Spotlight: YMCA State Alliance – Raising the Next Generation of Leaders: A Message from the CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance

by Julie Gallanty, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance

Supporting young people today, creates a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow
At the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, our mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen our communities by bringing people together to improve lives and inspire positive change. We lead a coalition of 30 independent YMCAs associations to advocate for the funding, programs, and resources that allow local Ys across the state to thrive. Through our collective efforts, we can amplify our impact, ensuring that communities throughout New Jersey have access to services that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.


One of the Alliance’s key priorities is nurturing the potential of young people by providing them with opportunities to grow as engaged citizens and future leaders. Our Youth and Government (YAG) program is a prime example of how we bring this commitment to life through hands-on experiential learning. YAG is a civic engagement initiative designed to inspire and equip high school and middle school students with the tools they need to understand and participate in the democratic process. Each year, students take on the roles of elected officials, judges, lobbyists, journalists, and more as they come together to debate and pass mock legislation.

The experience cultivates essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Beyond that, it empowers young people to find their voice and recognize their capacity to effect change in their communities. This program is transformative, but access has not always been equitable. That is why I am especially proud to share that the Alliance secured funding in the state budget to expand YAG. Thanks to this support, we can ensure that more students from underserved communities have the opportunity to participate in this enriching experience.


In addition to funding for YAG, we successfully advocated for continued support of our Safety Around Water program, which teaches critical water safety and swimming skills to children and people of all ages. This program addresses a serious public health issue—drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children. By equipping young people with lifesaving skills, we help protect them and foster confidence both in and out of the water.

Students from across the New Jersey are preparing for this year’s YAG pre-legislation conference: March 23, 2025 at Rider University and the main conference April 25–27, 2025 at the East Brunswick Hilton. We expect up to 425 student participants—each bringing unique perspectives and a shared dedication to public service. The main conference is a culminating event where students put months of preparation into action, presenting their ideas, debating policy, and building lifelong connections.

We are also excited to welcome our new Youth Engagement Director, Jessica Mulkey, who will oversee and strengthen this statewide initiative. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding the reach of YAG and other civic programs that encourage young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.

At the Y, we believe that when we support young people today, we create a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow. But we cannot do this work alone. We invite members of the Jersey Access Group to join us in raising awareness of the invaluable role local YMCAs play in strengthening communities. Your ability to connect with your audiences through local programming and outreach is a vital tool in amplifying our message and extending our reach.

There are many ways you can support our efforts. By advocating for your local YMCA and our statewide programs, you help secure the partnerships and funding needed to sustain our work. We also encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities at your local Y. Whether serving as a mentor, assisting with programs, or sharing your expertise, your involvement can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Together, we can empower young people to lead with integrity, inspire healthy lifestyles, and foster strong, resilient communities. Thank you for your partnership in this important mission.

For more information about the YMCA or to learn how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.njymca.org, or reach out to your local YMCA. Our new Youth Engagement Director Jessica is also happy to answer any questions about the upcoming YAG pre-legislation conference and main conference (registration for both begins Jan. 20.) She can be reached at jmulkey@njymca.org.

Let’s work together to ensure every young person in New Jersey has the chance to thrive and realize their full potential.