A perspective of how the YMCA is govern.

1. CHANGE AGENTS TRAINING
THE YMCA AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
TODAY
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
E-LEARNING
02

2. THE YMCA TODAY

3. YMCA PRESENCE IN THE WORLD
119 COUNTRIES
58 MILLION PEOPLE REACHED
To better understand the YMCA numbers, read the “YMCA Blue Book”

4. We, the World YMCA, are a federation of 119 independent national YMCA
organisations and a vast network of related agencies and groups working
towards a common goal: Empowering Young People.
Our motivation to face and tackle injustice originates from our Christian and
ecumenical identity.
The 11,200 YMCA branches all over the world are working with a diverse range
of programmes and activities including our 4 global strategic areas -
employment, health, civic engagement and environment- all of them,
focusing on young people.
The work of our almost 100,000 staff alongside millions of volunteers is
reaching 58 million people in all continents of the world.
We are the YMCA

5.
The World YMCA is a federation structure registered as an association in
Geneva, Switzerland.
National YMCA organisations are members of the World YMCA and subscribe
to its constitution. The World YMCA Secretariat provides leadership and
coordination to the federation based on a strategic plan approved during its
highest governance activity, the World Council of YMCAs.
The WORLD YMCA
(World Alliance of YMCAs)

6. HOW IS THE
WORLD YMCA
GOVERNED?

7. HOW IS THE WORLD YMCA GOVERNED?
1. WORLD COUNCIL
Every 4 years the World YMCA movement comes together to be inspired,
work together and plan for the next period. The World Council is where
this all happens.
It may be helpful to remember that the World Council is like a General
Assembly in your local YMCA, except that it addresses the global level.

9. HOW IS THE WORLD YMCA GOVERNED?
2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCO)
The Executive Committee has the responsibility of carrying out the
general policy and specific instructions of the World Council.
They work on all matters committed to their charge and act with all
power of the World Council for the 4-year period until the next World
Council session.
They are elected during the World Council.

11. EXCO – ELECTION QUOTAS

12.
The YMCA movement also has regional independent organisations, which are
federations on their own. A ‘Governance Policy Agreement’ approved in 2002
regulates the relationships and responsibilities of those bodies.
AFRICA ALLIANCE OF YMCAS (AAYMCA)– Nairobi, Kenya
LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN ALLIANACE OF YMCAS (LACA) – Cancun, México
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC ALLIANCE OF YMCAS (APAY) - Hong Kong, S.AR. China
YMCA EUROPE (YE) – Prague, Czech Republic
There is also a “Middle East Committee”, YMCA Canada and YMCA USA which are
considered “areas” by the World YMCA for governance purposes.
YMCA Area Organisations

13.
WAIT A MINUTE!
HOW DO NATIONAL YMCAs
RELATE TO THE WORLD YMCA AND
THE AREA ORGANISATIONS?

14. A national YMCA can be a member of both the World YMCA and an
Area Alliance!
The ‘Governance Policy Agreement’ tells us how this relationship works
and the levels of responsibility of the World YMCA and Area Alliances
in relation to your National YMCA.
IT’S SIMPLE.
DOUBLE MEMBERSHIP!

16.
WHAT ABOUT THE “Vast network of related
agencies and groups working towards a
common goal: Empowering Young People.”?
The YMCA is a movement of freedom, therefore YMCA leaders have
created networks, agencies and other forms of organisation to help us
all deliver our mission.
Examples include:
The YMCA World Urban Network
www.ymcawun.org
YCare International
www.ycareinternational.org
Y’s Men International
www.ysmen.org
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
YMCA
Mission
Network
YES
Group
(Europe)
Social
Prac;ces
Network
(LACA)
NAYDO
(North
America)
Global
Alterna;ve
Tourism
Network
(APAY)
Interna;onal
Secretaries
Etc…

17. HOW DO WE KEEP ALL
THOSE STRUCTURES
AND ALL THESE PEOPLE
COORDINATED?

18. ITS NOT EASY!!!BUT THE WORLD YMCA IS WORKING TOWARDS IT BY:
a) SEEKING UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT ARE OUR
COMMON CHALLENGES;
b) BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING COMMON FOCUS
AND SHARED MESSAGING;
c) IMPLEMENTING A COMMON GLOBAL STRATEGY
APPROVED BY THE WORLD COUNCIL.

19. Challenge Yourself!
In how many countries is the YMCA today?
Can a national YMCA be members of both the World YMCA and an Area
Organisation?
What is the World Council?
What is the function of the World YMCA Executive Committee?
What document regulates the relationships between national YMCAs, World
YMCA and Area Organisations?

20. Think about…
After this presentation are you able to explain who we are globally and
how we govern ourselves?
What are the things you do not understand about our global
governance?
Are you aware of how your national/local YMCA is governed?

21. www.ymca.int