(The following article was written by Reid Thebault; President/CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. The YMCA as an international movement is sometimes forgotten. We are happy to share this article with you with permission from Mr. Thebault.)
The World Urban Network
Operating a radio station in Monrovia, Liberia because it was the only recognized NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) credible as an honest broker among all warring factions during a period of civil strife; constructing and managing a fresh water line to provide drinking water to refugee camps in south Lebanon; providing low cost electricity to the far reaches and remote villages of western Australia; What do these unusual programs and activities have in common? They are each critically important programs offered by the YMCAs in those countries.
For many of the one-hundred-and-sixty plus YMCA national movements around the world providing fresh water; HIV Aids education; constructing a sanitation system; and, providing truth-in-broadcasting over the airwaves is as natural a program as a swim lesson or day camp program might be in Southgate or Royal Oak.
While the programs and services of these YMCAs maybe very different from YMCAs in North America they all share the same foundational goals – helping people develop their God-given potential.
Last week I attended the World Urban Network Conference in New York. The World Urban Network is made up of the chief executives of the hundred or so largest YMCAs in the world, and meets once every two years in a member city. The purpose of the Network is to strengthen executive leadership, deal with the consequences of increasing urbanization and further the YMCA mission throughout the world.
Much of this work is done through a series of Internet-based communications and in-person meetings.
While many aspects of the work of YMCAs in other countries are very different from the work of the YMCAs in North America I am always struck by the familiarity of the work from country to country.
The YMCA in Tokyo has aging buildings and needs to launch a capital campaign in order to re-invest and renew these facilities. The YMCA in Cairo plans to transition from a housing-based program to placing major emphasis on vocational education. YMCAs in Australia are growing rapidly and are challenged to find enough staff to work in the new Ys. The YMCA in Belfast is active in non-violent conflict resolution and community building with mutual respect for religious diversity. The YMCA in South Africa is undergoing major renewal as part of a national effort to bring diverse people together in major urban centers to address common problems.
Sports, camping, the arts, leadership skills’ education, aquatics are also part of the worldwide YMCA program mix.
What we each have in common is our collective effort to respond to community needs in relevant ways that make a positive difference.
While there are many challenges in this world – political, economic, environmental, religious, our very survival - it is a great positive feeling to know there are men and women worldwide working in YMCAs to make their city, their country and our world a better place.
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