World Alliance of Annual report 2010
YMCAs
The World Alliance of YMCAs is a global ecumenical movement for young people, working in 124 countries, with over 45 million members. YMCAs seek to build a better future for young people and their communities, regardless of religion, race, gender or culture. The World Alliance of YMCAs’ secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its work in the areas of advocacy, capacity building, fundraising and communications, supports the efforts of National and Local YMCAs.
Published by: World Alliance of YMCAs 12 Clos Belmont 1208 Geneva Switzerland Tel: (+41 22) 849 51 00 Fax: (+41 22) 849 51 10 Email: office@ymca.int Website: www.ymca.int © World Alliance of YMCAs, Geneva, August 2011 Printed in Switzerland Design and Layout by Mondofragilis
World Alliance of YMCAs Annual Report 2010 Contents Preface...............................................................................................................................................4 Global Facts & Figures.......................................................................................................................5 2010 At a Glance...............................................................................................................................6 2010: Taking stock of our work ........................................................................................................8 - Assessing Eight Years of Movement Strengthening..............................................................8 - Renewed Partnership for the African Renaissance.............................................................10 - A Culture of Giving and Sharing.......................................................................................... 11 th 17 World Council in Hong Kong . ...................................................................................................12 -“Striving for Global Citizenship for All”................................................................................. 12 - Investor’s Circle : Investing into the Future of the YMCA.....................................................14 - Learning and sharing through workshops.......................................................................... 14 - YMCA International Youth Forum.........................................................................................16 Advocating for Change.....................................................................................................................18 Responding to Emergencies............................................................................................................ 19 Highlights from YMCA Regions.........................................................................................................20 Communications...............................................................................................................................26 Partnerships and Representation....................................................................................................28 Governance......................................................................................................................................30 Financial Overview...........................................................................................................................32 Contact us........................................................................................................................................34
Preface Dear friends, With this Annual report for our activities in 2010 we draw a line between two administrations of the World Alliance of YMCAs. We are very grateful to the previous leadership for having led our world movement through years of challenges and difficult financial situations. The following report will hopefully show you a picture of a vibrant and strong youth movement, ready to grow further and do more for young people all over the world.
Global Facts & Figures on the YMCA Movement
More than 45 million members worldwide in 125 countries. Active in some 4’500 communities around the globe with more than 12’000 local units, the YMCA has a community outreach to some 67 million beneficiaries. A majority of YMCAs are conducting programmes on Civic Engagement of young people, Child Rights, Gender & Youth Justice, Migration, Reproductive Health issues & HIV and AIDS Many YMCAs deliver social programmes for the health and
A highlight in 2010 was of course the 17th World Council in Hong Kong in July. More than 1100 participants from all over the world came together to celebrate the YMCA and to renew our visions and aspirations. From the many workshops and plenary speeches and discussions grew a new consciousness that we are firstly and mostly a youth organisation, this was also underlined by the big presence of young delegates at this World Council.
welfare of young people and their communities through Day Care facilities, Sports facilities and Schools Founded in 1844, the YMCA is the oldest International Civil Society Organisation in the World
As we are closing the chapter in our history labeled with the year 2010, a new strategy is growing out of the World Council in Hong Kong. NEW WAY means both a new road, a new direction, but it also means a new World Alliance of YMCAs, a NEW WAY. We are a diverse movement with thousands of relevant programmes for different age groups. This will continue and we embrace this diversity as one of our great strengths. At the same time NEW WAY will focus on Youth Empowerment in all what we plan to do. We have ambitions of becoming a leader in the Youth Agenda of the world.
Did you know? Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross Movement and the Geneva Conventions, as well as Nobel Price Winner in 1901, was also the founder of the YMCA of Geneva, Switzerland, in 1852.
We thank our partners and donors for all your solid support during the year 2010 and welcome you to NEW WAY!
He was a fervent spokesperson for the YMCA, promoting it all over the world, and visiting emerging YMCAs across Europe and North Africa
Mr. Ken Colloton President
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Rev. Dr. Johan Vilhelm Eltvik Secretary General
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2010 AT A GLANCE
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1. 15th January Meeting with Alliance of Youth CEOs 2. 4th-6th May 2010, Africa partnership summit in Accra, Ghana 3. 8th May World Alliance participation at Henry Dunant Celebrations, Geneva 4. 10th JuneYMCA youth advocates run parallel event at the 14th Session of Human Rights Council 5. 18th July World Alliance Executive Committee Meeting in Hong Kong 6. 17th – 24th July 17th World Council of YMCAs and International Youth Forum, YMCA Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village, Hong Kong SAR 7. 12th August World Alliance of YMCAs Commemorates International Youth Day and Launch of International Youth Year 8. 23rd - 27th August Presence at World Youth conference, Leon, Mexico 9. 14th-20th November YMCA /YWCA World Week of Prayer
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2010 Taking stock of our work
Assessing eight years of Movement Strengthening Building the capacities of YMCAs to respond to the needs of young people and their communities is at the heart of the mandate of the World Alliance. In 2010, the World Alliance undertook a global evaluation to assess eight years of internationally coordinated movement strengthening efforts around the world. Under the Global Operating Plan, initiated in 2002, a strong YMCA has mission clarity, is socially relevant and institutionally viable.
