Movement Strengthening is at the core of YMCA Europe’s commitment to building a vibrant, resilient, and future-ready YMCA movement across the continent.
It is a long-term, intentional approach to strengthening National Movements so they can grow sustainably, deepen their community impact, and confidently advance the collective YMCA Mission.
Rooted in the belief that strong organisations create lasting change, Movement Strengthening focuses on developing healthy governance, effective leadership, and robust organisational systems.
By investing in people, structures, and shared learning, YMCA Europe supports National Movements in becoming relevant, inclusive, transparent, and financially sustainable actors within civil society – capable of responding to the evolving needs of young people and communities.
From Strategy to Action: The Five Strategic Priorities
The Movement Strengthening Strategy is built around five interconnected strategic priorities designed to ensure YMCAs are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow:
- Effective Governance: Establishing clear pathways to minimum governance standards.
- Shared Ownership: Aligning approaches to strengthening processes.
- Education & Talent: Creating a comprehensive ecosystem for leadership development.
- Communication & Branding: Enhancing the profile and visibility of our work.
- Sustainable Resources: Securing long-term support for movement growth.
Introducing the Movement Strengthening Toolkit
To transform these strategic goals into reality, YMCA Europe has developed a comprehensive Movement Strengthening Toolkit.
This essential resource serves as the practical roadmap for National Movements, providing the specific frameworks and methodologies needed to navigate the journey of organisational development.
The Toolkit is designed to be a living resource, offering a structured approach to the Movement Strengthening Process. It guides National Movements through:
- Organisational Health Assessments: Fostering a culture of self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for growth.
- Tailored Development Plans: Creating actionable strategies with clear objectives, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Continuous Improvement: Offering a step-by-step guide to maintaining momentum and measuring impact over time.
Click HERE to download the YMCA Europe Movement Strengthening Toolkit
Tools and Services for Growth
The Toolkit is complemented by a wide range of hands-on services and flagship initiatives that bring the strategy to life:
Strategic Support: Planning assistance, coaching, and individual consultations.
Leadership Development: The Leadership Academy and Strategic Leadership Course, which invest in the next generation of YMCA leaders.
Resource Library: Access to a growing Movement Strengthening Library of best practices and organisational culture workshops.
Through Movement Strengthening and the application of this new Toolkit, YMCA Europe invites National Movements into a shared journey of collaboration and mutual support. Together, we are building stronger organisations, a more connected European YMCA, and greater positive impact for young people – locally, nationally, and across Europe.
