After the past 20 months of living through a wrenching pandemic, and with the increasing velocity of technical innovation, there are many voices out there who believe that human engagement is going to move increasingly into a virtual environment, and that such a trend is a good one. There’s even a certain insanely rich social media CEO who wants us to live in something called “the metaverse,” where all of our engagement is in a parallel universe and everything is airbrushed to a dystopian level.
While I don’t claim to be an expert in seeing the future, and my bank account isn’t as stuffed as some folks who are making lots of money in the virtual space, I do have a strong belief that, while technology offers a ton of opportunity to improve our lives, it also offers an equally large number of opportunities to tear away at the social fabric that allows us to feel human and to experience the sort of authentic, face to face experiences that the human psyche and soul require. It only stands to reason that the less time one spends in the actual world, and the more time spent in the virtual world, the opportunities to meet new people, to develop healthy relationships, and to learn how to co-exist with people who may be different than us are greatly diminished.
I see and feel the need and benefit of real human connection every time I walk into a Y family center, preschool, Head Start or after-school site. I read it in the comments which come flooding in on a regular basis through Listen 360, our daily customer satisfaction tracker. Take a look at the comments below (just a small fraction of the thousands we've received like this) and take note of the consistent focus on the importance of real human engagement and community found at the Y:
“My son joined the Y’s Head Start program last month and as a result I can state that he says more words. His social anxiety has dropped. I am so thankful.”
"Always peaceful and welcoming. Good for the community. Well-trained team members and very clean, neat and organized!"
"I wanted to observe my son's swim team practice but couldn't go inside the pool area so a Y associate guided me to the upstairs cycle room to see my son's practice. It was a great feeling to have such a kindness. Thanks!"
“I enjoy taking my daughter to the Y Linden Head Start. The program is just what my little one needs, especially since COVID and not being able to send our children to school. Ever since my little one has been back to school, I've noticed she's happier, meeting new friends and even learning how to spell. I would highly recommend this school.”
"The Y is a great place to work out and feel connected to community."
I like that the Y has so many choices in equipment and all the bells and whistles of other places, but also has a component of giving and supporting the community.”
“I love the Y! The people are so kind and welcome. I love how diverse it is in age, race, etc. The facilities are wonderful and the classes are great. The team there helps me when I need it and are so kind. And, the price is very reasonable.”
These kinds of comments are a reflection of the fundamental need we all have to see and connect with others, and to be seen in return. The experiences they reflect are borne out of the Y's mission and intentional work to support human connectivity and to believe in the human spirit. I know that some organizations that have traditionally delivered in-person services are investing heavily in transitioning to a digital world, but something tells me that human beings, traumatized by the isolation of COVID and the increasingly impersonal manner in which we are being asked to navigate this world, will continue to seek personal, actual contact with other human beings. We will invest in technology to supplement our core in-person offerings, but I, for one, am placing my bets on the power of people in the real world and in the true community that can only be found there.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland