THE
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE YMCA RELATIONS
Times
APRIL 2009
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE OFFICE OF YMCA RELATIONS NEWS
Springfield College students at the Albany AYP Conference in March 2009.
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF YMCA LEADERS Harry Rock, Director of YMCA Relations It has now been one year since I have been on the Springfield College campus as the director of the Office of YMCA Relations. I was fortunate to follow in the footsteps of Paul Katz, who spent seven years in this position building up a great Career Candidate Program. After twenty-seven years in YMCA operations, sixteen of which were spent as the CEO of the YMCA of Greater Westfield, it has been a huge culture change for me. Fortunately, I have a very strong team in our office: Erin Friedman and Lori Berg, who have been wonderful mentors, helping guide me along as I enter an entirely different career path within the YMCA. I have to say that it is exciting to be
on campus. Springfield College was established in 1885 as the School for Christian Workers before changing its name to the International YMCA Training School in 1891. This private, independent institution of higher education focused in its early years on educating and preparing young men to serve as Sunday school teachers and as YMCA secretaries. Today, Springfield College’s commitment to the YMCA movement remains as strong as ever. Our YMCA Studies Program mission and the need to support the pipeline of new YMCA professionals have never been more important. I am thrilled to be here at Springfield College helping to educate our future YMCA leaders for great careers.
IN THIS ISSUE Beyond Borders: YMCA International Studies Program............................ Page 2 2008 YMCA Internship Recap....... Page 2 Recruiting the Next Generation.... Page 3
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YMCA Club: Our Campus Model........ Page 3
Thanks for Financial Support....... Page 5
A Review of YMCA Fall Events........... Page 3
I Am the Y: Student Profile........... Page 6
Thanks for Support of the Springfield College Comprehensive Campaign.... Page 4
Calendar of YMCA Activities Winter/Spring 2009....................... Page 6
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what i did over summer vacation: ymca internships
THE TIMES - springfield college office of ymca relations news
beyond borders: the 2nd annual YMCA international studies program a success
“Internship opportunities help
provide a practical view of the YMCA world, which reinforces the educational development of the Y student.”
Summer 2008 was anything but typical for several YMCA Career Candidates. As part of the YMCA professional studies minor, students ventured into YMCAs across the globe to complete a formal YMCA internship experience. Equipped with learning objectives, gracious YMCA host sites, and a passion to serve others, the students engaged in a wide variety of programs and operational functions. For students, the internship provides an opportunity to field-test their desired professional path, learn in a hands-on setting, and compare their theoretical understandings with real-life scenarios. Thanks to all of our 2008 internship host sites, including: t YMCA Camp Gorham (N.Y.) t YMCA Camp Abnaki (Vt.) t Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies (Colo.) t Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks (N.Y.) t YMCA of Greater Charlotte (N.C.) t YMCA Campo Campamento de Oto, YMCA de Zaragoza, Spain t Brace Program, Brazil, via affiliation with YMCA Camp Hazen t YMCA of New Britain-Berlin (Conn.)
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YMCA Studies Group at Casas YMCA in Tijuana, Mexico.
A group of twelve students and program leaders embarked on an educational/servicebased trip Jan. 9-17 to San Diego, Calif., and Tijuana, Mexico. The intent of the program was to educate participants about the complex issue of immigration. In preparation for the experiential learning opportunity, students engaged in weekly educational sessions. On the U.S. side of the border, the group met with several organizations in an effort to understand immigration issues from all perspectives. The group met with U.S. Border Control, the San Diego Minutemen, the Border Angels, American Friends Service Committee, and a law office supporting immigration cases. While in San Diego, the group stayed at and provided service work to the YMCA Camp Surf. In Mexico, the students stayed at the Casas YMCA, which provides free provisional shelter to approximately 2,500 children (ages eleven to seventeen) per year from various parts of Mexico and Central America, who, in their effort to cross over to the U.S. illegally, are detained and deported to Mexico. Staff from the Casas YMCA
provide shelter, food, and counseling to the children in an effort to safely reconnect them with their families. Students had an opportunity to interact with many young people and hear about their dramatic and desperate experiences. Additionally, the group visited two other migrant homes – one designed specifically for women and children, the other for men. The group toured the border from the Mexican side, heard a presentation by the director of the Bilateral Coalition on human trafficking, and completed a service project for the Casas YMCA. This experience was enlightening and expanded the horizons of our future YMCA leaders!
