1. Current Opportunities and E-Newsletter
2. Special Projects
3. International Partnerships
4. Vision, Guiding Principles, and Goals
5. Community Engagement
6. World Service & Emergency/Crisis Response
7. International Resources & Links
1. Ongoing Opportunities and
E-Newsletter
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YMCA International Youth Leadership Institute
Every July, the YMCA runs an international trip to Japan and Thailand to make new friends and explore new cultures. During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, youth ages 14-18 will build leadership skills as they partake of a range of activities. Enjoy a home stay in each country. Participate in service projects, ride elephants and visit local schools and cultural sites.
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YMCA Young Adult Leadership Camp in Thailand
Every March our YMCA sends a delegation of young adults for a two week service and leadership trip to Thailand. Young people ages 18-25 are encouraged to apply for this amazing trip which includes a lengthy home stay and community-building project in rural Thailand, cross-cultural activities, leadership skill building and adventure trekking. This all happens with young adult colleagues from Thailand, Japan and Laos.
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2. Special Projects
Special projects allow the YMCA to respond creatively and flexibily to opportunities that may arise. Such projects may arise out of the interest of staff or volunteers or the chance to get involved with a new international YMCA. Usually the projects are short-term and need to adhere to the guiding principles of the international programs.
Recent special projects
Exploratory trip to Guatemala/Nicaragua
YESC Sea Turtle Restoration Project in Costa Rica
Mano a Mano program in Mexico
Participation at YMCA World Alliance events
Educational toys for YMCA Trinidad/Tobago
Hand-made "Seattle Y" bracelets made by youth from the YMCA of Colombia
Metrocenter YMCA Street Soldiers staff training staff/volunteers in Cape Town, South Africa
Check the Current Opportunities and E-Newsletter section for the latest news on our special projects.
If you are interested in exploring or initiating a new international project with the YMCA of Greater Seattle please contact us dkhedrick@seattleymca.org
3. International Partnerships
The YMCA of Greater Seattle currently maintains formal partnerships with the YMCA of Kobe, Japan and the YMCA of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Among the activities carried out with these partnerships:
Youth leadership trips (every summer)
Staff exchanges
Young adult work camps (every March)
Special delegation visits
Traveling Youth Art Exhibit
Technical assistance projects
For more information on our International Partnerships, please contact David Kelley-Hedrick at
dkhedrick@seattleymca.org or (206) 382-5343
4. Vision, Guiding Principles,
and Goals
Vision
Recognizing our global responsibility, the YMCA of Greater Seattle will be active in the international community, primarily with partner YMCAs, to promote long-term, sustainable development. Our goal is for the mutual growth, learning, and benefit of all involved in these projects, and that this work will be carried out in ways which enhance our mission to the Greater Seattle community.
Guiding Principles
Our vision will be achieved through programs which:
- maximize the participation of YMCA members/participants, volunteers, staff and the community-at-large;
- are based on collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect;
- are non-discriminatory;
- contribute to self-reliance and sustainable long-term development;
- promote opportunities for reciprocal learning;
- develop the leadership capacities of young people; and
- foster cross-cultural relationships and community development while remaining non-partisan.
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Program Goals
To improve and build-upon existing partnerships with overseas YMCAs and other partners.
To strengthen the capacities of overseas YMCAs and other partners to achieve their mission and address human and social development needs in their communities.
To increase cultural competency skills and international awareness, understanding and engagement of all people involved in our international projects.
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5. Community Engagement
YMCA Community Engagement efforts are to promote positive change in the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of members/participants, volunteers, and staff, which will lead towards active engagement for international development. Specifically, such programs and activities will build awareness of how the YMCA works with people in other countries, promote cross-cultural education and celebration, increase understanding of global issues, and foster empathy for, and a sense of community with, people of other cultures at home and abroad.
6. YMCA World Service and Emergency/Crisis Response
The YMCA of Greater Seattle contributes annually to the YMCA World Service campaign, an arm of the YMCA of the USA devoted to raising funds to support a range of international development projects.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle Association has also and will continue to respond to specific crisis and emergency situations around the world. In 1995 the YMCA of Seattle made a significant contribution to help the YMCA of Kobe following that city's devastating earthquake. For more info check out: www.ymcaworldservice.org or 800-872-9622
The YMCA fo the USA also organized an unprecedented response to the Tsunami Relief effort in Southeast Asia.
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7. International Resources and Links
World Alliance of YMCAs
The world federation of YMCAs established in 1851 with headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Alliance is composed of national movements as full members with voting rights and encompasses as well associate members and emerging members. The YMCA of the USA has been a member of the World Alliance since 1855. www.ymca.int
Area Organizations
A regional YMCA structure encompassing national movements located within the region as members. There are four official Area Organizations: the Latin America and Caribbean Confederation, the Africa Alliance, the Asia Alliance and the European Alliance. A Middle East Committee exists for the small number of YMCAs located in that region. See www.ymca.int for links to area organizations.
National Movements
A national structure encompassing the local Associations located within the country. This concept varies from region to region, reflective of the history, culture, and tradition within a country. Links to national movements are found at: www.ymca.int
YMCA of USA International Group
The YMCA of the USA International Group provides overall support and coordination for international initiatives and programs. This group maintains our formal relationship with the World Alliance and formal partnerships between YMCA's in the USA and those abroad require this group's approval. For more information see: www.ymca.net/international/ or call 800-872-9622
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