Every five years, YMCA leaders review our Association’s mission and values and set a clear direction for the future. We completed this type of review in 2005 when we consulted almost 700 people across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) over an eight-month period. Working with a task force of the Board of Directors, a project team, and an external advisory committee of community leaders, we used the information we gathered to create our Strategic Plan 2005 – 2010: Making the Connections [205kb].

As part of this strategic plan, we see a society where everyone participates fully, regardless of his or her background, experiences, or circumstances. We also see communities that foster strong, supportive connections between individuals and among groups.

In fact, the theme of “making connections” is very important to our strategic plan and underscores our three main areas of focus:

• Connecting people, a commitment to extend the concept of YMCA membership to include all participants, volunteers, donors, staff, alumni, and partners and build stronger relationships among them
• Connecting with youth, a commitment to create a positive, engaging environment for children and youth, and their parents and guardians, to learn and grow
• Connecting with the community, a commitment to reach out beyond the borders of our buildings to be where we are needed most, become more reflective of our community, and make it easier for people to connect with each other and with us

By connecting with each member on a deeper level, renewing our facilities, better reflecting our region’s diversity, empowering volunteers and staff, and becoming more vocal in public policy discussions, we believe we can have a positive influence on more people, more effectively develop volunteers and donors, and see groundbreaking possibilities where others see only obstacles.