REGIONAL NETWORKS LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE OF YMCAS
The Latin American and Caribbean Alliance of YMCAs works as a decentralized regional office that connects and facilitates collaboration among YMCAs in the region through various initiatives such as regional networks. The strength of the organization relies on being a network of networks that promotes collaborative work among YMCAs to work jointly in order to deliver the mission and reach more people. The 2016-2018 Strategic Plan "Youth Changing Lives" seeks to maximize the impact YMCAs have when they work in networks and advance shared initiatives. Thus, LACA’s Strategic Plan prioritizes the work thru regional networks as an important strategy to accomplish its objectives. The principles that have guided the regional networks from the beginning are the institutional decision of YMCAs to participate in networks and the empowerment of their representatives. Dedicated staff are the most important contribution from YMCAs to the regional networks. Below there is a list of the active networks, along with a short description of each network, its purpose and its work. Active Regional Networks: Currently, there are 4 active regional networks led by YMCAs with common goals that decided to associate their efforts and resources:
MISSION NETWORK
EDUCATION NETWORK
COMUNICATIONS NETWORK
HEALTHY LIVING NETWORK
MISSION NETWORK The Mission Network is an online platform whose purpose is to coordinate regional initiatives and events focused on the spiritual development of people based on Christian and ecumenical principles established at the Paris Basis and Challenge XXI. Membership: YMCA Bolivia, YMCA Bogota, YMCA Brazil, YMCA Cali, YMCA Chile, YMCA Colombia, YMCA Medellin, YMCA Montevideo, YMCA Munich (special member), YMCA Peru, YMCA Sao Paulo and YMCA Valparaiso.
EDUCATION NETWORK The Education Network is a platform for YMCAs that manage and operate pre-schools, primary and secondary schools or technical schools. The goal of the Education Network is to strengthen the management and educational models of YMCA schools. Membership: YMCA Bogota, YMCA Montevideo, YMCA Peru, and YMCA of Rio Grande do Sul.
COMUNICATION NETWORK The Communications Network is a platform that connects people responsible for communications at their local YMCAs and it aims at guiding and strengthening regional brand and positioning strategies of the YMCA Movement at the regional level. Membership: YMCA Colombia, YMCA Medellin, YMCA Peru, YMCA of Rio Grande do Sul, YMCA Santiago, YMCA Sao Paulo and YMCA Temuco.
HEALTHY LIVING NETWORK The Healthy Living network is an emerging platform that seeks to facilitate sharing of experiences and good practices among YMCAs to promote personal and social well-being and health of YMCA participants so they can live a social, economic, healthy and productive life. Membership: YMCA Brazil, YMCA Chile, YMCA Mexico, YMCA Peru.
REGIONAL NETWORKS: CHARACTERISTICS Below are the characteristics of the Regional Networks of the YMCAs in Latin America and the Caribbean - Participation in networks is voluntarily. - Participants must have the endorsement of their local YMCA. - Participants are representatives of their local YMCAs and bring to the regional level, the voice of their local Associations. - Participants shall constantly inform, share and collect feedback from peers and directors for the work and activities of the network. - Networks define short, medium and long-term SMART objectives (specific, measurable,achievable and time-bound). They also establish indicators. - Networks develop an annual work plan. - Networks promote the development of specialized knowledge by sharing and deepening learning and experiences. - Networks are familiar with the Strategic Plans of the World Alliance and the Latin American and Caribbean Alliance and support their objectives. - Networks identify a facilitator within the membership of the network. They rotate the task. - Networks set a schedule for regular meetings (virtual). - When possible, networks identify opportunities for in person meetings. - Networks designate a person to write meeting minutes or notes with the most important agreements for follow up. - Networks actively promotes the participation of young professionals (under 30 years old). - Networks share their work plan, meeting notes, and progress reports with LACA (at least every six months).
REGIONAL NETWORKS: LACA’S SUPPORT LACA has available the following resources to support the work of the Regional Networks: INTRANET: private communications network to exchange knowledge, resources, and tools, as well as discussion forums, group chat, and promotion of the work of the network. GROUP EMAIL: email address for communication among the network’s membership, for example: mision@lacaymca.org, comunicaciones@lacaymca.org, or educacion@lacaymca.org. WEBEX: video conferencing and screen sharing for online meetings. Please share schedule of meetings and/or book site with LACA’s staff team at least 15 days in advance. LACA accepts requests on a first-come, first-serve basis. STAFF SUPPORT: LACA will assign a member of the staff team to serve as a liaison between LACA and Networks. The staff will support the work of the network and attend the meetings depending on availability.
INACTIVE REGIONAL NETWORKS In the past, four other thematic networks operated. These can be reactivated by Local and/or National YMCAs at any time. Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization Network: Is a platform that advances philanthropy and fundraising in a regular and professional manner to diversify the sources of income and sustainability of YMCAs; primarily for their community programs. Community Outreach Network: Is a platform created to systematize, share and exchange promising practices of community outreach programs and approaches delivered by the YMCAs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Pro-Youth Network: Is a working platform that seeks to develop and promote youth engagement and participation, as well as the development of youth leaders as global citizens and youth public policies. The network is comprised of staff working with youth from the YMCAs in the region. Youth Network: Is a working platform that focuses in three interconnected areas: Local and National Area: contributes to the development and participation of youth and seeks to improve the relevance of youth programs in the region. International Area: lifts the voice of Latin America and Caribbean youth to all levels of the YMCA and supports YMCA’s leadership succession strategies. External Area: promotes the development of civil society and public policies at the regional and international levels. Regional Youth Committee: The Regional Youth Committee coordinates youth initiatives of LACA. Two representatives and two substitutes (youth volunteers ages 17 to 29 years old) from each YMCA comprise the Committee. Members are nominated by YMCAs.