Adapting to Our Changing Communities With A Global Lens

We can all learn a lot from the oldest and largest youth empowerment movement in the world. One hundred and seventy-five years ago, George Williams started a small prayer group for struggling young men at risk during London’s industrial revolution. This first effort of a young leader responding to the needs of his community would eventually ignite a movement. The world has shifted immensely since 1844. And today in 2019, the Y has transformed into a dynamic global movement serving incredibly diverse communities in 120 countries. 

The Y teaches us that we can both be true and consistent to our cause, while also having the voice and agility to adapt to our rapidly-changing world. Since its inception, the Y has been a powerful place for young people. Aspects of our original identity have evolved with society over time, as our organization responds to the changing demographics, cultures, and individual needs of our communities. For example, for many Ys, the Christian identity is a prominent aspect, while some align more secularly. Some run fitness centers, while others operate out in the community without a physical facility. But freedom of interpretation is the beauty of the Y’s federated structure. While our services have grown diverse, the common thread across all Ys is our commitment to young people and truly serving all.    

The Y is teaching us to not just be leaders, but also global citizens. The unique global interconnectedness of our movement positions young Y leaders with greater opportunities in our increasingly globalized world. In order to continue to stay relevant and best serve our local changing communities, it is critical we grow our cultural competencies and global lens so that we have the skills to adapt and strive for full inclusion. Lucky for us, our movement has a presence in nearly every corner of the world.

This week I’ve been fortunate enough to live and breathe global Y engagement. YMCA175, and especially the Change Agents program, is its own hyper-global ecosystem of cross-cultural learning and collaboration. I’ve met countless young people this week, everyone with a completely different story, but everyone eager to learn. It’s surreal to know that my newest Y network comprises young people from more than 40 countries, and that is not something I take lightly.

It’s important to recognize the founding of the YMCA, while also knowing that we will continue to adapt to best fit the needs of our changing communities around the globe. Evolution and innovation will be crucial to ensure that we continue to be an equitable organization available to all. Our legacy is proof of the invaluable investment and commitment to young people, trusting their voice and ability to lead change.