Strategic Alignment and Movement Strengthening (SAMS) Team Charts the Way Forward for Vision 2030
The Strategic Alignment and Movement Strengthening (SAMS) Group plays a crucial role in implementing Vision 2030 as part of the Global Support Function Group. This mechanism is designed to enhance alignment, collaboration, and organisational development across the global YMCA Movement.
Global Representation in SAMS
The current members of the SAMS Group represent diverse regions and bring extensive expertise in movement strengthening:
- Gerhard Wiebe – YMCA Germany
- Kristin Bjora – Y Global (YMCA-YWCA Norway)
- Kathi Lomas McGee – YMCA Canada
- Maria Cristina Miranda – YMCA Asia & Pacific (APAY)
- Milla Mäkinen – YMCA Finland
- Niclas Sannerheim – YMCA-YWCA Sweden
- Olga Lukina – YMCA Europe
- Oriana Ortiz – YMCA Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)
- Osborne Wanyama – YMCA Africa (AAY)
- Renata Ferrari – YMCA of the USA
- Răzvan Sassu – World YMCA
Key Outcomes from the 2025 Global Meeting in Kassel
From 13–15 January 2025, the SAMS Global Team held its annual face-to-face meeting in Kassel, Germany. The previous one was held in September 2024 – learn more about it, here.
The gathering was instrumental in assessing progress, identifying challenges, and setting strategic priorities for the next phase of movement strengthening efforts.
1. Mapping Priorities & Challenges
Participants shared updates on their movement strengthening priorities and the most pressing challenges in their respective regions. This exercise enabled a comprehensive mapping of needs and helped in aligning priorities for more coordinated action.
2. SAMS Action Plan 2025–2026
The team finalised the SAMS Action Plan for 2025–2026, outlining key deliverables for the first two years of the seven-year SAMS Strategy. Among the priorities are:
- Finalising and piloting the Health Assessment Tool,
- Developing a clear organisational development process,
- Enhancing coordination among movement strengthening stakeholders, and
- Ensuring more structured support for National Movements.
3. Advancing the YMCA Movement Strengthening Process
A first draft of a global Movement Strengthening Process was produced, focusing on an ecosystem-based approach tailored to the organisational changes needed for greater impact.
4. Refining the Health Assessment Tool
The team concluded the Joint Health Assessment discussion, validating the work of previous groups that revised its content. A simple scoring system was agreed upon for the first phase, with plans for a more advanced system in the future based on feedback and evolving needs.
5. Strengthening Transparency in Funding & Support Services
The team agreed on the importance of regular updates regarding:
- Funding streams,
- Movement strengthening support services, and
- Which YMCAs are supporting others globally.
A first comprehensive update was initiated during the meeting, with each YMCA sharing its key plans for 2025 and updating a global tracking file of inter-YMCA support initiatives.
Gratitude to YMCA Germany
The group expressed deep appreciation to YMCA Germany for its generous hospitality in Kassel. The meeting venue, including the YMCA Germany Guesthouse, was praised for its accessibility, infrastructure, and high-quality accommodation and food.
With a clear roadmap ahead, SAMS remains committed to strengthening the global YMCA Movement and ensuring alignment with Vision 2030 for greater impact.
