2026 State Advocacy Days

Local leaders, including our very own Jody Thorson, Senior Vice President of Mission Advancement and two teens from the Tampa YMCA’s Youth in Government program, joined YMCA advocates from across the state at the Florida Capitol for 2026 YMCA State Advocacy Days.

Advocacy Days are a statewide effort focused on advancing shared priorities that strengthen communities and support children, families and youth across Florida.

More than 60 YMCA advocates, including 25 youth advocates, participated in over 50 meetings to share the YMCA’s local and statewide impact. Conversations centered on the YMCA’s statewide priorities, including safety around water, expanding literacy through YMCA Reads! and access to quality afterschool programming, all critical to helping young people thrive.

This year’s Advocacy Days also marked a significant milestone, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, recognized with a proclamation on the Florida Senate floor honoring the YMCA’s long-standing commitment to serving communities across the state.

Advocates were equipped with resources and background materials to support informed, meaningful conversations and elevate local stories from their communities. For many participants, especially youth advocates, Advocacy Days provided hands-on experience in civic engagement and an opportunity to see how community voices contribute to positive change.

“Advocacy Days are about lifting a collective YMCA voice and sharing the impact we see every day in our communities,” shared Jody. “We’re proud to be part of a statewide effort that focuses on expanding opportunities for youth and families, including access to literacy programs like YMCA Reads!”

YMCA State Advocacy Days are coordinated by the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs and reflect the YMCA’s ongoing, nonpartisan commitment to civic engagement and community well-being.

To learn more about the work we are doing at the Tampa YMCA and support our efforts on water safety and literacy, click here.