YMCA Armenian National Movement Leadership Meeting
On January 24-25, 2012 YMCA Armenian National Movement held a leadership meeting in Spitak YMCA “Home for Future” Community Center with YMCA Armenian National Union staff, local YMCAs’ Executive Directors, Camping Programs’ directors and Programs’ Development Secretaries. Tyler Wright from Foothills YMCA, USA, a YMCA ANU partner was invited to the meeting too. Vince Corsaro (USA) was the facilitator of the meeting.
On the whole, the atmosphere of the meeting was warm and open. The following questions were under discussion: local YMCAs’ current situation and the priority steps in the direction of their development to be taken within a 3-year term, YMCA ANU development strategic planning process, YMCA ANU plans for 2012 and their correspondence to the local Ys’ and the movement needs in general that were formulated during the retreat in August 2011. Besides, what information and the format in which local Ys should provide the required information to be included in ANU anual reporting was discussed as well.
The participants of the meeting shared thoughts on YMCA ANU Partner Group and Board roles and responsibilties, YMCA ANU Board members desired profile, Board members’ nomination order and terms. In the result, a conclusion was made that it is better to have a Board with 9 -11 members to provide the desired diversity of the Board members and Board work effectiveness and continuity. The nomination process start was announced and it will be open till May 15, 2012. Before the elections to take place during the General Assembly 2012 the nominants for the future Board will have more time to get to know and have a better and clear understanding of Armenian YMCA movement and local YMCAs activities. The candidates can be nominated by the ANU and local Ys’ Executive Directors and present Board members. The General Assembly will be held June 29-July 1 parrallell to the Partner Group Meeting in Vanadzor YMCA Aramyan Campsite. YMCA ANU development strategic plan final version and National Union membership fee assignment offer will be submitted to the General Assembly approval too.
As far as 2012 it is the 20-th anniversary of YMCA movement start in Armenia, the local YMCAs are to form working groups and collect necessary materials to mark the occasion properly.