair world built upon dignity and equity.

We love you. We love our community. Hi-Rock is here for you.