World Service Change Agents

World Service

Local Action for Global Impact

Since 1889, the YMCA World Service Campaign has raised vital resources for YMCAs across the globe to reach young people with programs and services that enable them to learn, grow, and transform the future of their communities.

This critical and flexible support advances a shared global YMCA strategy that helps communities build a better world where every person can reach their full potential. 

Watch more Y stories

  • Learn More and Give

    Learn how you can help young leaders ignite change through the YMCA World Service Campaign.

Take Action

  • YMCA South AfricaFill out the World Service Request Form to:
    • SUBSCRIBE to World Service newsletters
    • GET INVOLVED with World Service
    • INVITE the World Service team to present
    • SHARE World Service story/testimonial
    • JOIN the Global Legacy Society (planned giving)
    • Other requests
  • Help provide urgent support to YMCAs in the Middle East and  YMCA Ukraine
World Service on Facebook          World Service on YouTube
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Vision 2030 Areas of Impact

The YMCA World Service Campaign advances YMCA Vision 2030, a shared global strategy to build a better world through four key areas: community well-being, meaningful work, sustainable planet, and social services. 

Watch the videos below to see how your support of World Service empowers young people to make an impact in each of the four areas:

  • Kids working together at table.

    Community Well-Being

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    Local YMCAs in Ukraine are actively providing humanitarian support, social services and education to internally displaced children, families and communities. They are partnering with a network of Ys in 18 European countries for refugee rehabilitation. Together, YMCA Europe and YMCA Ukraine have served over 400,000 people since 2022.

  • Kids celebrating after working together.

    Meaningful Work

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    The Madagascar YMCA is responding to the challenge of poverty through a vocational training program that focuses on business management, leadership, and communication. As a result, more than 3,100 youth have gained professional skills and over 1,300 youth-led small businesses were created.

  • Teens planting trees.

    Sustainable Planet

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    Caring for our planet is a shared responsibility of all Ys. The Philippines YMCA is growing its environmental work through youth-led initiatives that reduce waste consumption and train positive behavioral change. In addition, they share their expertise with global partners.

  • Teens and adult working at table.

    Social Services

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    YMCA Mexico, with support from U.S. and Canadian YMCAs, operates a network of YMCA Homes for Migrant Youth to provide safe shelter, meals, counseling and family reunification services to youth and families.

World Service Annual Reports

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Our Commitment to You

Girl holding homework.YMCA World Service funds are overseen by the YMCA of the USA’s Global Relations and Community Engagement (GRACE) department and put to use locally by YMCA staff and volunteers who are trusted leaders with a deep understanding of community need and the relationships to produce impactful, sustainable change.  

All World Service contributions are administered by the YMCA of the USA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered by the state of Illinois. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and are acknowledged in writing. For more information about YMCA World Service, including planned giving opportunities, please email [email protected].

"That they all may be one…”

(John 17:21, Founding verse of the YMCA)
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