Winnipeg Y International

Update from Uruguay - We're at camp!

2012-02-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

Playing volleyball in San Jose

Greetings!

Tara, Marjan and I have access to a computer and internet right now sowe thought we´d update you on our trip to San Jose, and how life at CampArtigas is going so far.

On Friday, Feb 11, 2012 we arrived in San Jose. We got to visit ¨La Casita¨where a lot of their social programs for kids and youth are run. We got to sitin on a First Aid class happening there (not run to certify the youth, simplyjust to give them knowledge). We learned that La Casita is a second home toabout 120 youth, who use the facility to do homework, study, have something toeat, brush their teeth, plant an organic garden and play games. As of now, theCasita consists of 4 classrooms, a kitchen, an office and a bathroom. They havean outside area to play in, but it doesn´t belong to them (they are hoping topurchase it), as well as they have an outdoor organic garden which they growfood that they use to cook. We were happy to find out that the Casita was madepossible because of the strong partnership with the Winnipeg Y, growing overthe past 40 years.

"What time is it Mr. Shark?" on the beach!

We visited the other branch of the Y in San Jose which was the gym,workout area and pool. Carla, the CEO, hosted a BBQ with all the leaders andemployees of the Y there to welcome us.

During our stay in San Jose we stayed with Fernando Ramos, thevice-president of the board of the San Jose Y. Fernando and his family werevery hospitable and welcoming to us.

After the weekend in San Jose, we came to camp on a school bus with agroup of campers and leaders. The bus ride began at 8am, and was nothing shortof 2 drums, a tambourine, singing and laughter. Oh, and there was also amegaphone in the mix. About half way through the trip, a herd of cows startedto run towards the bus! We slowed down and waited for the cows to separate tothe sides of the road. We started to speed up again, only to see they werequick to turn around and herd with the bus.

First aid class

Camp Artigas is very rustic and beautiful. There are an abundance ofeucalyptus trees, a river and sandy beaches. There are four main zones withcabins and bathrooms. We are staying in the central zone. The main activitiesduring the day are beach games, boating, canoeing, zip-lining, and games in theforest. There are also some arts and crafts. There are coordinators and campemployees here, but the leaders run the show. We have been able to incorporateour ideas, games, and songs from home with the groups. The heat during theafternoon is very trying. Tonight some of the groups will be sleeping in tentsafter cooking super on a bonfire (supper here is at the earliest 9pm). We´veonly been here for a few days (including our time last week), the camp in deepin tradition and so far we´ve barely scratched the surface.

We´re not sure when we will have access to a computer again, howeverwhen we do we will be sure to send another update. Tara is also able to sendpictures through her phone when she has a chance.

We hope all is well back at home!

Sincerely,

Tara, Marjan and Kristen

Update from Uruguay!

2012-02-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

L-R: Marjan, Kristen & Tara

Below is our first update from ourUrugay exchange participants, Kristen, Tara and Marjan.

Hola de Uruguay!

We arrived Sunday morning at 11am,and were picked up from the airport by Adrian and Omar. Then we were taken toour home stays. I am staying with an elderly lady named Margarita, who is inmany ways the Uruguyan version of my Grandma. The last two days we have spent acclimatizingto the hot, humid weather of Montevideo, while meeting everyone from the ACJ,the Asociacion Cristiana de Jovenes. We’ve been sharing information about ourdifferent facilities in Canada, and learning about the various Y facilitieshere in Uruguay. It is refreshing to see that we areso far away from home, yet the Y is just as strong with its programs and valueshere in Uruguay. Of course things are run a little differently here, howevermost importantly our countries are both working towards the same goals. It is enlightening to listen to people here talk about the Y, and see thebelief and passion they have for the organization. It seems as though the organizationsare focused in the same areas, recreation and social programs. The mostimportant thing to the people here is building relationships between membersand practising the core values in action.

