CDYMCALB Highlighted in the March 2011 Y-USA International Group Newsletter

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Global Program Ideas

World Service Fundraising and Education month long event led by Long Beach YMCA

During the month of November, the Community Development YMCA Branch in Downtown Long Beach organized a series of events that raised awareness of and financial support for World Service. It also provided time for families to get together and interact with each other while learning about the challenges and work of YMCA's in other countries . All of the events began with a PowerPoint that included pictures of YMCA's in other countries. Families were surprised and inspired to know that there were YMCA programs in their countries of origin. Following the PowerPoint presentation, the YMCA organized a series of events. Some of the events included a Bingo Night, a potluck with parents bringing their favorite dish from their country of origin and family nights with students creating mini presentations for the audience about the work of a specific country's YMCA. All of these events turned out to be extremely successful. The youth raised more than $800 and developed new connections of understanding and friendship within their community. They look forward to another successful World Service Campaign in 2011. Participate in our upcoming webinar to learn about the Long Beach approach to World Service and share your ideas in March.

Project headed by Al Rodriguez, Associate Program Director (Al.Rodriguez@lbymca.org)

For more info on YMCA World Service visit: www.ymca.net/world-service