Home › About Us › Vision, Mission & Values
Our vision is a world where young people, their families and communities flourish in body, mind and spirit.
Our Mission
As a faith based, all island organisation, our mission is:
To create inclusive communities where everyone feels welcomed, accepted and inspired by social justice and peace for all
To provide life enriching opportunities for young people, their families and communities
Our Values
Our value based is that every YMCA will be a place of welcome, opportunity, wellbeing, peace and justice
Select an value to find out more
Welcome
Every YMCA is a place of Welcome
Opportunity
Every YMCA is a place of Opportunity
Wellbeing
Every YMCA is a place of Wellbeing
Peace & Justice
Every YMCA is a place of Peace & Justice
Guiding Principles
- An all island approach
- Collaborative & partnership working
- Being progressive & responsive
- Listening & learning
- A holistic approach to young people
- A whole family approach
- Working in ways that are stimulating and enjoyable
- Being trauma unformed and flourishing
- Climate action and the sustaining of our enviornment
- Global justice and international development
Impact Pillars
We measure the impact of our actions based on promoting these shared pillars
Select an impact to find out more
- All Post
- Impact
YMCA in Ireland
The YMCA in Ireland has existed since 1849 as a voluntary organisation that works with children, young people, families and the community, with particular regard to those who are disadvantaged and disaffected. Underpinned by Christian principles, each YMCA responds to local need and seeks to share and learn from being a part of a national and international movement.
As an all-island movement, the YMCA is actively engaged in over 34 communities across 16 locations. Each year, we provide essential youth work, family support, childcare and broader community services to more than 25,000 children, young people, and families across Ireland. Our key areas of focus include strengthening families, promoting peacebuilding, advocating for young people and championing health and wellbeing.
Learn more about our Impact here
The National Council of YMCA (YMCA Ireland) serves as the supporting body for the YMCA movement throughout Ireland – offering support services to local YMCAs and acting as a vital link to both the European and World Alliances of YMCAs.
The Wider YMCA Movement
Globally the YMCA operates in 120 countries, in 12,000 communities, with an international network of 90,000 staff and 920,000 volunteers, reaching over 60 million people annually. YMCA Ireland is a member of YMCA Europe and World YMCA, enabling shared learning, capacity building, and joint initiatives for young people, staff, and volunteers across the global movement.
YMCA Europe
YMCA works to empower young people and to make their voice heard
World Alliance of YMCAs
Empowering young people – Space, Transformation, Impact
In July 2022 the YMCA made history. At the 20th World Council in July 2022, YMCAs across the globe voted to adopt YMCA 2030 – our first-ever shared strategy and plan.
Vision 2030 serves as a roadmap for every YMCA’s strategic goals. Closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030 empowers communities and young people worldwide to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world.
To achieve Vision 2030, all YMCAs will focus on four areas and work toward 12 strategic goals
Community Wellbeing
We create environments where everyone can thrive in Body, Mind and Spirit.
Meaningful Work
We work with young people and communities on equitable education, training and employment opportunities.
Sustainable Planet
We channel young people’s commitment to climate justice and sustainability.
Just World
We stand for a Just World for young people and communities.