The Downtown branch, which I amcurrently staying right next to, is a centre focused on child and youthprograms. There is a gym and a pool, and people have memberships; however, themajority of the programs running right now are day camps for children and youthages 2-17. We’ve been helping run the day camps during the afternoons, and it’sbeen a blast! The kids are adorable of course, and eager to show us they cancount to 10 in English and say various things. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to see the new school in the processof being built. The school will be for pre-schoolers, and the people from the Yare very proud and excited about it. They will be opening in March of thisyear, and will start off with a small class of ten children, with hopes ofgrowing in the near future.

This weekend Marjan, Tara and I are being sent to the beach to get toknow each other better, and to see the resort town of Punta Del Este. We will then be off to Campamento Artigasnext Tuesday. The following weekend we are going to San Jose to see thefacility there and learn about the social programs going on. This Thursday weare also going to get the chance to talk more in depth about the socialprograms going on in Montevideo.

Other than that, the food has been amazing, and the people have goneabove and beyond to ensure we are comfortable and safe. Tara, Marjan and I aregetting to know each other, and we are very happy to be here!

I hope all is well at home! Take care,

Kristen Schmidt

YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg

So far so good!

What a great opportunity! What a country! We have been welcomed withopen arms. Everyone we meet is so kind and seems to be just as eager to learnEnglish as we are to learn Spanish. It has really been a treat to seethe similarities between the YMCA of Uruguay and Ys across Canada. Theystress the importance of the YMCA core values and boast of all of theirlife-long Y members.

Though we have only been here a couple days we have already experiencedso much and can´t wait to see what´s next.

Gracias,

Tara Molson

YMCA Regina

Hi from Uruguay!

Everything is going SO well and we love howbeautiful it is here! So far, we have spent the week visiting thedifferent YMCAs in the capital city, and meeting some of the staff and thekids. It's been really nice to build relationships with the staff and thekids at YMCA, because a lot of the same kids will be at Camp Artigas next weekwhen we go. It's also been so interesting to see how similar their YMCAsare to ours in Canada. We have had the chance to see a lot of theirprograms and how they run this week, and it's amazing how we do almost theexact same things in our children and youth programs as they do! There'sa bit of a language barrier because they predominantly speak Spanish (and mySpanish is pretty rustic!), but just by observing the programs, we can see thequality of their programs and we are able to point out thesimilarities. Yesterday, we helped with a program for 6 and 7 year oldchildren. Their counsellor sat them all in a circle and started to explaina game. Instantly, Kristen, Tara and myself were able to join the gamebecause we had all played the same game with children in our programs back inCanada!

Everyone here from the YMCA has been so hospitableto us! The host family I am staying with this week has been taking verygood care of me as well!

We will continue to take pictures and keep youupdated on everything that's happening here! Talk to you soon!

Marjan Mogharrabi

YMCA-YWCA Guelph

We look forward to future updates from the exchange!

Peace Medal and Prezi

2012-02-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

On January 30, 2012 at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's Annual General Meeting, Bre Woligroski was presented the Peace Medal.

Bre Woligroski receives the Peace Medal,
presented by Pamela Wright, Chair of the International Working Group,
and Dal McCloy, Chair of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's Board of Directors.

The International Working Group was given the opportunity to have a presentation available before the AGM in order to inform the many staff, volunteers and community members about the work that we do. Click here to view our Prezi!

Meet our Peace Medal recipient!

2012-01-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

An advocate and activist for human rights and social justice, Bre Woligroski has changed lives. She was selected as this year’s Peace Medal recipient for her many acts focusing “on long term, sustainable impact on individuals and communities.”

Just 31 years old, Bre has been involved in numerous justice initiatives: she was chosen as the official Canadian representative for the World Student Christian Federation’s Identity Diversity Dialogue Program in Thailand, speaking on issues of gender justice; she currently serves on several Boards including the Feminist Alliance for International Action and the World Student Christian Federation Global Board; she founded the Menno Simons College Social Justice Fair (now an annual event); she helped coordinate Take Back the Night in 2009 and 2011, marching to end violence against women in Winnipeg; she facilitates workshops and speaks publicly on gender equality. And as a volunteer delegate to the United Nations 52nd Commission on the Status of Women, she offered wording suggestions to the Agreed Conclusions that now influence gender equality worldwide.

