All Staff Newsletter

My biggest takeaway from this conference was the networking aspect, talking and meeting with staff from program coordinators all the way up to CEOs, having a better understanding of operations and what others are doing/not doing to server their communities. It was an eye opening experience to conversate with other collages around the country to better understand their day to day operations and understand that we are one Y but we all operate in such a different way to ensure our branches and communities we serve are successful. Things we do in our association feels like we are lightyears ahead, a lot of what we are implementing this year other associations are looking to replicate.

I had a conversation with a CEO from Wisconsin, explaining to him about all of the great sports we are offering. I discussed, that we are on pace to have more kids enrolled in youth sport than ever before (20,000+) from ages 4-15. His reaction caught me off guard when he told me that’s more kids in our sports programs then they have in their whole city/town. We talked about how we can serve so many kids while still having quality programs, how we get new sports off the ground, our local and state partnerships, fundraising, and so much more.

I left that conversation as well as so many others feeling extremely proud of the work I do back home and grateful to be part of such an amazing origination that takes the time to developed staff to provide us with opportunities to attend events like this.

- Jonathan Gold
Operations Executive, Sports

As a seasoned staff, this experience is always reinvigorating. Had the opportunity to attend some great workshops that I know will help with the work we do to continue elevate our mission, from financial development and engaging our board to selfcare. It was a great way to network with not only our local staff, but with other Y professionals across the US. Definitely motivated and inspired!

- Yolanda De La Torre
Executive Director

Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival (until September 3)
Fan of Shakespeare? Watch as his work comes to life at the historic Old Zoo in Griffith Park. The Independent Shakespeare Co. puts on a series of productions each week, inviting audiences to take a seat on the grass (remember that picnic blanket!) and enjoy performances. This August, enjoy the second season headliner, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Aug 9–Sept 3).

POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft (until Jan 2024)
See familiar Pokémon translated into works of silk, ceramic and copper at this free Hollywood exhibition put on by Japan House. This exhibit puts the focus on a pair of Japanese cultural exports and the collision between a decades-old gaming franchise and centuries-old crafting techniques.

Sunset Concerts at the Skirball (Through August 24)
The Skirball puts on its annual series of free summer concerts, highlighting indie, folk and world music from L.A. and beyond. Guests can arrive early and visit the museum’s galleries for free, dine under the stars and grab a seat for the show in the beautiful central courtyard. The concert is free (and reservations are recommended), but parking is $15 in advance or $20 at the venue.