World Service–Funded Programs

Strengthening YMCA Movements

Strengthening the YMCA at the local, national and regional levels is a strategic priority for the global YMCA movement.

Adopted by the World Council of YMCAs, the approach to movement strengthening focuses on three elements:

• Mission Clarity
• Social Relevance
• Institutional Viability

Through YMCA World Service, the U.S. YMCA movement provides technical and financial resources to help YMCAs around the world develop a foundation of effective leadership, implement sound financial practices and uphold their mission. Strong, self-reliant YMCAs are better equipped to deliver the sustainable, innovative and responsive programs that are critical to the healthy development of kids, families and communities.

YMCA movement strengthening includes countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe.

Case Study

Children learning life skills at YMCA camp in Uruguay.

The YMCA of Uruguay

The YMCA of Uruguay has been a leading YMCA in Latin America and the world for over 95 years since its founding in 1909.

Uruguay recently faced one of the most serious economic and financial crises of its history, resulting in the collapse of banks and other financial institutions. In the midst of this challenging environment, the YMCA of Montevideo lost many members, properties and staff as it tried to reduce its own debt. In November 2004, the YMCA of Montevideo began a four-year process to restructure and strengthen the YMCA movement in Uruguay. To read more, click here.