Belonging at UCYM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We remain committed to our Belonging mission statement in current and in creating new policies and procedures that shape our outreach, ministry, and administration at UCYM.
Belonging Mission Statement
At United Catholic Youth Ministries (UCYM), we believe that every person is welcome, valued, and celebrated as an integral member of the Body of Christ. Grounded in our Catholic faith and guided by the Gospel call to love God and neighbor, we intentionally cultivate a culture where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are more than ideals — they are lived realities in our outreach, ministry, and organizational life. We commit to thoughtful and prayerful action in creating spaces where individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences can encounter Christ, find community, and participate fully in ministry. Through bold, pastoral, and innovative strategies, we strive to model an inclusive Church that honors the dignity of every human person, empowers all who serve and are served, and invites everyone to share in the mission of Christ’s love.
Belonging Vision
Diversity is a FACT.
Equity is a CHOICE.
Inclusion is an ACTION.
Belonging is an OUTCOME.
– Arthur Chan
Equity is a CHOICE.
Inclusion is an ACTION.
Belonging is an OUTCOME.
– Arthur Chan
Land Acknowledgment
United Catholic Youth Ministries acknowledges that we are based on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Council of Three Fires — the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations — as well as other Indigenous peoples, including the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and Illinois Confederation, who have stewarded this land for generations.
We recognize the enduring presence, resilience, and contributions of Native and Indigenous communities, past and present, and we honor their deep relationship with the land on which we live, work, and minister. As a Catholic organization, we are called to remember this history with humility and gratitude, to seek justice and reconciliation, and to commit ourselves to respectful relationship-building and care for creation.
May this acknowledgement move us beyond words toward ongoing learning, solidarity, and faithful action in the spirit of the Gospel.
We recognize the enduring presence, resilience, and contributions of Native and Indigenous communities, past and present, and we honor their deep relationship with the land on which we live, work, and minister. As a Catholic organization, we are called to remember this history with humility and gratitude, to seek justice and reconciliation, and to commit ourselves to respectful relationship-building and care for creation.
May this acknowledgement move us beyond words toward ongoing learning, solidarity, and faithful action in the spirit of the Gospel.
Why We Use Pronouns
At United Catholic Youth Ministries, we believe that every person’s identity is valuable and worthy of respect. Honoring the pronouns that someone uses is one meaningful way we create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where all people can experience dignity and belonging.
By recognizing and using the pronouns that individuals share with us, we acknowledge their personhood and meet them with openness and care. This simple, thoughtful practice helps ensure that everyone feels accepted for who they are and knows they belong in our community, no matter how they identify.
UCYM is committed to empowering and accompanying a new generation of faithful missionary disciples who reflect the inclusive and compassionate heart of the Church. We affirm young people’s desire to be welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to the dignity of all.
If these concepts are new to you or you’d like to learn more about how they relate to our Catholic identity and ministry, our Belonging Team is available to support you.
By recognizing and using the pronouns that individuals share with us, we acknowledge their personhood and meet them with openness and care. This simple, thoughtful practice helps ensure that everyone feels accepted for who they are and knows they belong in our community, no matter how they identify.
UCYM is committed to empowering and accompanying a new generation of faithful missionary disciples who reflect the inclusive and compassionate heart of the Church. We affirm young people’s desire to be welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to the dignity of all.
If these concepts are new to you or you’d like to learn more about how they relate to our Catholic identity and ministry, our Belonging Team is available to support you.
