Hintersee, Germany: A space for good governance, strategy implementation, facts and inspiration
160 delegates from 29 European National YMCAs, together with representatives from YMCAs USA, Canada, the African, Asia Pacific and Latin American Alliance, Mexico, Easter Jerusalem YMCA, gathered in Hintersee, Germeny at our General Assembly (May 10-13th 2018). Included in the group, were 35 young people participants at our YES Seminar held also in Hintersee during the whole week.
Hosted by YMCA Germany at their wonderful venue in Hintersee, this GA will be remembered for an intense and diversified agenda. The goals set by the Executive Committee and those involved in the planning were fully achieved during the weekend.
Here is the summary of contents and main outcomes:
- Welcome and inspirational messages from YMCA Europe´s President, YMCA Germany Secretary General and key stakeholders from partner Movements.
- The 2017 reports were approved, including the Secretary General and the Treasurer reports
- 5 opening and closing devotions were shared, inspiring the participants
- 5 new assessors were elected for our Executive Committee (2018-2020)
- A new YES Board was elected among the participants at the YES Seminar
- Recognition to the assessors that finished their term (2016-2018)
- Updated information about YMCA175 (our event in London in August 2019) was shared
- The “YMCA birthday fundraising campaign” was launched and a high number of YMCAs and individuals made pledges
- 7 worlskops based on signature programmes and interest groups were developed
- 9 programme groups and spaces for discussion involved the participants on YMCA Europe relevant programmatic issues
- YMCA in Kosovo formally became a member of our platform
- An NGS meeting to develop the agenda for the 2018 NGS Forum took place
- 11 candidates for different positions at World YMCA Executive Committee presented their aspirations and shared about their profile
- Inputs from the World YMCA appointed SG, Carlos Sanvee
- “Facts and Stats” about the reality of the YMCA movement in Europe were presented based on the survey among our member YMCAs in 2017-2018
- Excursions planned and led by YMCA Germany helped the participants knowing about the beauty and highlights of the region, including a typical evening in Hintersee
- The 2019 GA was announced and will be hosted by YMCA France in Sanary in the South of France.
- Multiple side meetings, spaces for sharing and agreements among partners took place involving most participants during the weekend
The 5 new assessors, elected for our Executive Committee (2018-2020)
YES Board
A very special recognition to Eva Tschornova, our Office Manager for 16 years of deep commitment and work at YMCA Europe with a great personal and professional impact across the movement.
On behalf of YMCA Europe´s governance ad management teams, Mike Will, President and Juan Simoes Iglesias, Secretary General thanked all participants from Europe and all world regions for their active participation and continuous support. A very special and big thank you was shared with YMCA Germany – represented by Secretary General Hanjörg Kopp for an outstanding hospitality and inspiration.
YMCA Europe Staff Team
Immediately after the GA, a meeting of the 6 Area Secretaries (Community of Practice) took place, followed by the YMCA Europe´s Staff Meeting with a focus on the outcomes of the GA and the implementation of the decisions.
YMCA Area Secretaries
Thank you, YMCA Germany for providing this experience to all of us! Thank you to all participants and to National Movements for sending delegations to the General Assembly!
