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YMCAs build strong kids, families, and communities in ways that are driven by local needs and by
means that are consistent with our Christian heritage and our enduring mission of building spirit,
mind, and body for all.
Our YMCA legacy in the 21st Century is to build relationships, which change lives. Our guiding
principles are the beliefs and actions which enable us to fulfill our mission. They apply to our
work internally and externally and provide guidance for every staff, volunteer and individual
involved in our YMCA.
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We will teach and model the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. These core values will be our standard for organization and personal behavior, and a defining difference of our mission.
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As a membership organization, we will focus on all participants as members, creating relationships, belonging and involvement in the YMCA. Members improve the total health of their own lives and the lives of others. We will help all members feel welcomed, included, respected, responsible and challenged.
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We will strengthen kids, providing them the support and experiences they need to become healthy, caring and competent adults. We will demonstrate our hope in all youth by offering asset-building programs and opportunities.
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We will strengthen families. We will offer programs and services specifically designed to strengthen, engage and support families. We will develop healthy role models for families.
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We will strengthen communities. Within the YMCA, we will create connections and common purpose among members. In society at large, we will lead and collaborate in community development process, with a focus on our core values as a beacon, particularly in communities of need.
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We will offer a wide range of programs and activities that connect people and build positive skills, assets, and spirit, mind, and body. We will ensure we are effective by measuring program outcomes quantitatively and qualitatively.
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We will commit to the financial accessibility of the YMCA. We will make fees affordable and offer financial aid to those in need.
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We will embrace ethnic and economic diversity at all levels of the YMCA. We will promote respect, acceptance, harmony and understanding through our local, national and international work.
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We will teach, promote and practice philanthropy, connecting to our mission. All levels and all ages will be taught the value of philanthropy at the YMCA, as personal development and part of our programs.
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We will continuously develop the volunteer/staff partnership as essential to our work and our accessibility. Volunteers will be critical in policy making, programs and fundraising, and we will use volunteerism as a leadership development tool.
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