There has been huge growth in new initiatives. Many new signature programmes are emerging, such as Global Citizenship Education, Juvenile Justice programmes and programs that target migrant communities. Many YMCAs advocate at the local, national and regional level; they call for adequate public policies that protect and promote the rights of children, young people and women in particular. Through these actions, YMCAs are creating long-lasting
Equal partnerships and mutual learning Movement Strengthening has been a 360-degree learning for all groups, and many international partners and donors have been challenged on their own mission and programme relevance.
change in the lives of millions of youth and their communities.
The evaluation showed that strong visionary leadership is a key
The World Alliance of YMCAs supports these efforts in several
success factor for any YMCA wishing to grow stronger and achieve
ways, including by speaking out on issues relevant to young people,
more impact in its community.
and organising training and hands-on advocacy work at major international conferences.
Today, an impressive number of 24 YMCA movements in four continents have engaged in revisiting their work to grow stronger and more sustainable. For this work, they are being accompanied and supported by international partner groups. The evaluation showed that this process has brought new impetus, vision and vibrancy to all those YMCAs that have engaged in this change process. Most of the movements assessed have managed to substantially increase their sources of income, as well as to increase their membership and participation in their programmes.
“I believe that with the Global Operating Plan for Movement Strengthening, the YMCA Movement has a great story to tell to other Civil Society Organisation. Today, the YMCA has moved from bilateral dependency between donors and receivers, to a group of equal partners, where everybody is able to give and receive.” Clifford Sileya, Immediate past President, Africa Alliance of YMCAs
Success Story; The YMCA of Ukraine Movement Strengthening has led to. – A new strong mission and vision for the YMCA of Ukraine – A top leadership which is committed – Groundbreaking new HIV/AIDS programs and Peer-to-Peer learning practice. – Increased self sustainability – YMCA Ukraine is highly esteemed by government and Civil Society Partners. – Membership and beneficiaries are steadily increasing.
“We have learned that we are better and achieve more for the young people and communities we serve, when we, as partners and YMCA leaders, work together and share our resources and expertise through multilateral teams.” Charles Siaka, President, Sierra Leone YMCA
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cycle management standards, accompanied by a set of project
Renewed Partnership for the African Renaissance
templates. These tools allow YMCA movements to live up to the
Given the tremendous scope of social and economic challenges on the
highest standards of project management, thus enhancing their
African continent, much of the YMCAs international work is concentrated
credibility to the donor community .
in supporting African YMCA Movements in bringing positive and lasting
YMCA Project Management Tools In 2010 the World Alliance published its first global project
change to their impoverished communities. Fifteen African countries are involved in international partnerships to strengthen their YMCAs. “These new tools help us build and manage our projects based on real assessed needs and provide tangible evidence on the powerful impact of the YMCA’s work” Carlos Sanvee, General Secretary, Africa Alliance of YMCAs.
Bringing the most important African YMCA leaders and international partners together in one place is like a long awaited dream come true! From 4-6 May 2010, some 100 participants gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the Africa partnership summit, to share their experiences and good practices and define guiding principles for future collaboration. The World Alliance of YMCAs supported this effort by leading a Steering Group of partners and African leaders to prepare and run this crucial event. A pre-summit survey was launched in February 2010, which allowed
“Many participants appreciated that they had the chance to talk with their partners at the same level, undisturbed by the question, whether funding will be made available or not.” James Ekow Rhule, President of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs.
identifying key trends and issues to be included in the Summit program.
Resource Mobilisation: A Culture of Giving and Sharing The YMCA is a movement with a legacy of commitment to youth, and unmatched value in more than 14’000 communities around the world. It is a movement in which being sustainable means being able to consistently mobilise resources. In an unprecedented dialogue that started in 2008 between YMCA leaders
“I was invited to provide resources for YMCA projects. The experience was very enriching to me. The work I funded helps immigrant youth who have confronted dangers at the Mexico border. The YMCA welcomes them with love and respect, in houses along the border. All of us know about the need of having more houses of this type, to help these boys and girls return as soon as possible to their families. The YMCA’s projects are a beam of hope. I thank you for this great opportunity to contribute with a grain of sand. I congratulate the YMCA for the successes obtained in its fundraising campaigns, and express to you my admiration.” Jorge Di Sciullo Director General, Scotiabank Inverla Mexico
around the world, the World Alliance membership endorsed in 2010 a coordinated strategy for raising new resources at the local, national, regional, and global level. More YMCAs are empowered to attract new funding sources through new initiatives and high impact programs This process is alive as is bearing fruits beyond expectations! Read more on the subject on page 14: Investors Circle
A success story: A few examples…. The Africa Alliance of YMCAs successfully secured a three-year grant
A strong contribution to the summit came from young African YMCA
from the Swedish Mission Council for the newly developed Civic Action
leaders. «A new class of brilliant young African Leaders started
Programme (CAP). It also secured about USD 300,000 from NORAD
to speak up and advocate for vision and an agenda in line with the
(The Norwegian Development agency ) for the S2C Programme in
realities of the African Youth” commented Ms Mutale Chanda , chair of
Zimbabwe and Madagascar.
