Assets and the YMCA go way back. The concept of building strong positive intergenerational relationships is at the heart of what the YMCA is all about. Quoting Jack Lund, our President, “One way to understand this connection is to view Assets as the DNA of the YMCA.” It’s that simple.

Building Assets is central to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Whether we focus on child-care, school-age, teen or family programs, we are intentionally working improving the way the YMCA serves communities. It’s about fostering a YMCA with great expectations for all stakeholders: adult and youth members, volunteers, donors and staff so that youth and adults can voice their opinions, participate in quality programming and lead healthier lives all around.

Focusing on Assets is not a separate program, but rather “an approach” to how the Y delivers current programs. The 40 Assets framework helps us understand the vital developmental needs we all have, whether we work in Membership, Aquatics, Youth and Family, Facilities management etc.

Great Expectations
In 2006, the YMCA OF GREATER NY will continue to expand the ways in which it employs Assets to improve everything YMCA. From staff trainings, program development and evaluation to recognition, communications and beyond, we have mapped out a comprehensive course of action that will capitalize on the momentum already generated.

The YMCA of Greater New York, recently developed the first YMCA Leaders Club curriculum. In so doing, the Assets were woven into each lesson plan so that the focus on youth programming using an Assets “lens” was clear and the ideas accessible.

For a sample of lesson plan from the Leaders Club Curriculum click here.

In addition, several Branches have been intricately involved with the Y’s NYC Asset Lab Project – Bronx, Chinatown, Flushing and West Side, and more are poised to jumpstart their participation as more and more Asset Champions get into gear. Stay Tuned!

YMCA specific Downloads
To help you get started in using the Assets at your branch, you can find a bunch of useful materials right here. Also, you will find more under the Professional Services tab of this site. For more downloads or supporting research – visit AbundantAssets.org , Search-Institute.org or www.ymcanyc.org.

Training notifications are sent monthly through Outlook. Assets workshops will also become a mandatory core training this year. For more information on specific trainings, please contact Molly Delano or Jackie Misla.