The 40th Advanced Studies Program focuses on Cultivating Transformative Leadership in the Pursuit of Just Peace

Last Updated (Wednesday, 18 December 2024 17:26)

Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs

40th Advanced Studies Program

Cultivating Transformative Leadership in Pursuit of Just Peace

Communiqué

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs is dedicated to nurturing professional leaders who actively safeguard and advance the organization's mission. Since its establishment in 1982, the Advanced Studies Program (ASP) has played a pivotal role in fostering leadership development and empowering individuals to drive positive changes within the YMCA community.

The 40th ASP was held on November 1-30, 2024 online and in person at the YMCA of Penang, Malaysia. It offered an enriching experience for all involved. The program began with a week of engaging online sessions, which paved the way for three weeks of dynamic in-person activities. With the theme "Cultivating Transformative Leadership in Pursuit of Just Peace," this initiative provided a valuable opportunity for fifteen participants from eight countries and territories, representing twelve YMCAs across Asia, to come together. The ASP served as a platform for participants to delve into the roles and responsibilities of YMCA professionals, reinforcing the YMCA's commitment to being a people-centred movement and Inspiring positive transformation in their communities.

Deep appreciation goes to the organizers, APAY, our generous host, YMCA of Penang, NCY Malaysia, and all the resource persons for their hard work and dedication to create a supportive environment that made this ASP not only memorable but also transformative.

Collective Learning & Reflection

The 40th ASP provided a transformative experience for participants, serving as a catalyst for growth and development. With a focus on empowering YMCA professional staff and general secretaries, the program aimed to strengthen and expand YMCAs across the region and beyond. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the YMCA's Mission and Vision, Ecumenism, and Vision 2030, which equipped them to enhance their contributions to the organization. The sessions on Contextual Bible Studies, Contemporary Social Issues, and Alternative Responses encouraged participants to thoughtfully analyze and address current social challenges through the lens of Christ’s teachings. APAY's initiatives in Interfaith Cooperation, Gender Equity, Movement Strengthening, and Youth Empowerment offered valuable insights, fostering collaborative responses among YMCA movements throughout the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, participants developed leadership skills through in-depth studies on YMCA Governance and Lay-Professional Partnership Development, to inspire and ignite innovation within their communities.

The YMCA, as a membership-based organization, recognizes the important role that lay leaders play in furthering its mission. To enhance our impact, programs should not only deliver services but also cultivate meaningful connections among members and support the growth of lay leadership. By aligning with the YMCA's holistic mission, we can create initiatives that empower members through engaging opportunities, leadership training, and mentorship pathways, effectively preparing them for future roles in governance and service. By prioritizing membership growth and leadership development, the YMCA can ensure that its programs remain mission-driven, community-focused, and highly effective.

Recommendations

Based on our learnings and discussions, the 40th ASP recommends the following to strengthen the YMCA movement:

• Strengthening Lay Leadership Development: Facilitate training sessions for the Board of Directors focused on YMCA governance and mission. This will empower them to ensure that our programs are both mission-driven and impactful.

• Enhancing Inclusivity and Diversity: Create inclusive environments that celebrate the richness of diverse backgrounds, actively reduce prejudice, and enhance community cohesion. This approach aligns with YMCA’s mission to strengthen our communities as a unifying force.

• Training for Young Professionals: Expand our approach to leadership development by actively engaging more professional secretaries alongside General Secretaries. Let’s reinvigorate the Basic Training Courses at national and regional levels to empower professionals with essential tools that will strengthen our movement in alignment with the YMCA’s mission and vision. This will create a more inclusive and effective environment for leadership growth.

Commitment to Service

We, the participants of the 40th ASP, are privileged to be part of the YMCA movement and the enduring solidarity network formed during this program. Through sharing our personal and professional experiences and best practices, we have fostered mutual trust and strengthened our partnerships. Inspired and dedicated to uplifting youth and those in need in our communities, we embrace a profound sense of responsibility. Our engagement with the Asia Community Service and the Orang Asli (Indigenous) Community has illuminated the lives of differently-abled individuals and Indigenous people, reaffirming the vital importance of our work within the YMCA movement.

We proudly embrace our identity as YMCA Transformative Leaders, grounded in a strong Christian foundation. We are dedicated to cultivating leaders through the empowerment of youth and community, fully aware of the ‘glocal’ world. With conviction, we will apply our knowledge and implement action plans as leaders within our YMCAs.

Issued by the participants of the 40th Advanced Studies Program, APAY