African Alliance Youth Committee
YMCAs in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Liberia, South Africa etc. have started launching their own Annual Campaigns
Future directions for the African partnership
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The YMCA of Mexico engaged in a US$ 6 Million capital campaign to build five new community facilities An award of EURO 130,000 helps fund the Roots for Reconciliation
• Enhanced sharing of good practices through virtual knowledge
project for young people in the Caucasus
sharing platforms and peer-to-peer mechanisms.
Youth Programme appeals have resulted in EURO 80’0000 in additional
• A strong endorsement of Africa Alliance vision “ Empowering
funds for YMCA Europe
young people for the African Renaissance”
Russian businesses generated YMCA support valued at US$200,000.
• A holistic and long-term view to partnerships, so that YMCAs
Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs has generated over US$125,000
can be strengthened and made sustainable.
from multiple sources for movement strengthening. 11
17 world Council in Hong Kong th
“Striving for Global Citizenship for All.”
Also, Delegates at World
From 19 – 24th July 2010, over 1,100 YMCA staff and volunteers from 80 countries came
(USA) as new World Alliance
together in Hong Kong SAR for the 17th World Council of YMCAs, making it a truly international
President. He follows Martin
gathering with an impressive diversity of nationalities, languages, and cultures.
Meissner (Germany), who has
World Council was held at the exceptional YMCA Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village in
served as President for the
Hong Kong - a self-contained youth camp with accommodation, catering services,
last eight years.
Council elected Ken Colloton
spor ts facilities, and meeting spaces. The World Council is the highest decision making body of the World Alliance of YMCAs. It
At the “Global Village”, YMCA Area Alliances and National Movements
meets every four years and is responsible for setting the policies and directions of the
had a space to display their publications, posters, souvenirs etc.
World Alliance, electing its Officers and Executive Committee, evaluating the work of the
and an opportunity to share and learn about each other’s latest
last four years, and deliberating on priorities for the next quadrennial.
programmes, plans, and opportunities to work together.
Besides its mandatory business sessions, there were opportunities for skills building,
Throughout the week, music, as a powerful medium for celebration,
exchange of experience, fellowship, and worship. World Council delegates were also
reflection, inspiration, worship and unity, was very important
exposed to Hong Kong’s rich local culture and traditions through various cultural performances, and exposure visits to YMCA programmes in Hong Kong.
A New Leadership for the World Alliance
The Theme: “Striving for Global Citizenship for All”
At the Executive Committee Meeting held on 18th July, Rev. Dr. Johan
In the light of fast globalisation, a huge number of our world population lives in dire need. Youth
Vilhelm Eltvik was appointed as the new Secretary General of the
are most affected due to their marginalisation and vulnerability. Daily, the YMCA deals with the
World Alliance of YMCAs. He succeeded Dr. Bart Shaha, who had
impact of globalisation and seeks innovative responses at a community level. At the same time,
completed his second term of office.
“I must say that I am extremely inspired by the YMCA’s work. Your work has already made an indispensable difference in the lives of so many: The UN looks to you, the rising generation of leaders, to develop the innovative solutions that are key to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. You bring key resources to the fore—your knowledge, expertise, access, and global reach—that are critical in advancing the United Nations’ Goals. Your voice carries globally— you have a unique opportunity to bring about positive change.” Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director, United Nations Office for Partnerships
the movement is in a unique position to respond globally through advocacy and education.
World Council has set important milestones for the future of the
Thus, the theme “Striving for Global Citizenship for All”, is about global solidarity on these local
YMCA Movement, such as.
challenges, and a global agenda to empower, especially, our youth to be active citizens to make
– Building strong and vibrant YMCAs as the top strategic priority
a difference in their communities, countries, continents and the world.
“Your work strengthens local communities; your outreach to youth and people in poor and underserved communities is invaluable, especially today as governments face fiscal crises and fall short in providing many basic social services. (…) May your organizations continue to harness the energy and idealism of youth to create a more just world for many years to come. Thank you again for your dedication to United Nations ideals and objectives ” Ban Ki Moon, Message by the Secretary General of the United Nations to the 17th World Council.
for the World Alliance and the global YMCA Movement. – Mobilising Resources as the key driver for strong YMCAs. – “Standing for Youth” as a significant contemporary milestone for the YMCA Movement. – Our mission, programmes, and advocacy are delivered locally. Together we must better understand and speak about our impact on youth, families, and communities. – Sharing the incredible knowledge within the movement with all technologies available, high visibility through Communications
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and Branding, are continuing priorities within the movement
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Investor’s Circle: Investing into the Future of the YMCA
Learning and sharing Platforms The 17 World Council presented an outstanding platform to th
Over 100 YMCA leaders from all over the world took part in the Investor’s Circle meeting, which created
share the YMCAs wealth of expertise and programs. More than
new momentum and enthusiasm around the YMCAs Global Resource Mobilisation Strategy.
75 capacity building workshops run by YMCA delegates, allowed
After learning about the significant rewards and achievements since the beginning of the process in 2008, YMCA Area leaders from Africa, Asia and Pacific, Europe, and Latin America presented their plans for the next four years (2010-2014).
participants to get trained and inspired and make first steps towards future collaboration. Highlights from learning opportunities at the World Council.
