YMCA Movement Strengthening Matrix
MOVEMENT STRENGTHENING MATRIX
Movement Strengthening* is the key strategic direction of the world YMCA movement. Movement
Strengthening is a long-term, results-oriented process to build healthy YMCA movements. The
Movement Strengthening Matrix seeks to build a common understanding of movement strengthening in a
concise framework grounded in three integral pillars: Mission Clarity, Socially Relevant Programs and
Institutional Viability. The Matrix is designed to increase international information-sharing and cooperation
by improving access to successful movement strengthening strategies, tools, and case studies from YMCAs
around the world in one centralized location. The Matrix is also designed to be updated on a regular basis in
order to foster broad based participation and ownership. Please note there is some overlap among the subcategories. All YMCAs are invited to share and submit resources.
Mission Clarity
Socially Relevant Programs
Institutional Viability
The starting point for strong YMCAs
begins with a clear mission and vision
rooted in the YMCA's spiritual identity,
guiding principles and core
values. Dynamic YMCAs address
contemporary youth, family and
community needs through contextually
appropriate strategic plans, governance
and leadership structures. Mission
Clarity strengthens the YMCA's mission
focus and vision, public image and
effectiveness in engaging and
empowering youth, families,
communities and civil society.
Relevant programs provide tangible
socially appropriate responses to critical
i ssue s loc al yo ut h, f ami li es, and
communities are facing in their local
c o n t e xt . C l e a r l y f o c u s s e d Y MC A
programs strengthen the identity of the
YMCA and recruit and develop
volunteer and staff leadership
capacity. Relevant programs also build
YMCA membership and strengthen
linkages with other organizations.
Healthy YMCAs continually develop
the human, financial and infrastructural
assets of the organization through
ongoing leadership development and
resource mobilization. YMCAs invest in
the human resources, infrastructure and
income generating potential of the
YMCA movement to increase long-term
self-reliance and the social impact of the
Y
M
C
A
.
Dimensions to focus on
MISSION
CLARITY
Mission/Vision/Values
SOCIALLY RELEVANT
PROGRAMS
Context Analysis
Strategic Planning
Participatory Assessment and
Design
Program Management
Reporting
Governance Structure
Youth Leadership, gender equity
Board Development
Diversity
Advocacy
Constitution
Sustainability
Monitoring and Evaluation
Scaling-up or Phasing-out
Internal – External Collaboration
Image in the Community
Program Examples
*
INSTITUTIONAL VIABILITY
Organizational Assessment
Leadership Development
Business Planning and Financial
Management
Human Resource Management
Membership
Marketing and Communications
Internal – External Relations
National – Local Collaboration
Facility Development and
Management
Information Systems
Income Generation
Grant Procurement and
Management
Movement Strengthening is the key strategic direction of the Global Operating Plan (GOP) launched in 2002 at the 15 th
World Council of YMCAs in Mexico. The Global Operating Plan is the world YMCA movement consensus plan of action.
Movement Strengthening was reaffirmed at the 16 th World Council of YMCAs (2006, Durban) as the key strategic
direction of the world YMCA movement operating plan for the next four years.
Verion: 9 Sept 2006
D:\106748416.doc