These are just a few of her many, many initiatives.

Her nominator writes “Bre demonstrates the values and qualities of peace in that she works for justice and understanding in ways which are culturally sensitive and relevant. She is gentle and responsive to the people around her, yet is firm in her commitment to social justice and equality.”

Because of her works - both individual and collaborative - and her drive to create a world that is more compassionate and just, Bre Woligroski is the 2011 Peace Medal recipient.

International Update

2012-01-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

This past November, the International Working Group (IWG) was given the opportunity to partner with Ten Thousand Villages on Plaza Drive, as part of a national initiative that saw YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs across Canada work with local Ten Thousand Villages stores in order to unite our similar missions to increase awareness of global issues.

Here in Winnipeg, volunteers from our working group spent the day in Ten Thousand Villages where we greeted the many customers in the store and drew their attention to a slide-show outlining the work that we do here in Winnipeg through our international partnerships and events such as Peace Week. Those making purchases that day could use a coupon to direct 15% of their purchase to YMCA International Partnerships.

By allying our two similar missions, November 12th was very successful day for both Ten Thousand Villages and our IWG. We were able to promote the day throughout our branches and draw new customers to the store. We were able to speak to the regular customers in the store about how the Y supports international development across the globe. As an extra bonus, we fundraised over $1,100!

With the holidays behind us, we’re now looking forward to our exchange with YMCA Camp Artigas in Uruguay. Kristen Schmidt, the Aquatics Coordinator in our Downtown Branch, will join Tara Molson from Regina and Marjan Mogharrabi from YMCA Guelph on a four week adventure that will see them integrate new programming into Camp Artigas, and learn about this successful Y Camp, with a view to bringing home a greater understanding of our partner.

Submitted by Mel Marginet

Member, IWG

Stay tuned for our announcement of the Peace Medal recipient!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all our friends in communities near and far - we wish you all the best this season and hope that 2012 brings you peace and joy!

The International Working Group is looking forward to an exciting 2012 as well! Watch for posts announcing our Peace Medal recipient, updates on our Exchange with Camp Artigas in Uruguay and much more.

You can now sign up to receive notification of our latest blog posts via email. Simply enter your address in the blog tool in the right hand column.

We look forward to connecting with you in January!

Youth Leaders Peace Jam

2011-12-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

The Winnipeg Y’s Youth Leadership program met on November 26, 2011 for Peace Jam 2011. The jamboree is an annual gathering of Y leadership participants from around the city, where teens aged 12-17 can learn about peace, socialize, and meet other youth in the program from around Winnipeg.

This year the jamboree was held at the South Branch and over 70 youth were in attendance. The evening started off with an introduction from Ken Mason, Manager of the North Y Youth Centre. With him was Kalyn Murdock, a former leadership participant with the Y. Kalyn told leadership participants about her past experience with the Y. She was first introduced to Y programming when she went to Camp Stephens as a youth in 2-week canoe trip. After returning to camp year after year, and eventually becoming a counsellor at Camp Stephens, she took advantage of an opportunity within the Y to travel internationally and volunteer while doing so.

Later in the evening, participants were separated into groups and led through several different team-building and Peace Week oriented sessions including a role-play activity called “Natura” designed to assist them understand and appreciate collaborative problem solving. The activity, which comes from the YMCA Peace Week Activity Guide, was later de-briefed and discussed by the group.

And lastly, after pizza and a jam-packed evening of activities, the leadership participants headed to the pool and finished their evening in the water.

Submitted by Gordon Chandler

International Working Group Member

South Leader

Meet Our Exchange Participants

2011-11-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

We asked Kristen, Tara and Marjan to send us a paragraph to introduce themselves and to let us know what this exchange opportunity means to them. As you can see by their responses below, we have no doubt that these 3 young leaders will excel at YMCA Camp Artigas in Uruguay this winter!

