Advances in technology, rapid transportation, multinational economies, and shifting demographic trends are some of the many factors that US YMCAs must respond to in order to remain ahead of globalization. As part of a worldwide movement, found in 124 countries, YMCAs are uniquely position to meet the needs of a changing society. Today, more than ever, YMCAs are embracing a global approach to working with local communities.

• The YMCA of Greater Long Beach uses film and video production to engage children of immigrant families.  The youth make films that celebrate their family’s cultural roots and national origin, while exploring the challenges and successes of immigrating to the United States.
• The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit uses the arts to bridge communities.  It recently shared the rich heritage of the Arab and Arab-American community by producing “Nine Parts of Desire”, a play about Muslim women.  This production was coupled with a display of art by women from Detroit’s Arab community.
• The YMCA of Greater Seattle continues to build the intercultural skills and knowledge of young people through global immersion experiences.  One young woman recently returned to Seattle after spending nearly 6 months working as a volunteer at the Guatemala YMCA so that she may more effectively serve the emerging Central American community in Seattle.
• The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is using bilingual staff to provide much needed health assessments to the emerging Hispanic community.  The YMCA’s community nurse travels throughout the Charlotte area, paying house visits to needy families.
• Wisconsin has one of the largest Hmong (a community of people from Laos) populations in the United States.  The YMCA of the Fox Cities, in Appleton, WI, has developed partnerships with the Hmong media outlets and other Hmong businesses, to more effectively reach out to and serve these community members.

These YMCAs, and many more, are working hard to build a diverse and global community through innovative and effective programming, and by recognizing their role as part of a global movement and society.

To learn more about YMCA work around the world, visit www.ymca.net/worldservice.

More than 500
YMCAs provide
tutoring programs

There are 18 Armed
Services YMCAs
dedicated to serving
our military personnel
and their families

Most YMCAs offer 12-week beginning wellness classes
along with other
"getting started" options