Global Partnerships strengthen and expand Y-to-Y partnerships that advance cross-cultural and organizational learning of YMCAs.
Through formal partnerships, we support projects monetarily and provide human resources to help support their infrastructure and programming efforts.
Our Ys have formal partnerships with Ys in Ghana, Liberia and South Africa.
Ys around the U.S. have had relationships with African Ys since the late 1970’s. When various parts of the continent were in crisis, the Y of the USA put out a call for large, urban Ys to help.
These efforts are part of our World Alliance’s Global Operating Plan (GOP). The GOP is a formal plan that includes Ys around the world to help ensure the sustainability of Ys in Africa.
We have been a partner with Ghana since 2002, South Africa since 2006 and Liberia 2009.
Our Ys also have a partnership with the Sioux Y in Dupree, SD. The Sioux Y sits on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and involves a formal cultural exchange so it is considered part of our international partner work.
Learn more about the Sioux Y Partnership & Initiative
Our Ys have peer-to-peer relationships with Ys in Japan, Germany, Canada and Mexico. Peer-to-peer relationships involve idea and cultural exchanges, but no money changes hands.
In some cases we have formal global partners in common. The German and Canadian Ys both have relationships with the Ghana Ys so we work in tandem to make sure the Ghana partnership is successful and that each of us is focusing on the area in which we excel.
Y Camps have a proud tradition of welcoming international staff and campers from around the world.
Each summer, individuals come from countries such as France, Switzerland, Colombia, England, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, India, Singapore, and China. These participants and staff have an opportunity to share their culture and provide a diverse perspective that enhances the camp experience for all.
