DALLAS, TX FEBRUARY 26, 2016. Yesterday YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas launched Zoe for President, a campaign to elect a one-year-old girl as our nation’s Commander in Chief…in 2064. The campaign highlights the potential the Y sees in all kids to grow up and change the world if they’re nurtured properly and supported along the way. Through Y initiatives like childcare, academic enrichment, mentorship, college prep, job training, and more, kids have the opportunities to succeed, grow, and one day, maybe even become president. The Y aims to impart the values of what it means to achieve—how hard work, determination, perseverance and character can drive someone to success beyond what they thought possible.
Like all candidates, Zoe has her own campaign website, ZoeForPresident.net (www.ZoeForPresident.net), where users can donate to her campaign, watch videos to learn her stance on issues and shop for swag. When users donate to Zoe’s campaign, they are donating to their local Y and supporting the programs and services that enable kids like Zoe to thrive from childhood through retirement.
“While Zoe for President is a breath of fresh air during a heated campaign cycle, every child— regardless of background—needs support and guidance to reach their full potential,” said Kevin Washington, president and CEO, YMCA of the USA. “Zoe’s campaign addresses actual issues that America’s communities are faced with each day like access to early childhood education, safe space, meal assistance, and the Y’s role in solving the challenges head on.”
Zoe for President is the second phase of the Y’s For a better us™ campaign, a multi-year, multi-faceted effort to engage more people with the Y and its mission as a nonprofit. Earlier this year, the Y launched two powerful television commercials, Places, and Idle Hands, each spotlighting a different problem communities in America face today. Both spots closed with the Y’s nonprofit work on the ground, engaging and enriching kids and families through safe spaces, mentorship, education, meal programs and more.
“The Y works to ensure all kids have the support they need to achieve their full potential,” said Gordon Echtenkamp, President/CEO of the Dallas Y. “We work here in the North Texas community to provide services addressing our most critical social issues such as keeping children safe in and around water through lessons which taught more than 3,000 kids in low income apartment communities to swim last year or as in our partnership with Children’s Health, Get up and Go, a free 9 -week healthy lifestyle program for children and their families which had more than 170 graduates last year.
Those interested in donating to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas can visit ZoeForPresident.net or call 214-880-9622.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in 22 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcadallas.org