Representatives of YMCAs Ukraine and Russia, YMCA Europe, YMCA USA and the members of the Field Group of YMCA Ukraine participated in this meeting, which took place in Kiev 17-18 September 2015.
The participants have analyzed their successes, challenges and priorities in such spheres as "governance", "human resources development", "financial sustainability", "property development". Taking into consideration these key issues of movement strengthening, the delegates discussed the framework for their future Strategic plans, making a stress on issues of sustainability.
The theme of governance was discussed as a separate item. Democratization of power; building strong, effective structures with clear procedures, participative approach, stronger involvement of youth, standards of being a local YMCA were highlighted as priorities for the development in the nearest future. Each National organization outlined concrete topics in this sphere.
With the aims of governance strengthening in YMCAs of Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine a training on governance will be organized in November 2015. The leaders of the National and local organizations will discuss main governance values for non-governmental organizations, how these values are implemented in YMCAs; they will identify the roles of governing bodies, think about difference between governance and management. One of the main topics for discussion will be identifying points for cooperation and common planning. The opinion of YMCA leaders is that YMCA should be an example for young people to live in peace, build contacts, and avoid prejudice.