The Circle was presented with a “one million dollar investment opportunity”; the chance to invest in the future of the global YMCA Movement and change the lives of thousands more young people around the world. Impressed and inspired by the success of the first phase of the process, 34 individuals and 15 YMCAs, representing all the regions, instantly pledged financial support to continue the work.
Working with Migrant Communities The YMCA of Spain responds to the crucial issue of migration in their country by offering services and programs to children and
“Today, the global movement can collectively invest in taking this coordinated strategy to scale—creating lasting benefits for the world, and for the world movement of YMCAs.” Bob Tobin, CEO of Williams Group
youth that have been forced to migrate. The YMCA helps them integrate in Spain, preserving their own culture and providing new
“YOUNG LEADERS”, a brilliant example of youth leadership training
Communicating impact helps strengthen the YMCAs visibility, attracts new
Young people from Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, Peru and
Building citizenship through YMCA Youth Parliaments
Mexico have worked together during five years, mostly through virtual collaborative platforms, to come up with the first comprehensive youth leadership-training curriculum for Latin America and the Caribbean’s.
During this workshop, successful practices from the YMCA of Argentina and Australia in running YMCA Parliaments with young
makers and are ready to the use their citizenship actively for taking
people were shared.
decisions in the community. ”
well as strengthening of democracy through debates and solution
innovation of this new training tool. They realised that this is one
finding to community problems
of the most interesting examples of regional work & cooperation between staff and volunteers as well as an expression of diversity.
In this crucial workshop, participants learned about the importance
the world
of tracking and communicating the impact of the YMCAs work on
and vocational training for women. The YMCA enjoys the trust and
The aim of these parliaments is to develop a sense of citizenship as
Workshop participants were inspired by the professionalism and
other YMCAs run programs with migrant communities from around
2010. Nearly a thousand adults every year enjoy Spanish classes
to strengthen the YMCAs ability to measure and communicate impact
develop their personal identity and social abilities to act as change
support of the public and private sector. Like Spain, dozens of
children and youth clubs and camps to some 2’200 participants in
In 2009, YMCA leaders have started collaborating in a Global Task Force
The objective of the Training program is that « future young leaders
Communicating the social impact of the YMCA
opportunities. Their programmes to youth offered tutoring classes,
members and new funding and strengthens the YMCAs advocacy efforts.
In the case of Australia, the YMCA runs Youth Parliament programmes in every State and Territory. They also act as Youth Advisory Body to the Australian government and strongly influence youth policy in the country.
the ground: How has a program changed people’s lives? How has it improved access to education and development of critical life skills? Has people’s ability to influence policy decisions improved? Impact can be measure across testimonials, pre and post programme surveys, focus groups and case studies.
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YMCA International Youth Forum From 17-19 July, 400 young people from over 60 YMCA National
Highlights of the 3-day event included: an inter-generational dialogue
Movements gathered at the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village for the YMCA
with speakers spanning three generations discussing the challenges
International Youth Forum (IYF).
facing youth today and how to overcome them; a festival of good
The Forum, which was a central element of World Council, provided
practices with workshops on MDG issues including gender, HIV/AIDS,
training for youth delegates for active participation at World Council,
and the environment; a public music concert, “A Tribute to Gaia”,
as well as opportunities for sharing knowledge and experiences,
featuring internationally renowned artists.
skills building, and strategising for the future. There was a strong focus on how the YMCA can contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Youth pay tribute to Mother Earth through Music On Sunday 18 July, a crowd of 1,200 gathered in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park for “Tribute to Gaia: A Concert on the Environment” to
“The International Youth Forum was a truly enriching experience for the young participants, who are enthusiastic about leading change in the world. With an increased understanding of global citizenship and the MDGs, young people are committed to building partnerships and linkages that will strengthen their calls for concrete actions that will transform the world. ” Timotheus Kamaboakai, YMCA Liberia
celebrate Mother Earth with the power of music. The concert, part of the YMCA International Youth Forum, included dynamic and inspiring performances from Hong Kong, Thailand, Ghana, Trinidad and Malaysia. « We are youth with a dream », was a powerful song delivered with electric energy by popular Ghanaian musician, Chemphe, and 40
“Young people, spare no time to assert your place in decision making. Nothing about you without you. Indeed, nothing about youth without the youth participating fully and directly in the development and implementation of policy about them” Mr. Liberato C. Bautista, President of CoNGO (Conference of NonGovernmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations), during his keynote speech.
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YMCA youth from 15 different countries. Chemphe recently teamed up with African YMCA youth to produce this song, which is about youth empowerment in Africa. In 2010 the President of Ghana appointed Chemphe as Peace Ambassador for Ghana. Watch
the
video
watch?v=Xv8sKxF3gKI
of
the
song:
http://www.youtube.com/
“The whole focus of the song is for us, as youth, to believe in ourselves and empower ourselves and our fellow youth to take action and make positive change” Chemphe, Music Star and Peace Ambassador from Ghana
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Responding to Emergencies
Advocating for Change Remembering Henry Dunant The 8th of May 2010 was a very significant day for the World Alliance of YMCAs. It was the birthday of one of its key founding leaders, Henry Dunant. The World Alliance was able to expose, through posters, photographs and writings, some of Dunant’s unique contributions to the YMCA movement during his life time, and what the movement has grown to be today.
