YMCA Calgary's International department provides global, environmental and cross-cultural education in an effort to encourage peace, social justice and global awareness.

Made up of a manager from the Community YMCA and committee members from all YMCA Calgary branches, the International department offers events like the YMCA Peace Medal ceremony and Global Youth Summit. Through various workshops, interactive games and activities, overseas exchanges and special events, the International program plays an active role in the Calgary community.

If you would like more information about YMCA Calgary's International initiatives, please contact the Community YMCA at (403) 531-1660.

Global Youth Summit
YMCA Calgary Peace Medals
Emergency Response
Education and Public Engagement
International Partnerships
International Youth Exchanges
Resources

Global Youth Summit

Every year, YMCA Calgary, the Canadian Red Cross and UNAC-Calgary Branch host the Global Youth Summit for high school youth. The goal of this event is to connect teens with an interest in international issues and to increase their global awareness. Looking for additional information?

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YMCA Calgary Peace Medals

Do you know someone from Calgary or the surrounding area that deserves to be recognized as a peacemaker for their commitment to peace?

For the past 15 years, YMCA Calgary has been recognizing peacemakers who inspire and impact the lives of others through their peaceful endeavours. YMCA Calgary Peace Medals honour youth and adults from all walks of life who commit their time to advancing peace in their own communities or abroad.

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Emergency Response

YMCA Calgary raises money for an Emergency Response Fund that is reserved to assist other YMCAs around the world in times of crisis.

The Emergency Response Fund has been used to support disaster relief for YMCA facilities in Paraguay, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. After the 2004 tsunami, YMCA Calgary contributed $15,000 to relief efforts for sister associations in the affected countries.

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Education and Public Engagement

YMCA Calgary works to ensure all its members and participants gain a sense of responsibility towards the global community and find ways to actively engage in international issues.

Rather than leaving the task of global perspective and participation to one person, committee, or program, the goal is to build awareness, capacity and passion for global issues among all YMCA Calgary staff and volunteers, thereby allowing this world view to become a part of the culture of the entire organization. Staff and volunteers are offered training, resources and encouragement to build global education into every program.

The International department hosts special events and seminars, often associated with local or international themes such as Afrikadey, World Refugee Day or the Millenium Development Goals, focusing on global issues and to help raise awareness.

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International Partnerships

YMCA Calgary has established international partnerships with other YMCAs to encourage program development and shared learning and to help build strong kids, strong families and strong communities around the world.

• In 2006, YMCA Calgary entered a partnership with Ukraine YMCA to promote sharing of knowledge and resources in both organizations. Through exchanges, staff from both countries have the opportunity learn from each other’s strengths as well as benefit from exposure to a new culture. Learn more about the YMCA Ukraine partnership.
• All Alberta YMCAs have a partnership with the YMCA of Bogota, Columbia. Together, we provide financial support for the Bogota YMCA's Home Abandonment program.
• Each year, YMCA Calgary nominates young people as potential participants in Mano a Mano sin Fronteras, or Hand to Hand without Borders, a North American YMCA conference that focuses on global issues facing youth.

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For information on local community resources for International engagement, contact the International Manager at (403) 531-1660.

YMCA Canada
Canadian International Development Agency
YMCA World Alliance

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