Students complete a service project at YMCA Camp Surf in San Diego, Calif.
april 2009
recruiting the ymca leadership pipeline
A REVIEW of SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE ymca student fall activities
Springfield College student Anthony Solano leads a workshop at Coalition of Campus YMCAs (CCY) Annual Conference in St. Louis.
Sept. 4
Students at the YMCA Club sponsored and designed “Leadership Summit,” a three-day leadership development retreat for “rising stars” at the Silver Bay Association.
As children, do you remember your parents or grandparents always saying to you, “What are you going to be when you grow up? What are you going to do with your life?” Generally, your response would have been that you were going to be a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher, a fireman, etc. You probably never said you wanted to be a YMCA executive director or a YMCA aquatic director. Yet there are hundreds of young people who love our YMCAs and choose to work or volunteer in our pools, childcare centers, camps, and at the membership desk. Even though the YMCA has been a huge part of their lives growing up, they have never thought of the YMCA as a career choice.
It is incumbent upon all of us to sit down with our young people and talk to them about a YMCA career. Let them know that the YMCA, an organization that they love, can also provide a lifetime of fulfillment and personal reward as a professional. Help them focus on their desired direction. Share your excitement for the YMCA and the endless possibilities that exist upon entering a career in the YMCA. As mentors and role models, we have a huge influence on their future dreams. Don’t forget to have the conversation, “Have you considered a career in the YMCA?”
YMCA CLUB: OUR CAMPUS MODEL The leadership team of the club is modeled after a YMCA, with a senior program director, program director, membership director, marketing and communications director, wellness director, budgeting and finance director, and development director. The YMCA Club meets bi-weekly, with the Leadership Team meeting on the alternate weeks. Volunteers from the YMCA Club facilitate the “Values Curriculum” at NE Fall Leaders Rally at YMCA Camp Greenkill (N.Y.).
The YMCA Club is one of the College’s most active and engaged student associations. The emphasis of the Club includes:
t Leadership and professional development t Community service t Wellness programs t YMCA exploratory trips and travel
The YMCA Club engages with YMCAs in a host of ways: through taking facility tours, hosting YMCA professionals as guest speakers/ panelists, programming volunteer activities, and providing weekend travel opportunities. If your YMCA would like to explore how to support the future leadership of the YMCA movement by engaging with the YMCA Club, please contact us!
New YMCA Student Luncheon
Sept. 7
YMCA Club Leadership Team Retreat
Sept. 9
YMCA Club Meeting: Opportunities for Engagement
Sept. 13-20
Universidad YMCA of Mexico City Student Group Visit
Sept. 21
YMCA Club Campus-wide Welcome Back Event
Sept. 23
YMCA Club Meeting: Knowing Your Campus Resources
Oct. 7
YMCA Club Meeting: Celebrating the Diversity of Our Club
Oct. 16
What I Did Over Summer Vacation: A Presentation of YMCA Internships
Oct. 21
YMCA Club Meeting: Political Awareness
Oct. 24– 25
Volunteer Opportunity with Westfield YMCA Leaders Club, Haunted House
Oct. 28
Facilitation Training: Part I
Oct. 25
YMCA Int’l Studies Program Kick-Off
Nov. 3
Facilitation Training: Part II
Nov. 4
YMCA Club: Professional Development
Nov. 7-9
Volunteer at YMCA NE Fall Leaders Rally
Nov. 15
Host Mass. Youth and Government
Nov. 18
YMCA Club Meeting: Coalition of Campus YMCA Presentation
Nov. 18
YMCA Club Bowl-a-thon Fundraiser
Dec. 2
YMCA Club: Volunteerism in Action
Dec. 12
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AYP Chapter 3 Meeting: Holidays at YMCA Camp Hazen
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THE TIMES - springfield college office of ymca relations news
april 2009
thank you for your financial support of the springfield college comprehensive campaign We are indebted to the generosity of the many YMCAs across the country who so graciously contributed to Leadership for the 21st Century:The Campaign for Springfield College. We exceeded the Campaign goal of $40 million by more than eleven percent, closing at a record $44,501,719. This successful Campaign has enabled us to make improvements to our campus facilities
and to enhance the programs these facilities provide. The goals of our Campaign—to enhance College facilities, champion academic excellence, increase scholarship endowment, and provide for current and future initiatives—assure the best possible learning and living environment for our students and make the College attractive to prospective students. This Campaign has
enabled the College to continue its legacy of educating students in the finest of facilities with the most cutting edge technology and equipment possible to ensure their ability to meet the YMCA challenges of the future. This campus has renewed itself with both new and renovated buildings serving the educational, residential, recreational, and support needs of the student.