YMCA at the World Youth Conference in Mexico
In 2010, major disasters have caused tremendous suffering in different parts of the world. Thanks to the YMCAs worldwide solidarity network, coordinated by the World Alliance, the movement has been swift in responding to the most urgent needs of the local communities it serves.
Chile The earthquake of 27th February and the subsequent aftershocks have affected an estimated 2 million people across Chile. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, YMCA Chile acted quickly to provide food, clothes and medicine to victims. Public dining rooms were set up to provide children and young people with food. In addition, recreational workshops helped some 500 boys and girls to cope with trauma. Some 300 heads of families, affected by the earthquake, were equipped with new skills for income-generation
Haiti In August 2010, eight months after the devastating earthquake that struck in Haiti, the YMCA inaugurated a newly constructed office and youth centre. The YMCA is one of the few organisations
World Alliance and youth delegates from YMCAs around the world participated at the
in Haiti to construct a fully “green” facility with para-seismic, hurricane proof materials.
World Youth conference, Leon, Mexico from 23rd to 27th August. It has been a great
As an immediate response to the earthquake, Haiti provided support to some 14,400
opportunity for YMCAs to meet and build partnerships with other youth organisations, and together identify priority youth issues to be included on the international agenda.
strongly affected young people and their families through emergency support with food and clothing, building of portable community service centers, psycho-social support to address post-traumatic stress, after-school education, as well as recreational activities to
YMCA youth advocates at the Human Rights Council
children and young people in YMCA centers in Port-au-Prince, Kenscoff and Camp Perrin. Some US$ 400’000 was collected from the YMCA family to respond to this devastating disaster.
From 7 – 11 June, a group of young people from YMCAs in Sierra Leone, Ireland, Togo, England and Guatemala have been participating in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. This was accompanied by a training programme run by Y Care International, to learn about international standards on Youth Justice and the UN Human Rights Council. On 10th June, the youth advocates organised a parallel event at the Human Rights Council on in collaboration with Defence for Children International on “Juvenile Justice Reform in the light of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child”. The event has been moderated by the Austrian Ambassador in Geneva, Christian Strohal. 18
A Protocol to Coordinate Emergencies: In October 2010, the World Alliance published, its first International Emergency Coordination Protocol. This protocol, already tested during previous disaster coordination efforts, provides a powerful tool to speed up and harmonise international emergency response by YMCAs around the world. It is accompanied by a set of templates for emergency appeals, evaluation reports and financial reporting.
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Highlights from YMCA Regions
Africa Alliance of YMCAs
Perhaps most important however is the commonly heard echo of the song during the workshops and conference halls of the S2C
From Subject to Citizen song echo’s through YMCA movements in Africa.
programme initiatives continent-wide. The song has become a rallying call for the AAYMCA youth development work and is sung with pride and enthusiasm by project participants who believe that they
Over 20 Africa Alliance S2C Youth Ambassadors stand swaying in rhythm, young men and
can “stand up, rise up” and fight for their rights.
women stand side-by-side, arms linked across each other’s backs, faces jubilant as the song swells to meet the chorus they sing. They have come from all over to the content to raise their voices together, pride inflecting through each lyric of the words they created, envisioned and gave life to. These words of inspiration have come to represent their beliefs, their youth development movement and their defiant plea for change in the role and political positioning of Africa’s youth. A high definition camera pans through their ranks to mark a historic change in Youth civic participation, often catching glimpses of the singers glancing at one another in shared solidarity and camaraderie as they shout out, no longer allowing themselves to be silenced by African politics. The camera pulls out to frame them as together they call to all who listen: “I’m a youth with a dream, So I will rise up, stand up and fight for my rights, So take me as a part of you, Don’t see me a subject, But a citizen, And together we will rise” The singers pause, some moving with closed eyes, others turning to smile at their friends before they build suddenly into their final chant:
Their song fades on the echo of “TOGETHER!” and gives way to laughter and cheers mingled with shouts of unbidden joy. This is theirs they know. The first of its kind for the Africa YMCA movement, the final culmination of months of planning, preparation and negotiation which brought them all together for a couple of days of
Global Citizenship Education
exhilarating rehearsal and development.
In the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, Global Citizenship Education
The “From Subject to Citizen” (S2C) song, written by the AAYMCA S2C
is being highlighted at present as a major tool for empowering youth
Youth Ambassadors and popular Ghanaian musician Chemphe was
in the society.
released in June 2010 and was greeted with phenomenal support
Global Citizenship Education is an effective tool to strengthen and
and appreciation by the international YMCA movement. The idea
develop our YMCA youth. This is also an avenue for commitment building
stemmed from the need to develop a flagship social media initiative
to YMCA in addressing issues on “continuity” of youth engagement and
which would mark the branding of the AAYMCA YouTube page and
development. As they become engaged in issues and understand their
provide a vocal representation of the S2C Youth Ambassadors.
needs, they become more responsive as agents for positive change.
