Young people from YMCAs in Bolton, Newport, Swansea, Derby, Southampton and Romford met with senior staff from YMCA England on Wednesday 13 January as part of an exciting, new scheme to create leaders and ambassadors within the national youth charity.
A total of six young people travelled to London to meet Denise Hatton, CEO of YMCA England; Peter Jeffery, Chair of YMCA’s National Board; and Jason Stacey, Director of Policy, Communication and International, in their role as YMCA Change Agents.
Change Agents are young people in YMCAs aged 18 to 30-years-old who are being trained to represent and enhance the organisation across the world.
The programme forms part of YMCA’s global commitment to youth empowerment, giving people the chance to make a difference in their own communities.
Young people involved are being given specialist training provided by YMCA and will also have the opportunity to engage with their peers from the various cultures that make up the world. It is hoped this will enhance their awareness of the diversity of our planet while becoming young leaders and YMCA ambassadors.
Events will be focused around a ‘Global Gathering’ and European meeting to share experiences, build relationships and undertake training together. Participants will also engage in online learning during the two year programme.
Denise Hatton said: “The focus of the global YMCA is youth empowerment and we in England and Wales are fully committed to this goal.
“Through our engagement in the Global Change Agent programme, YMCA is providing the best training we can to our current and future young leaders.
“In our meeting we were able to listen to Change Agent’s expectations and shared with them our strategy for empowering young people. We also discussed how we can combine our energy and experience to achieve the goal of having young people engaged in local communities, where they can belong contribute and thrive and become integral members of our society.”
YMCA is the largest youth charity in the world. You can read about what YMCA wishes to achieve this year on the World Alliance of YMCA’s website.