YMCA contributors to Leadership for the 21st century: The campaign for springfield College $500,000-$999,999 YMCA of the USA
$100,000-$499,999
YMCA of Greater Boston YMCA of Greater Houston YMCA of Greater New York YMCA Retirement Fund Staff and Business Partners
$25,000-$99,999
Association of YMCA Professionals Mount Diablo YMCA Northwestern Connecticut YMCA Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, Inc. Triangle2 Partners YMCA of Delaware YMCA of Greater Charlotte YMCA of Greater Cincinnati YMCA of Greater Indianapolis YMCA of Greater Rochester YMCA of Greater Seattle YMCA of Long Island YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford YMCA of Metropolitan Washington YMCA of Middle Tennessee YMCA of San Francisco YMCA of Santa Clara Valley YMCA of the Brandywine Valley
$5,000-$24,999
Greater Green Bay YMCA, Inc. Hockomock Area YMCA Lake County YMCA Newport County Regional YMCA Old Colony YMCA South Shore YMCA Valley of the Sun YMCA West Suburban YMCA YMCA of Central Massachusetts YMCA of Central Ohio YMCA of Florida’s First Coast YMCA of Greater Kansas City YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh YMCA of Greater Providence YMCA of Greater Richmond YMCA of Greater San Antonio YMCA of Greater Toledo YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Inc. YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis YMCA of Northwest North Carolina YMCA of Saratoga YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA of the East Bay YMCA of the Suncoast YMCA of the Triangle Area, Inc. PAGE 4
$1,000-$4,999
Anchorage Community YMCA Athens YMCA Berkeley-Albany YMCA Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA Capital District YMCA Central Florida YMCA Channel Islands YMCA Community YMCA of Middletown Freedom Valley YMCA Greater Elgin Area YMCA Henderson County Family YMCA Miami County YMCA at Piqua, OH Montachusett Regional YMCA National Council/YMCAs of Canada Ocean Community YMCA Olean-Bradford Area YMCA Palestine YMCA Rock River Valley YMCA Sarasota Family YMCA, Inc. Sewickley Valley YMCA Shasta Family YMCA YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly YMCA of Coastal Georgia YMCA of Greater Bergen County YMCA of Greater Cleveland, Ohio YMCA of Greater Louisville YMCA of Greater Springfield YMCA of Greater St. Louis YMCA of Greater St. Paul YMCA of Greater Tulsa YMCA of Greater Westfield, Inc. YMCA of Honolulu YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth YMCA of Muncie YMCA of Orange County YMCA of Pawtucket, Inc. YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity YMCA of San Diego County YMCA of South Hampton Roads YMCA of Southern Indiana YMCA of the Capital Area YMCA of the Fox Cities YMCA of the North Shore
Below $1,000
Athol YMCA Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Burlington County YMCA Butler Street YMCA Camp Foster YMCA Cape Cod YMCA Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Cleveland County Family YMCA Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County Community YMCA of Red Bank Daytona Beach Metropolitan YMCA Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity YMCA Family YMCA of Glens Falls Area
Fulton County YMCA Greater Holyoke YMCA Greater Kingsport Family YMCA Greater St. Petersburg YMCA Greater Waterbury YMCA Greenfield YMCA Greensboro Metropolitan YMCA Hampshire Regional YMCA Malden YMCA Memphis & Mid South YMCA Merrimack Valley YMCA, Inc. Metro YMCA of the Oranges Metuchen/Edison/Woodbridge YMCA Miami County YMCA of Peru, IN Montclair YMCA New Britain Berlin YMCA North American Fellowship of YMCA Retirees North Pennsylvania YMCA Northern Berkshire YMCA Plattsburgh YMCA Pottstown YMCA Rockland County YMCA Silver Bay Association Somerset Hills YMCA Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs, Inc. St. Joseph Family YMCA Summit Area YMCA Syracuse Metro YMCA Valley Shore YMCA West Central Florida YMCA Westport/Weston YMCA YMCA Camp Coniston, Inc. YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. YMCA of Arlington YMCA of Broward County, Inc. YMCA of Burbank YMCA of Central Maryland YMCA of Central Stark County YMCA of Dayton YMCA of Greater Des Moines YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids YMCA of Greater Miami YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg YMCA of Greater Toronto YMCA of Greene County YMCA of Greenville YMCA of Huntington YMCA of London 382 YMCA of Saginaw YMCA of Snohomish County YMCA of Southern Nevada YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region YMCA of the Treasure Coast YMCA-YWCA of London
This report lists all YMCA donors to Leadership for the 21st Century: The Campaign for Springfield College from 6/1/02 through 6/30/08.