Since its release, the S2C song has been played on radio stations throughout the continent, been viewed over 3000 times on the AAYMCA S2C YouTube page or affiliated sites and has come to represent the S2C
“Oneness...
movement through the international print press. In July 2010, Chemphe
One hope...
and a few of the S2C Ambassadors performed the song at the World
One people...
Council of YMCAs in Hong Kong, and is set to perform it again at the
LET’S STAND TOGETHER!”
Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs
KFUK/KFUM Global Week Festival to be held from 23 June – 3 July 2011. Encouragingly, other African countries have followed suit, with Kenya and Zimbabwe both currently working with local singers, staff and volunteers to develop similar theme songs to profile their movements.
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Following the training, some movements have started implementing their GCE action plans; as they integrate it with their other existing youth programs. Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong has their “Be a Global Citizen” Campaign; Chiang Mai YMCA and YMCA of Singapore engage their youth in overseas cultural exchange; NCY of Japan continues their Youth Global Citizenship Summer Training Project; YMCAs of India, Penang, Malaysia and Sri Lanka introduced Global Citizenship to their youth groups and young professional staffs; NCY Philippines will integrate GCE in Rizal Youth Leadership Training Institute; NCY of Korea has it through their Raon Atti-Friends of Asia. In 2010, we started the 1st APAY Global Citizenship Education Training
This year, GCE ToT will be implemented by sub-region. It will be held
of Trainers (GCE ToT). 21 youth leaders and staff from different YMCA
first in the Philippines for South East Asian movements, then in
movements participated in the event. A pool of trainers and resource
India for South Asian movements. Hopefully, this will be spread to
persons provided a series of lectures and interactive workshops to equip
more than 10-15 countries. The training is made possible by the Y’s
the participants with knowledge and skills on different ways of educating
Men International.
people on Global Citizenship. Community exposure activities were

incorporated in the program. They focused on issues on youth offenders, family and childcare, and immigrants. As an output, participants designed their action plans to carry onto their movements.
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Europe
YMCA Europe: Highlight on Catch the Vision October 18 – 24, 2010: The next YMCA Europe Catch the Vision conference under the motto “New Europe – Old Conflicts” took place this time in Yerevan, Armenia. The event brought together 31 participants representing 18 YMCA Movements in Europe and beyond, namely: Armenia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, Georgia, Iceland, Ireland, Karabagh, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, USA. The conference was facilitated by Michael Wardlow (independent consultant, Northern Ireland), Michal Szymanczak (YMCA Europe Acting Secretary General, Poland), Vardan Hambardzumyan (YMCA Europe Regional Secretary, Armenia), Radek Hlavsa (YMCA Europe PR and Communication Manager, Czech Republic), Armen Bezhanyan (YMCA Armenia Secretary General) and Revaz Shavladze (YMCA Georgia Programme Secretary). The Armenian Apostolic Church sent its blessings to the event through its representative – Father Shahen - opening the event. During the week the participants had a chance of exposure to the World Heritage sites in St. Ejmiadzin – the religious capital of Armenia. The closing of the event was held in the Museum of Sergey Parajanov – a Soviet era talented film director and artist, who through his audacious strive for freedom became a symbol of treasured multiculturalism. A symbol, which the YMCA Europe Roots for Reconciliation initiative has taken up to follow. The YMCA potential and impact in peace and reconciliation work was the theme of the conference. The YMCA Europe Roots for Reconciliation initiative was presented as a best practice and case study, through analyzing its impact based on the Theory of Change and through mainstreaming its implementation methodology based on the Do No Harm approach.
One of the participants, Haykuhi Karapetyan (29 years old, YMCA Spitak, Armenia, of Catch the Vision seminar, shared her unique experiences and impact of the event. “Catch the Vision 2010” gave me a different vision of this. During my 6-year engagement in the organization I realized that YMCA has much deeper roots, various and wider goals and objectives. Now I’ve made sure this is an organization more about care, honesty, peace and reconciliation. It is strongly based on Christian and human values common for people of different religions and mentalities. It brings together good people from different corners of the world, unites people with different backgrounds. Sometimes it seems to me it is done to show the whole world that it is always possible to live side by side without conflicting, it is always possible to share all that surrounds us. The world is so small and it is much better if we come together as ONE. I got deeply convinced that young people in our organization are a big power, a mighty push for the others and they can do a lot to change ourselves or even the whole world for the better so as we and our future generations can live in peace.
Latin America and the Caribbean Association of YMCAs TRANSFORMATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP
In Latin America and the Caribbean youth are an important section of the population. It is the most unequal and inequitable region of the world. In recent years several countries have experienced important economic growth and poverty has decreased. However inequality is growing especially among children and young people, many of whom will not have access to opportunities. To achieve sustainable change it is necessary to develop leadership in civil society with solidarity, inclusive, transformative vision.
