Public Engagement

What we do:

  • Promote the values of the International Mission of the YMCA movement internally and externally through informational activities, opportunities for local participation, international theme days, special events, kiosks, posters and flyers, and publications such as the “International Bulletin” and “Que Pasa?” (see our Newsletters page).
  • Participate in international events locally, nationally and internationally. See important dates below.
  • Present YMCA Peace Medals annually to adults, youth and groups to recognize peacemakers within our community.
  • Create popular education learning opportunities on international issues that inform, inspire, motivate, encourage participation and promote an approach that respects human rights, social justice and leadership development.
  • Offer an International Development Training – workshops on issues such as the “Third World” debt, human rights, and the environment and on moving from information to action.
  • Promote Children’s Rights. “Hands Up!” is an educational approach based on the rights of the child for people who work with children and youth. The “Hands Up!” manual is available in French and English through The YMCAs of Québec (International Programs).

What you can do:

  • Join a local Y International Committees,
  • Volunteer at your local Y for special events,
  • Attend the International Training Program and other international events in your centre
  • Help fundraise or donate to support your Y centre’s international partnership
  • Contact us for more details!

Dates to remember:

February 3-9 CIDA International Development Week (Canada)
March YMCA Women and Development Month
March 8 UN International Women's Day
March 22 UN World Water Day
April 22 Earth Day
May 1-15 Fair Trade Weeks (Transfair Canada)
June 1-7 Environment Week (Canada – 1st week in June)
June 20 UN World Refugee Day
August 12 UN International Youth Day
October 16 UN World Food Day
November 9-15 World YMCA/YWCA Week of Prayer and World Fellowship
November 15 YMCA World Peace Day (Third Saturday in November)
November 15-22 YMCA World Peace Week (Canada)
November 20 UN Universal Children's Day
December 1 UN World AIDS Day

This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Government of Canada. Canadian International Development Agency.