How the Change Agents program leads to meaningful change - reflection by Ain Art Villanueva Atos

Last Updated (Friday, 23 October 2026 15:54)

Reflection on CA Journey & APAY Change Agent In-person Gathering in Toronto

It has been two months since the Change Agent Programme Gathering of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, yet the lessons, connections, and reflections from that meaningful gathering continue to stay with us.

The gathering was more than a meeting of YMCA leaders and young people from different countries. It was a meaningful space for learning, reflection, connection, and renewed commitment to the YMCA movement. Bringing together Change Agents who share a passion for youth empowerment and community transformation, the gathering reminded us that while our YMCAs may operate in different contexts, we are united to create opportunities for young people and contribute to a better world.

Held on July 20, 2026, at the Carleton Room of the Sheraton Centre in Toronto, Canada, the APAY In-Person Change Agent Regional Gathering gathered members of Change Agent Cohort 6, APAY Executives and Staff, Change Agent Programme Cohort 6 Mentors, and past Change Agents.

Mr. Nam Boo Won opened the gathering by sharing words of encouragement with the young people, emphasizing the important role of youth in the YMCA movement. He reminded the present and past Change Agents that the YMCA is an organization that works for all, highlighting its commitment to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for people from different backgrounds.

He also underscored that young people are vital to the continued growth and future of the YMCA movement. His message encouraged the Change Agents to recognize their potential as leaders and active contributors, reminding them that their voices, ideas, and actions can help shape the direction of the YMCA and create meaningful change in their communities.

The Change Agents also had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group, sharing where they are connected within the YMCA movement and the roles they currently undertake. Through these introductions, participants learned more about each other’s experiences, responsibilities, and contributions to their respective YMCAs.

The sharing provided an opportunity to recognize the diverse ways young people are engaged in the YMCA movement across the Asia Pacific region. Despite coming from different countries and working in different areas, the Change Agents discovered common ground in their shared commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and advancing the mission of the YMCA.

The Change Agents are so happy to finally meet their fellow Change Agents in person, reconnect with colleagues, and build new friendships across the Asia Pacific region. Coming from different countries, cultures, communities, and YMCA experiences, participants brought diverse perspectives to the gathering. Yet, as conversations unfolded, common challenges and aspirations emerged, such as how to meaningfully engage young people, strengthen communities, respond to a rapidly changing world, and ensure that the YMCA remains relevant to the generations it serves.

Beyond the introductions and formalities, the gathering was also filled with simple moments of happiness and connection. One of the memorable moments was spending time with our Executive Secretary for Youth Empowerment, Ms. Yura Rhee, sharing conversations, smiles, and laughter in a more relaxed setting.

The People Bingo activity was another highlight, as it allowed us to discover the things we had in common throughout our YMCA journeys. It was a fun way to learn more about one another, not only as Change Agents, but also as people who share experiences, challenges, and a passion for the YMCA movement.

Of course, the gathering would not have been complete without the giggles, laughter, and, naturally, many photo opportunities. These simple moments made the gathering feel warm and personal. It was, in many ways, a small and nostalgic gathering of YMCA members from across the Asia and Pacific region, but the connections we made reminded us that distance does not diminish the bonds we build. The gathering may have been brief, but the friendship, memories, and sense of belonging to the YMCA movement continue to last.

As I write this article, I also find myself taking a moment to reflect on my Change Agent Cohort 6 journey. Looking back, I can truly say that it has been an amazing 18 month leadership journey, filled with learning, challenges, connections, and growth.

From navigating different time zones and connecting through online calls to finally meeting one another in Toronto, Canada, the journey was both challenging and rewarding. There were moments of hardship as we worked through assigned tasks, completed worksheets, participated in discussions, and navigated the self paced activities. It required commitment, discipline, and perseverance. Looking back, every challenge became part of the learning process. I learned so much, not only about leadership, but also about myself, my strengths, and the kind of leader I want to become in the YMCA.

One of the highlights of the journey was the opportunity to pitch our group’s youth-led solution to the World YMCA. Our idea focused on the revival of the YMCA of the Philippines Youth Network (YPYN), with the goal of reconnecting young people across local YMCAs and creating more meaningful spaces for youth participation and leadership.

Our proposed mechanism was built around three simple but important areas. First was digital reconnection, which included reviving and professionalising the YPYN Facebook page, giving it a more modern and youth-driven identity, maintaining a consistent online presence, and creating monthly digital youth conversations. Second was safe spaces for dialogue, where young people could gather online for Bible studies, Youth Talks on mental health, leadership, purpose, career, and faith in action, as well as discussions on social issues and opportunities to share programme ideas across YMCAs. Finally, we envisioned an annual national youth convening every November, where young people could share best practices, showcase local YMCA innovations, discuss challenges and solutions, participate in leadership workshops, and strengthen our identity as young people within the YMCA movement.

For me, it was more than simply presenting a project. It was a proud moment to bring forward an idea shaped by our own experiences and by our desire to see young people become more connected and engaged in the YMCA movement. It reminded me that youth leadership is not simply about giving young people a seat at the table. It is about creating the spaces, platforms, and opportunities where they can speak, connect, lead, and turn their experiences into meaningful action.

Presenting and pitching our idea to the World YMCA made me appreciate even more the power of youth leadership. It reminded me that young people are not only the future of the YMCA. We are also part of its present, and we have something meaningful to contribute today.

Throughout these 18 months, I can say and proudly say that I am happy and proud of what we have accomplished. More than the lessons and activities, I am thankful for the opportunity to share my own story and, at the same time, listen to the stories of others. Stories of hope, love, service, resilience, and leadership. These stories reminded me that while our contexts may be different, we share a common commitment to making a difference.

The Change Agent Programme Cohort 6 strengthened my commitment to youth and reinforced my belief in the power of collective work. Our journey may have ended as a programme, but the relationships, lessons, and inspiration we gained will continue to guide us in our respective YMCAs and communities or even far for our future careers.

I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of Change Agent Cohort 6. Eighteen months later, I leave the journey not only as a better leader, but as someone more inspired to continue serving young people, strengthening communities, and contributing to the YMCA movement and the world.

Prepared by Ain Art Villanueva Atos, Change Agent Cohort 6.0. & Treasurer, YMCA of Albay, Philippines