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In most countries the YMCA is recognized and valued for its
good use of social networks and cyber activism; positioning the
the YMCAs of Costa Rica and the Republic of Georgia in 2010. The
is within our vast country or to an international destination, whether
contribution to the formation of adolescents and young people
Program as a pioneering experience in the non educational area.
youth participants raised their own resources to pay for the trips. They
the emphasis is on language or cultural similarities and differences,
through leadership. But each Association had its own definitions,
More than 10,000 young people annually participate in programs
also raised funds to work on service projects in their own communities
there is always an incredible opportunity to learn and grow as a result.
methodologies and programs. This wide dispersion took away
promoting volunteerism through the YMCAs of the region, so there
when they returned back home. The YMCA of Houston organized a
In 2010, more than 3050 youth participated in exchange
strengths, provided no learning and communicated an image of a
is already a wide audience that will be enriched as more national
youth and adult exchange to Vietnam to build community schools in
programmes. Focusing on the development of skills in a second
atomized organization.
movements freely request to join this network of leadership training.
collaboration with the YMCA of Vietnam. The New York YMCA organized
language, 28% of these youth traveled to a new community
Between 2004 and 2008 the Area Organisation (LACA) led a
The YMCA Leaders programme does not compete with national
a global teen exchange to South Africa in 2010 to learn about the
within Canada, living and volunteering for a non-profit organization,
participatory process, conceived and led by young volunteers and
programmes but rather complements and enriches them.
work of South African YMCAs and participate in youth programs. The
fostering the development of their second language skills. The
Southwest Illinois YMCA organized a service learning project for staff
opportunity to live within a new culture was experienced by 70% of
and volunteers in 2010 to help the YMCA of Guatemala renovate Camp
these youth. These reciprocal group exchanges enrich the youth who
Chichoj and promote environmental education.
participate and the communities in which they occur. Two percent of these youth participated in international exchange opportunities.
professionals, to unify the training circle. The certification of trainers and leaders as well as association of branding to youth leadership were key innovative components . That is how the YMCA Leaders
Until now the program has certified 124 trainers and 311 leaders. The goal for 2011 is to train 500 young people in seven countries. The training process includes the development of skills to be
programme arose and began to run in 2009.
references for children and their peers, interact with adults in an
As a result of increased interest in global youth service learning,
More than a training programme, this is the first experience in the
assertive manner and to mobilize resources to provide sustainability.
YMCA of the USA will develop a toolkit in 2011 to help local YMCAs
Of particular note is the YMCA Youth Peace Network (YPN), a global
region that manages to unify the teaching of young leaders in several
The commitment to transformation needs a transformative leadership
plan, implement and evaluate global service learning initiatives.
youth development programme delivered by the YMCA of Greater
countries, using common learning standards that ensure uniform
that starts with a personal and everyday testimony of young people
These initiatives will play a critical role in developing the next
Vancouver. YPN is the only programme of its kind within the YMCA
and this is happening in this part of the world.
generation of globally-minded YMCA leaders in the US.
global network. 120 youth leaders from 40 countries have graduated
training and a certification, accreditation and monitoring system.
from this three-month programme in the last seven years.
The use of a common educational system based on the Teaching for Understanding, developed by the Harvard Graduate School and offering an international YMCA certification, offers two great benefits that allow participants to demonstrate their leadership skills in their lives and be profiled as better prospects in their professional and academic life, given the global trend to find people willing to do team work and personal and social transformation.
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YMCA of the USA
Global Service Learning
Youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 in the United
YMCA Canada
Internship and Exchange programmes
States are increasingly interested in global volunteerism and service-
YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs in Canada are committed to providing
learning. Service-learning is a process through which youth develop
opportunities that help youth build character and resiliency,
The intensive use of informative technologies, not only allows
skills, knowledge and civic awareness through youth-led volunteer
encouraging personal growth and well-rounded lives.
participants to interrelate with one another but also promotes the
activities and programs. As communities in the United States become
Internship programmes provide opportunities to explore
increasingly diverse and globally interdependent, young Americans
career options, learn new job skills and build abilities in the area of
are eager to learn about other cultures and contribute positively to
relationship development. By creating opportunities for mentorship-
social change in other countries through the YMCA. More and more
based work experiences in a learning environment, youth are better
YMCAs are interested in developing and expanding global service
prepared to find and keep a job in the future. In 2010, more than
learning programs with YMCA partners.
1800 youth participated in career-focused internships through
Several local US YMCAs organized innovative service learning
YMCA and YMCA-YWCA programmes.
exchanges in 2010 with global YMCA partners. The YMCA of Metro
Exchange opportunities are offered to open a view on the world that
Atlanta organized teen leadership service learning exchanges with
a youth might not have previously experienced. Whether the exchange
The YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs of Canada are committed to providing meaningful, learning-based development programmes for youth. Internship and exchange opportunities provide rich experiences for everyone involved.
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Communications
YMCA Global Photo Competition In 2010, the World Alliance of YMCAs launched a Global Photo Competition. The purpose of the competition was to gather a collection of images from around the world that illustrates the YMCA’s activities and impact around the world Among more than100 entries from all over the world, one overall winner and five runners up were selected.
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Partnerships and
Representation
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Partnerships and Representation Representing the YMCA Movement at world level is a core function of the World Alliance of YMCAs. Our aim is to make it easier for the voice of YMCA young people to be heard at the highest levels of policy-making and to create opportunities for new partnerships for our National YMCA Movements. To this end, the World Alliance of YMCAs fosters strategic partnerships with a range of international organisations including ecumenical bodies, UN agencies, and other youth organizations.
