YMCA: Time for some lactivism?

[annettemarie]

It seems like every other week we get a new story about some new mama and child being told they can't nurse at the YMCA, and I think it's time for some sort of activism.

I read on the other thread that the national organization itself has a good breastfeeding policy. How do we find out what it is?

I'm proposing we start with a letter writing campaign to the national YMCA headquarters, asking for clarification on their policy and requesting that they please make a concentrated effort to pass that information on to all their branches.

I think we can play up the "Family First" thing as well as the "healthy kids" thing. I think we should be positive, especially if they do have a great national policy. It's simply a matter of disseminating the policy to their branches, and letting them know they're getting quite the reputation of being unfriendly to nursing mothers and their children

I've never organized anything like this before, so I'd love feedback.

YMCA of the USA (National Headquarters)
101 N Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL, 60606-1784

Email: [e-mail]

Phone[phone]

[monkey-lamb]

I have never done anything of this sort either, but if someone can help us figure out what to do, what to communicate in the letter, I will be happy to write one.

[StoriesInTheSoil]

I think this is a great idea, AM! I agree that we should approach with a positive attitude with the goal of having branches train all staff in a policy of allowing breastfeeding to take place anywhere in the building that the mama and babe are both allowed to be.

[alacrity]

I sent them HQ letter last night regarding my being told I could not breastfeed because the children would see me... I had not heard back from my local YMCA so I figured it was time to go above them.

[sapphire_chan]

I asked them to make their policies clear to the various facilities, especially as relates to the state laws.

[elanorh]

I think this is a good idea. It's been a recurring situation on this board for years now ....

I think given their scope, that it's a good idea to get a very organized, step-by-step plan.

Since several people have suggested contacting First Right (that's the name, right?) about Y incidents, I'd suggest that we contact them and see what has been compiled in terms of complaints and whether they have had any interaction with the Y HQ about breastfeeding.

To me, it seems like a coordinated torrent of contacts -- letters to local Ys and to the National organization, as well as personal contacts from Y members at their own individual Ys would be a good way to go. I have been thinking for awhile that I ought to ask the local Y whether they would like a Breastfeeding Logo sign (using that as a way to bring up the issue of nursing in public at the Y). I've seen several moms nurse at the pool while watching their kids at lessons, usually with blankets to cover everything but haven't seen anyone have a problem with it or approach any of them about it.

I would think that individual contacts (sometimes by members who aren't actually breastfeeding, themselves) might create a situation where the local Ys begin making their policies/enforcement friendlier, and then as SOME Y's refuse, they will find that many of their fellow Ys have already started to implement more breastfeeding-friendly policies.

[soxthecatrules]

I work for a YMCA and absolutely LOVE it. Its probably one of the most kid friendly places in town.

As you have already figured out they are connected by the Natl Y, but at the same time run independently. To be quite honest its the bottlefeeders that are getting discriminated against in our facility. You can breastfeed in our gym and lower level (I have seen it), but, if you take out a bottle you'll be asked to take it upstairs to our main lobby.

Questions: Have any of you tried directly talking to the Executive Director (or equivalent) rather than sending a letter? Have you tried talking to the Board of Directors? Get in their face about it...frequently. Its the whole squeaky wheel concept. Remind them in person about your state laws. Make sure the directors inform their staff of the state laws. This discussion makes me wonder if the real problem isn't with poorly trained staff.

If you have already sent letters to the director....I would be curious to know...did you receive a response? I know for a fact that our president will address each and every letter. It might not be the answer you like but he will address and give his reasons why.

Just an FYI: It can take YEARS for things to trickle down. I wouldn't expect results overnight.

[annettemarie]

OK, I'm going to shoot off a letter to First Right this weekend to get an idea on how to proceed.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

OK, I'm going to shoot off a letter to First Right this weekend to get an idea on how to proceed.

Thanks! I'll wait for your direction

[mamadelbosque]

Once you guys know who we should be righting at HQ I'll definetly write letters I was told I couldn't BF my DS1 when I was in lifeguarding class cause' 'what if some of them went home and told their parents they saw part of your breast?' as if 16+ yr olds who are going to be LIFEGUARDS haven't seen more when swimming, let alone what they'll see when their actually lifeguarding :boggle:

When I wrote a letter explaining the state law the letter I got back was still 'well, sorry about that. but we think we're right, and can indeed tell you to go somewhere else/cover up' which just seriously pissed me off... if I'd had the money I'd have sued them, especially after their response...