There is life in the YMCA

The Celebration of the Golden Jubilee Year of the Asia Alliance of YMCAs, is indeed a time of joy and thanksgiving. It is a moment of reflection and self-examination of the path we have followed so far and its re-orientation for the future amidst the harsh realities of our lands. Seeds of hope need to be sown and nurtured towards a forward looking, just and sustainable society. It is a time to sow seeds of justice and a time to light up the lives of those deeply affected by oppressive human systems. The celebration of the Jubilee, the Year of Gods Reign, demands repentance and restoration of the divinely ordained world order.

YMCA Vision for Action : Beyond 2000?was the theme under which we deliberated together on the occasion of the 15th General Assembly of the Asia Alliance of YMCAs. We, 320 participants from YMCAs in 22 countries/territories in our region, with representatives from World Alliance of YMCAs, Ys Mens International, YMCAs of Africa, Europe, USA and Ecumenical partners gathered to envision our mission in the spirit of Jubilee from 16th to 20th September 1999 in Manila, the Philippines.

Momentous Changes

The Assembly critically reviewed the momentous developments taking place in economic, political, and cultural realms of our life affecting the thought forms, value systems, and life styles. The overriding concern was the kind of society we were building for the next millennium.

We recognize that the world is becoming a global village and benefits of modernization are many, for example, new discoveries in medicine, information technology, to name a few.

We also recognize that we are moving to a post-modern society, critically challenging the assumptions of modernism and creating a civilizational crisis. The development propelled by technological growth has generally caused environmental destruction, depletion of natural resources and polarization of communities. Uneven and unsustainable development has brought
deterioration to the overall quality of life.

The analysis of the phenomenon of globalization and its impact on cultures and identities, civil society, youth and women challenged us to seek alternative ways of life and different paradigms of development.

Vision of a New Society

We sought inspiration from the YMCA vision of the society rooted in the Christian faith which demands collective actions to restore a just, participatory and sustainable order.

The alternative developmental paradigm outlined in the basis of our YMCA mission would strengthen bonds with one another and with the earth and help build equitable and humane communities everywhere.

Actions Beyond 2000

Culture is Life

Our cultures have been a rich source of values, wisdom and spirituality that has helped sustain life in our communities and on earth. However, the forces of globalization has invaded our cultures and is fast turning them into a culture of materialism and consumerism that negates life and spirituality.

The task now in our YMCAs is to be critical, discerning and life-affirming. The YMCA should participate in the cultural life of our peoples and foster interaction between and amongst cultures towards a harmonious global community. The YMCA should seek to reclaim and protect the spirituality and life-sustaining elements of our cultural traditions.

Strengthening Civil Society

The civil society movement is an effort to advance harmony and balance in our societies and broaden the base of participatory governance. It is a critical force in our society which is being spearheaded by civic-minded people in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), peoples organizations (POs) and other interest groups.

The YMCA should seek to advocate and strengthen the ideals and values of civil society among its membership and through its work with communities.

Youthful Dynamism

Youth is a creative force in our societies and it is not enough that they are merely served by programmes and activities. Young people are dynamic, energetic and reflective of their identities as well as analytical about their social environment in order to better determine and address the root causes of their concerns and issues.

We encourage the creation of space for young peoples deep involvement in the social realities as they work towards enhancing a sustainable civil society. Young people must be part of the deliberations and dialogues on issues that concern them and their participation needs to be ensured in decision-making processes.

Gender Fair

Globalization promises to open up opportunities for women as well, but the reality experienced is quite different. The issues of women are not matters for women alone but are a concern for all humanity. Efforts need to be directed towards achieving a more gender-fair, compassionate and sustainable society.

We are committed to enhancing the status of women in society and helping to develop ways of promoting equal partnership between men and women.

The Assembly adopted specific programme actions to relevantly address the issues of cultures and identities, civil society, youth and women during the quadrennium 1999-2003.

Our Hopes and Aspirations

A new leaf springs forth as the new millennium dawns. The sun greets the world with love and care. The global community integrates the cyberspace and the social sphere. The civil society movement maintains the critical balance between the state and market forces by creating "public sphere" for peoples participation towards the public good.

We anticipate the coming of the new millennium with fresh hope. We pledge to join our efforts with those who live simple lives and those who uphold human dignity and the integrity of creation.

We resolve to translate our words into action, our vision into a reality by reflecting about ourselves, our relationships with people and the nature around us and examining deeply the realities in our societies.

We will rely on the power of God that empowers us.

We will rely on our youthful spirit, creativity, imagination and action-oriented resolve.

For, together we will sow, together we will grow, together we will hope, and
together we will live.