The Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House was alive with energy on February 12 as YMCA leaders, youth, and community partners from across the Commonwealth gathered for the 2026 State Advocacy Day. Among them was a proud delegation from the South Shore YMCA, representing the heart of community service on the South Shore.
Hosted by the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs and themed “175 Years of Serving the Commonwealth,” the event honored the YMCA’s historic roots while spotlighting more than $40 million reinvested annually into Massachusetts communities through scholarships, grants, financial assistance, and social services.
A Day of Purpose, Partnership, and Powerful Conversations
With a new legislative session underway, the South Shore YMCA joined representatives from 27 YMCA Associations to elevate issues impacting families, youth, and community health.
The South Shore YMCA team met with State Senator Patrick O’Connor and members of Senator John F. Keenan’s staff to thank them for their support and discuss shared priorities. Conversations touched on the Y’s continued growth, its long-range community-focused strategic plan, and the essential role of licensed before- and after-school programs that hundreds of working families rely on every day.
Senator O’Connor also provided the South Shore Y team with a private tour of the Senate Chamber, offering insights into the room where decisions shaping the Commonwealth are made and a memorable reminder of how advocacy connects directly to legislative action.
Inspiration From the Podium
The program featured remarks from Andrea Allard, Board Chair of the Alliance, Charles Clifford, CEO of Old Colony YMCA, who emphasized the importance of unified advocacy, and David Shapiro, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston.
A standout moment came from Youth Governor Logan Dinh, representing the South Shore YMCA as a resident of Quincy, who spoke about how YMCA Youth & Government develops the next generation of civic leaders.
Alliance CEO Kate‑Marie Roycroft delivered an energizing address marking the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, which started right down the street in Boston, noting, “Over the last 175 years, the Y hasn’t just responded to history, we’ve helped shape it. We’re here because the moment we are in right now demands partnership, investment, and leadership.”
Celebrating Leaders Who Make an Impact
Advocacy Day also honored leaders who champion YMCA causes, including Senate President Karen Spilka and Chair Christine Barber, who received Legislative Champion Awards, Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank, who received the first-ever Alliance Partnership Award, and EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw presented an official Commonwealth citation recognizing the YMCA’s 175 years of service.
Looking Ahead to the Next 175 Years
For the South Shore YMCA, attending Advocacy Day was an opportunity to ensure the voices of local families are heard at the highest levels of state leadership.
Trevor Williams, President & CEO of the South Shore YMCA, reflected on the significance of the day, saying, “Advocacy Day gives us the chance to bring our community’s stories directly to the people shaping policy in Massachusetts. Every conversation we had today reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all families have access to the support, opportunity, and sense of belonging that the Y provides.”
South Shore YMCA Executive Director of Community Development and Public Policy, John Galluzzo, emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement, “Our work in public policy is about making sure the Y’s mission is represented in every discussion that affects children, families, and community health. Advocacy isn’t a once‑a‑year effort, it’s a continuous partnership with legislators to build a stronger, more equitable Commonwealth.”
As Massachusetts looks to the next 175 years of YMCA service, the South Shore YMCA remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen community, expand opportunity, and build healthier, more connected neighborhoods across the region.