Kristen Schmidt, Winnipeg
Hello everyone! My name is Kristen Schmidt and I am very grateful to have been chosen for the 2012 Uruguay International Exchange. I have participated in various Y programs since I was very young, and have been employed at the Downtown Y since May 2003. I currently hold the position of the Aquatic Program Coordinator at the Downtown branch. This past June I graduated from the University of Manitoba and received my Bachelor of Arts degree with an advanced major in Spanish and a minor in French. The Y has guided me, and continues to influence me as a leader. I am ecstatic to work at Camp Artigas in Uruguay because I know it will be a rewarding experience. I look forward to helping build leaders in a camp environment, as well as growing as a leader myself. This exchange will accommodate my passion for other languages and cultures. I look forward to experiencing Uruguay, practising Spanish, and building friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime.

Tara Molson, Regina
Growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan, I began working with children at the age of 15 at a residential children’s summer camp. After this, I became camp director, and currently, I am the Programming and Planning Chair for the Camp’s Board of Directors. The knowledge and understanding that I have gained throughout these experiences is invaluable; I now continue pursuing my passion of working with children at the YMCA of Regina, where I am the Director of School Based Programs, overseeing programming in 19 Regina schools.

I could not pass up the chance to apply for this exchange opportunity. I am very interested in the work that the YMCA does internationally; and feel that this experience will give me a unique perspective on the YMCA’s global impact. Furthermore, this experience will allow me to bring back practices and ideas to the programs that I manage. As the Director of School Based Programs, I believe that an exchange experience such as this will impact the staff team that I lead, the programs that I develop and the department that I work with.

Marjan Mogharrabi
Hi! My name is Marjan, and I currently live in Guelph Ontario. I am very excited to have been selected for this exchange to Camp Artigas in Uruguay! For the past 3 years, I have been working at the YMCA/YWCA of Guelph, working in a variety of children and youth programs. This past summer, I was the Director of our YMCA summer camps, which was a really fun experience that allowed me to both create and facilitate programs, as well as be involved in the camp by participating in daily activities with the children. Through my years of work experience at the YMCA, including my recent camp experience, I have developed skills that I think would be an asset to Camp Artigas. What is most interesting to me about this exchange opportunity is the chance to gain some unique perspectives and camp practices that may not be common here in Canada. My current experiences have been solely based in North America, and I am interested in broadening my knowledge in terms of camp and recreational activities for children. By participating in this exchange program, it is a great chance to learn, while also building relationships with other participants at the camp.

I am currently reading a lot of Spanish books and listening to Spanish CDs to help prepare for the exchange! I am excited to be able use what I have learned soon, and to meet the other 2 girls going to Uruguay! Hope to talk to everyone soon!

As we celebrate Peace Week 2011, the International Working Group encourages you to explore how the YMCA and the YWCA serve the various communities they work in across the globe!

PEACE WEEK 2011 | A Call to Action!

2011-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

The International Working Group would like to remind you that Peace Week 2011 (November 19-26) is here!

The YMCA strengthens the foundations of community by fostering social responsibility. We encourage social responsibility by promoting community engagement and leadership, locally and globally. YMCA Peace Week seeks to inspire Canadians to become involved. Join the conversation on the YMCA Peace Week Facebook page!

This year’s key concept is a call to action - What Can You Do to Promote Peace?

We look forward to exploring this question with you during Peace Week 2011!

Exchange Participants Selected!

2011-11-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

The International Working Group here at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is excited to announce that participants have been selected for the Camp Artigas Exchange!

Kristen Schmidt from Winnipeg, Tara Molson from Regina and Marjan Mogharrabi from Guelph will spend a month at YMCA Camp Artigas in Uruguay this winter.

We look forward to getting to know these participants better, and to hearing their stories as they embark on this adventure in January of 2012.

Congratulations Kristen, Tara and Marjan on being selected for this exciting opportunity!

Y International & Ten Thousand Villages

2011-11-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

PEACE WEEK IS QUICKLY APPROACHING!

