From 11 to 15 January 2025, members of the SAMS (Strategic Alignment and Membership Strengthening) global partnership gathered in Stockholm, Sweden, for a three-day working meeting focused on advancing the next phase of SAMS implementation and strengthening coordination across the global YMCA movement.
Participants included representatives from YMCA Europe, AAY, APAY, YMCA LAC, YMCA Canada, YMCA of the USA, and World YMCA, as well as national movements from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Y Horizon from Switzerland, Y Global from Norway.
This diversity ensured rich cross-regional perspectives and reinforced the collective commitment to strengthening organisational health, accountability, and governance within the global movement.
Day 1: Strategic Orientation and Regional Updates
The meeting officially opened on Monday, 12 January, welcoming participants, introducing new members, and aligning expectations for the meeting.
This was followed by SAMS Sessions 2 and 3, during which regional representatives shared updates and strategic plans for 2026, allowing members to better understand priorities, challenges, and opportunities across different YMCA contexts. The Global Staff Team joined this discussion online.
A dedicated session was held with YWCA–YMCA Sweden and Central YMCA, providing participants with insight into the Swedish context, joint organisational models, and experiences of YMCA collaboration. The day concluded with informal networking over a shared dinner, strengthening relationships among participants.
Day 2: Tools, Processes, and World Council Preparation
On Tuesday, 13 January, the focus shifted to the core SAMS tools and processes. SAMS Session 4 and 5 explored the Health Assessment and Organisational Development Plan (ODP), with discussions centred on lessons learned from the piloting phase and a specific action plan for full deployment.
A working lunch was dedicated to preparations for the World YMCA Council, ensuring alignment on messaging, priorities, and SAMS visibility.
The afternoon programme included a cultural visit to the Vasa Museum and Stockholm Old Town, offering informal space for connection and reflection, and reinforcing the importance of relationship-building within global partnerships.
Day 3: Fundraising, Coordination, and the Road Ahead
The final day, Wednesday, 14 January, focused on sustainability, coordination, and future planning. SAMS Session 6 addressed partnership coordination mechanisms, exploring how collaboration between member YMCAs can be further strengthened to support consistent and effective SAMS implementation. The key principles and Memorandum of Understanding for Partner Groups have been created.
Fundraising was a central theme of the day, with SAMS Session 7 dedicated to understanding needs, starting developing a comprehensive case for fundraising and discussing how the value and impact of SAMS can be clearly articulated to potential donors and partners.
The meeting concluded with an updated SAMS Action Plan for 2026 and beyond, aligning on next steps and priorities. A visit to the YWCA–YMCA Sweden office, followed by a farewell dinner, provided a fitting close to the meeting and reinforced the spirit of partnership and shared ownership.
Looking Ahead
The Stockholm meeting marked an important milestone in the evolution of SAMS. By validating learning from the pilot phase, refining tools and processes, strengthening coordination mechanisms, and advancing fundraising preparations, SAMS members laid a strong foundation for full global deployment.
The meeting also reinforced SAMS as a collaborative and globally informed framework—designed to support YMCAs in building healthy, accountable, and mission-driven organisations.
As the movement looks toward the upcoming World YMCA Council and the next phase of implementation, the outcomes of this meeting have positioned SAMS as a key strategic initiative for long-term movement strengthening.