THE TIMES - springfield college office of ymca relations news
april 2009
thanks for your financial support of ymca students Every year, we conduct our YMCA Matching Scholarship fundraising campaign to assist students with the costs of their education. College is an expensive proposition today, so having the ability to help defray some of that expense to ensure that tuition is not a barrier to an education is important. There is nothing more important than ensuring that we have a strong pipeline of students being educated and prepared
to enter the YMCA profession as our future leaders. Although financial times are very tough right now, we greatly appreciate the continued support of YMCAs that have been so generous and understanding in contributing a gift toward our scholarship fund. The students who have benefitted are very appreciative and thankful that YMCAs are helping make their dream of entering YMCA professions a reality.
springfield college annual ymca matching scholarship campaign
YMCA matching scholarship fund participants ($5000 or more)
YMCA of the USA
YMCA of South Hampton Roads Metuchen/Edison/Woodbridge YMCA YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
David Allen Reed Society
Heritage Club
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Inc. YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis YMCA of Greater Rochester Newport County Regional YMCA YMCA of Greater Boston YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas YMCA of Greater New York YMCA of San Francisco YMCA of Greater Charlotte YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford YMCA of Middle Tennessee Association of YMCA Professionals YMCA of Metropolitan Washington Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, Inc. Hockomock Area YMCA Lake County YMCA YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta YMCA of the Suncoast Old Colony YMCA YMCA of Greater St. Louis West Suburban YMCA YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago YMCA of Greater Cincinnati YMCA of Greater Houston YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City YMCA of Coastal Georgia Somerset Hills YMCA Georgia Mountains YMCA YMCA of Burlington County Sewickley Valley YMCA
President’s Council
($1000-4999)
George Romell, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester, speaks with Springfield College professional studies students at the March 2009 AYP Albany Conference.
Springfield College will soon kick off its annual Matching Scholarship Campaign. This initiative raises greatly needed funds to help provide matching scholarships for YMCA professional studies students who are committed to a career in the YMCA following their education at Springfield College. YMCAs that support a student for any amount— up to $5,000 per year—will have that amount matched, dollar for dollar, from the Springfield College YMCA Office Scholarship Fund. Many students have benefited from this fund, which helps offset the expense of their college education. This year’s honorary campaign chairman is George Romell, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Romell earned a master’s degree at Springfield College in 1981 and is a strong supporter of staff development and investing in students as potential career employees in his YMCA upon their graduation. Several students have been sponsored by the YMCA of Greater Rochester; this support not only helps them meet the cost of tuition, but also provides them with jobs at that YMCA upon graduation. The YMCA of Greater Rochester, like many other YMCAs, has recognized the importance of investing in the college education of young people to inspire them to join the YMCA profession. Please consider a gift to the Matching Scholarship Campaign. By doing so, you help ensure the continued strength of our movement with well-educated and prepared students as future employees.
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YMCA Club members’ bi-weekly meeting.