This year, the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's International Working Group is excited to partner with Ten Thousand Villages (134 Plaza Drive). On November 12th, 15% of your purchase will be donated to YMCA International Partnerships when you bring in this coupon!

YMCA Peace Week runs November 19 to 26, 2011.

International Exchange Opportunity

2011-09-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's International Working Group is excited to announce an international youth exchange opportunity with YMCA Camp Artigas in Uruguay.

The deadline to apply is October 14, 2011!

2011 Peace Medal | Call for Nominations!

2011-09-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's International Working Group is excited to announce the call for nominations for the 2011 Peace Medals!

The PEACE MEDAL IS A REMINDER that

it is possible to build a more PEACEFUL WORLD

ONE STEP AT A TIME

and that EVERYONE CAN BE ENGAGED IN THESE EFFORTS

We need your help in identifying people in our community who deserve recognition! Please review the Criteria for this award. Should you know an individual or group, young person or adult who you feel is deserving, nominate them today! The deadline for nominations is December 2, 2011.

The YMCA Peace Medal is part of the YMCA World Peace Week, November 19-26th.

TO MAKE A NOMINATION

Please complete the Nomination Form & answer the applicable questions from How to Nominate | Criteria & Process. To learn more about past recipients, please visit 1988-Present | Former Peace Medal Recipients.

Recipients will be publicly announced at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's Annual General Meeting.

Somali Famine | Fundraising Effort

2011-07-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's International Working Group hopes to draw the attention of Y members, staff and friends to the fundraising effort below. While we do not have a Y partner project in Africa, we hope that you will consider supporting relief efforts during this famine.

The letter below was received from our friends at IRCOM here in Winnipeg:

Somalia is a country that has often appeared in the headlines of our newspapers as a result of its endless civil war, the recent activity of pirates at sea, the terrorist group in Somalia, and now the worst drought in 60 years. Unfortunately, these are not mere headlines but are events that cause the needless death of hundreds of thousands of Somali civilians.

There are approximately one thousand Somalis living in Winnipeg and many of them have come from refugee camps in East Africa. As a result, many of them are very concerned about their families, relatives and other Somalis that they have left behind in Somalia and in the refugee camps. So far over 3 million Somalis have been affected by the worst famine in decades and have no one to assist them. In addition, 500,000 children are at risk of severe malnutrition and death.

Saddened by this disaster, members of Winnipeg’s Somali Community are holding a fundraiser to contribute to helping those who are affected. We believe that our Canadian community feels the same way about what is happening in Somalia.

Through Winnipeg’s Mosques, we have already collected close to 30,000 dollars and continue to fundraise. On August 5 from 5.30pm to 11pm, we invite you to join us for an event “24 hour famine for Somalia” to donate one day’s food money to help the victims of the famine in Somalia. The event will be held at the University of Winnipeg’s Bullman Centre and will include entertainment, Ramadhan dinner, poems, drama skits, storytelling and speakers.

All donations will go to Human Concern International, a Canadian charity based in Ottawa and they have committed to sending 100% of the monies raised to victims of the famine. Human Concern International will also provide tax receipts to all donations over $20 dollars.

For more information please contact

Omar Aden: phone: (9969722) and email: omartimade@yahoo.ca

Muuxi Adam: Phone: (951-7037) and email: muuxia@ircom.ca

Please stay tuned for information on additional programs and charities you can support as we work together to bring relief to the Horn of Africa.

RBC Celebrates National Volunteer Week by Helping Out at Camp Y

2011-06-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 10-26, 2011), RBC encouraged employees to perform a Day of Service for a charitable organization in the community. RBC Portage and Parkhill Branch offered to perform this day of service for the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg and we were quick to take them up on their offer.

On April 22nd, 20 volunteers, including RBC employees and their families, helped get Camp Y ready for summer campers by painting several cabins. It was a grey and rainy day, but the volunteers came full of community spirit and ready to work.