Ecumenical Organisations • World Council of Churches • The Vatican, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity • Founding Member of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
United Nations The World Alliance of YMCAs has had consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations since 1947. The World Alliance participates actively in the Commission on the Status of Women (New York) and the Human Rights Council (Geneva) and collaborates with the following organisations: • UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund • UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
Youth and Other Organisations • Y’s Men International • NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child • CONGO - Conference of Non Governmental Organisations • ICMYO – International Coordinating Meeting of Youth NGOs The World Alliance of YMCAs belongs to a group of the biggest youth organisations in the world known informally as the “BIG 6” - officially termed the Alliance of Youth Chief Executive Officers. Collectively, the network reaches over 100 million young people in over 200 countries and territories. Besides the World Alliance of YMCAs, members of the Alliance are: World YWCA (World Young Women’s Christian Association) WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement) WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) IAA (International Award Association)
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Governance
Leadership as from July 2010 Executive Committee and Officers President: Mr. Ken Colloton, USA Deputy President: Mr. Fernando Ondarza, Mexico Treasurer: Ms. Helen McEwan, New Zealand Secretary General (non-voting): Rev. Dr. Johan Vilhelm Eltvik, Norway
Members Africa Ms. Evelyne Mame Sami Gueye, Senegal Mr. Charles Habiah, Ghana Ms. Ethel Mashekwa, Zambia Mr. Vezinhlahla Mncwango, South Africa Ms. Lucy Wanjiru, Kenya
Asia and Pacific Mr. Edilberto Claravall, Philippines Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, Bangladesh Mr. Oliver Jia Wen Loke, Singapore Ms. Hiromi Nagao, Japan
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Canada
Area Presidents:
Ms. Patricia Pelton, Canada
Mr. James Ekow Rhule, Africa Alliance of YMCAs (Ghana) Dr. Jai Chang Park, Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (Korea), Mr. Peter Posner, European Alliance of YMCAs Mr. Mauro Fonticiella , Latin American & Caribbean Alliance (Uruguay)
Europe Mr. Ed Eggink, Netherlands Ms. Nadine Jording, Germany Mr. Uku Rasmus Lind, Estonia Mr. Ian Pearson, England Mr. Michael Will, Scotland
Past President (Non-Voting): Mr. Martin Meissner, Germany Y’s Men International Liaison to the World Alliance (Non-Voting): Ms Hiromi Nagao, Japan Y Care International (Non-Voting): Mr Chris Roles, CEO
Latin America and Caribbean Ms. Sofia Laborde Fernandez, Uruguay Mr. Leopoldo Moacir Lima, Brazil Ms. Sandra Pyke-Anthony, Trinidad & Tobago Mr. Daniel Vives Rivero, Peru
Middle East Mr. Simon Kouba, East Jerusalem Mr. Ghassan Sayah, Lebanon
USA Ms. Pamela Davies Ms. Courtney Lawrence, USA
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Financial Overview
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AUDITOR’S REPORT The financial statements of the Association are presented herein without their notes. For a better understanding of the Association’s financial position and result of its activities for the year ended 31 December 2010, the auditor’s report and the financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes that are available upon request at the Secretariat of the World Alliance or on the World Alliance Website www.ymca.int.
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CONTACT US
Contact Us
[As of January 2011]
The World Alliance of YMCAs Rev. Dr. Johan Vilhelm Eltvik, Secretary General 12 Clos Belmont 1208 Geneva Switzerland Tel: +41 22 849 51 00 Fax: +41 22 849 51 10 Website: www.ymca.int Email: office@ymca.int
Africa Alliance of YMCAs Carlos Madjri Sanvee, General Secretary State House Avenue, State House Crescent P.O. Box 60856, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2714644/2724804 Fax: +254 20 2725909 Website: www.africaymca.org Email: aaymcas@africaymca.org
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Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs Kohei Yamada, General Secretary 23 Waterloo Road 6th Floor, Kowloon Hong Kong SAR Tel: +852 2780 8347 / 2770 3168 Fax: +852 2385 4692 Website: www.asiapacificymca.org Email: office@asiapacificymca.org
Latin America and Caribbean Alliance of YMCAs Mauricio Diaz Vandorsee, General Secretary Vicente Rocafuerte No. 1678 Montevideo, Uruguay 11.400 Tel: +598 2 600 99 40 Website: www.lacaymca.org Email: comunicaciones@lacaymca.org
YMCA Europe (European Alliance of YMCAs) Juan Simoes Iglesias, General Secretary Na Porici 12 CZ-110 00 Prague 1 Czech Republic Tel: +420 224 872 020 Fax: +420 224 872 025 Website: www.ymcaeurope.com Email: info@ymcaeurope.com
YMCA of the USA Neil Nicoll, President and CEO 101 North Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 Tel: +1 800 872 9622 Website: www.ymca.net Email: international@ymca.net
YMCA Canada Scott Haldane, President and CEO 42 Charles Street East, 6th Floor Toronto, ON, M4Y 1T4 Tel: +1 416 967 9622 Fax: +1 416 967 9618 Website: http://www.ymca.ca/ Email: services@ymca.ca
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www.ymca.int