Massasoit Club ($500-999)
Oregon Community Foundation YMCA of Washburn Family Orange County YMCA of Greater Richmond YMCA of Greater Toledo YMCA of the East Bay YMCA of the Fox Cities Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA YMCA of Santa Clara Valley YMCA of Greater Westfield, Inc. YMCA of Greater Providence Sewickley Valley YMCA
($250-499)
Century Club ($100-249)
Henderson County Family YMCA YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Rockland County YMCA Greater Holyoke YMCA Malden YMCA YMCA of Saginaw YMCA of Southeastern Connecticut The Family Y Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs, Inc. Silver Bay Association YMCA of Snohomish County YMCA of Greenville Anchorage Community YMCA YMCA of Greater Bergen County Butler Street YMCA Camp Foster YMCA Greater Waterbury YMCA Cleveland County Family YMCA YMCA Camp Coniston, Inc. YMCA of Huntington Community YMCA of Middletown
Pride Club
(All gifts up to $99)
YMCA of Old Town and Orono Plattsburgh YMCA
This report lists all donors to the YMCA Matching Scholarship Campaign from 7/1/07 through 12/31/08. PAGE 5
THE TIMES - springfield college office of ymca relations news
i am the y: bryan bierman YMCA career candidate profile
calendar of activities: ymca programs at springfield college winter/spring 2009
Hometown/YMCA: Franklin, Mass./Hockomock Area YMCA Year: Sophomore Major: Youth Development Minors: YMCA Professional Studies and Education
January 9-17
YMCA Leadership Roles: -YMCA Club’s Program Director -Treasurer of YMCA CCY National Conference -YMCA Community Volunteer -Leaders Club Springfield College Leadership Roles: Bryan at the ’08 CCY Conference, participating in the “Urban Gardens” service project in St. Louis.
Why Springfield College? One of the things I like best is the mood of the students. I love that everyone is so positive in everything they do, whether it is in a club or academic class. The whole philosophy of the school—the balance of spirit, mind, and body—always seems to be stressed. Why are you a YMCA Professional Studies Career Candidate? I have been part of my YMCA at home for more than ten years now. I participated in camp, as a camper, CIT, LIT, assistant counselor, and head counselor. I had the opportunity to initially be a camper and then work with campers, which gave me opportunities to see I enjoyed working in this field. I also joined the Leaders Club
-Resident Assistant -Class of 2011 Secretary and Senator -Co-President of Hillel -Student Ambassador -Campus Activity Board Secretary
Bryan’s Favorite Quote: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” -Gandhi
and Strata Bank mini-grant board through a local bank, and so much more. The advisor to my Leaders Club talked about Springfield College, and she suggested it might be a perfect fit for me. As I looked into the College, I loved the mission of the YMCA and felt this was a unique opportunity. I believe in making a difference in the lives of youth, and this program will continue to lead me toward my goals. YMCA Career Aspirations: Post-graduation, I would like to work at a YMCA as a camp director or youth/ leadership director. After gaining professional experience, I would like to continue moving up the ladder of YMCA management.
april 2009
YMCA International Studies Program
January 23
Hosting Western Mass. Program and Membership Network
January 27
Hockomock Area YMCA Teens Visit
February 9
YMCA Students Present “College Life” to Teens at the YMCA of Greater Springfield
March 4-6
Student participation, NE Regional AYP Conference, Albany, N.Y.
March 27-29
YMCA Club Sponsored “Leadership Summit,” Silver Bay YMCA
April 7-8
Hosting YMCA of the USA Recruiters Network
May 6-9
Student participation, National AYP Conference, Orlando, Fla.
May 19-23
Student participation, Coalition of Campus YMCAs Conference, Gardner-Webb University YMCA, Boiling Springs, N.C.
May 28-June 3
YMCA Program School at Springfield College
*Additionally, the YMCA Club will host a wide array of programs and activities throughout the year.
contact us! We’d love to hear from you! Springfield College Office of YMCA Relations 263 Alden Street Blake Hall - 3rd Floor Springfield, MA 01109-3797 Phone: 413.748.3407 Fax: 413-748-3519 E-mail: hrock@spfldcol.edu harry.rock@ymca.net
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springfield college office of ymca relations