In our second year of the implementation of our Strategic Plan 2011 – 2016, we have increased our capacity to serve our Member and Cooperating YMCAs seeking for new formulas to strengthen our European movement and its working platforms. With your support, YMCA Europe has launched several significant initiatives in order to reach that goal.
A new approach to Movement Strengthening, the focus on one of our signature programmes – Peace, Justice and Democracy – the "Where West Meets East" initiative, the development of new task groups such as the Youth Policy Group or the National General Secretaries Forum, the increased relationship with the main European institutions and the election of a new Executive Committee according to our Constitutional requirements, were some of the highlights of this past year. Work in progress!
Under the umbrella of youth empowerment, aligned with the Word Alliance of YMCAs strategy and in co-operation with YMCAs across Europe, we offered spaces for self-development, growth and participation of young people. You will read examples of those initiatives in the following pages and also about concrete figures and testimonials under our three strategic priorities:
- Mission Awareness, Advocacy & Representation
- Relevant Programmes
- Sustainability
The 2013 YMCA Festival in Prague will gather thousands of young people from Europe and the rest of the world. As we prepare for an inspiring event that celebrates diversity and a new generation of YMCA leaders, we also contribute to the European Years of Citizenship in a visible and effective way.
We hope that you enjoy reading our report. Everything that we have achieved was possible thanks to the support and commitment of our YMCA network, our partner organizations and friends.
Thank you for walking side by side with us!
