Why We Use Pronouns

At UCYM, we believe that every identity holds value and we are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all where we celebrate the dignity of each human person. We have chosen to include the pronouns of every member of our staff and board leadership under their picture as we believe it is a necessary step to ensure that every identity in our community is recognized to ensure people feel they are welcome and belong. ​

UCYM is committed to empowering and accompanying a new generation of faithful missionary disciples and want to affirm our young people's desire to be inclusive and thoughtful as church.  
​
If some of these terms are new to you or you are looking for resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team at [email protected].

---

A Note from UCYM Senior Leadership
As the President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of United Catholic Youth Ministries, we affirm this organization's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging that has an authentic foundation in the Gospel. We use pronouns as a way of demonstrating our deep responsibility to accompany and love our siblings no matter their background and identity. Over and over, the Gospels and the teachings of Catholic Social Teaching demand us to withdraw judgment in order to show all who Christ is, as Christ did. As our young people continue to face so many dangers in the world: polarization, individualism, intolerance, anger, and so many other things, being welcoming, accepting, and celebratory of who people are is our response to the mental and spiritual health crisis that exists among our young people. Everyone is safe here! Everyone is welcome here! Everyone belongs here!

Claire Labbe, JD
President, Board of Directors

Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB
​Executive Director