Social Responsibility - Global Initiatives

A MOVEMENT FOR GLOBAL GOOD

The YMCA is one of the oldest and largest movements in world in service to strengthening community. Founded in 1844, the Y now operates in 125 countries and has over 46 million members worldwide. Because of this global reach, we are able to respond to trends in migration, health, economic livelihood and education that are reshaping our local communities.

BEYOND BORDERS

The YMCA is a global movement dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion for all. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s role in this movement goes beyond borders through international partnerships. By supporting YMCA World Service and our partner Y, YMCA Senegal, we’re able to help YMCAs around the world deliver vital community development programming in the areas of vocational training, education and literacy, health education and youth leadership development. International partnerships enable our YMCA to think globally, act locally and serve beyond borders for all.

PARTNERING FOR GLOBAL GOOD

In 2005, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte established a partnership with YMCA Senegal in Dakar, Senegal in West Africa. For over 10 years, our YMCAs have partnered through sharing resources and cultural exchanges between the U.S. and West Africa to support sustainable development. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte financially supports the Senegal Y’s literacy and education efforts by funding the construction of additional classrooms at the Senegal Y Primary School. First established in 1999, the primary school serves over 240 children in Dakar and provides families with quality education at affordable tuition rates. YMCA Senegal is recognized as a key organization contributing to the advancement of the education system in Senegal.

LEARNING THROUGH GLOBAL SERVICE

The Y values the diverse array of talent and experience that each individual brings to our movement. By developing one’s global competencies and perspectives, we enhance the Y’s ability to positively impact our changing and increasingly diverse communities.

SERVICE LEARNING

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s Global Service Learning program is a leadership development opportunity for Y staff and team program participants, aimed at developing culturally competent and globally aware leaders in the YMCA. The Global Service Learning program empowers Y leaders as champions of diversity, inclusion and global engagement to strengthen and expand the YMCA mission locally and globally.

Global Initiatives

For Social Responsibility

New American Welcome Center

For more than 170 years, the Y has helped immigrants integrate into their new neighborhoods and prepared receiving communities to be welcoming and inclusive. Today, with more than 42 million foreign-born individuals living in the U.S., the Y is committed to offering immigrants the integration services and opportunities needed to be self-reliant, connected, and contributing members of their new communities.

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is proud to be a New American Welcome Center and works to foster an environment that encourages immigrant integration and community cohesion.

Learn More