As if their hard work wasn’t enough, the Portage and Parkhill team also applied for an RBC Day of Service Grant of behalf of the Winnipeg Y. At our last International Working Group meeting, on June 9th, Assistant Branch Manager Danielle Zanewich presented us with a cheque for $2000! The grant will go to the YMCA Strong Kids fund, which provides much needed financial support for children, teens and families who are unable to afford the full cost of participation in a YMCA program or activity.

All in all this was a successful partnership. Thank you to RBC and all the volunteers!

Representatives from RBC visit the International Working Group
to present a cheque for $2000 to Pamela Wright.

Submitted by Breanna Sawatzky

International Working Group Member

Casa Canada is Complete!

2011-06-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

YMCA Casa Canada for Migrant Youth

Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.

After almost seven months of paper work, negotiation and construction work, the YMCA Casa Canada for Migrant Youth has been concluded.

On March 23, 2011, the construction company concluded the details on the construction and presented the final product, which was reviewed carefully by the YMCA Architect Lucia Lopez and Program Coordinator Uriel Gonzalez.

A Message from Uruguay

2011-05-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

The International Working Group was delighted to receive the update below from the YMCA of San Jose.

San José, May 2011

At: YMCA-YWCA of WINNIPEG

Dear Friends:

We are pleased to share with you what we have done with what you sent us with such love and great effort.

Regarding the equipment that we received together with Unidad Portones from the YMCA of Montevideo, we were able to build a fitness room to be used by our members. The equipment has revitalized it and allowed us to be a reference on the subject in our city.

Furthermore, you sent us five thounsand Canadian dollars (C$5.000) which were exactly four thousand eight hundred and one dollars with fifteen American Dollars (USD 4.801,15). Part of the money was used for the ‘Club de Niños La Casita’ Summer Camp. Please see the report and pictures attached.

There is still some money we have not spent, which is intended to supplement the cost of building an additional room for La Casita. This room will allow us to improve the care we provide today for both the Kids Club and the Youth Center. A donation from another organization called Reaching-U will also be used in this sense. This organization is integrated by Uruguayans who lived or are currently living in the United States. Works will begin in June, and we will be sending photos of what was done once it is finished. It is important to point out that without your support none of this would have been possible.

We will always be grateful for your generosity. Your thoughts and actions have enabled us to continue to strengthen our work.

We hope to continue along this path of cooperation and would like you to visit us whenever you find it convenient.

Please receive the fraternal greetings on behalf of all here in ACJ San José

Carla Ausán Elizalde Germán Hernández
Directora General Presidente

Germán Hernández
Directora General Presidente

International Partnerships

2011-04-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Much has been and continues to happen in the Y’s International Programs.

Hi, I am the new International Liaison for YMCAYWCA of Winnipeg and would like to share with you some of the exciting activities that are underway.

First, we have just renewed our commitment to partner with the Uruguay Y. Part of our commitment is to provide financial support to the Children and Youth Centre in San Jose, one of the more economically distressed centers in Uruguay. Our partnership with the Uruguay Y goes back over 35 years. It has involved both financial support and many youth and adult, staff and volunteer exchanges over the years. In addition, we are supporting a new Y in Ciudad de la Costa, a coastal town that has an growing population of young families needing the services the Y offers. In 2009, we sent a delegation to the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Uruguyan YMCA. What a Celebration it was!!! As well, the Winnipeg Y and the Guelph Y sent a shipment of used fitness equipment that greatly enhanced both one of the branch Ys in Montevideo as well as in San Jose.

Our support continues for the Migrant Youth Casa in Tijuana, Mexico. The casa provides a safe haven for children and youth who have unsuccessfully attempted to cross the Mexico-US border. Prior to the establishment of the Casa, these young people were released back onto the very dangerous streets of Tijuana where they would often fall prey to the drug lords and prostitution rings. The Casa provides food and lodging, counseling and compassion, and assistance in reunification with family members in South America.

Photo of Casa Canada during construction.
For more photos, visit our facebook page.

The success of the Tijuana Casa laid the groundwork for the plan to build another casa in Juarez, one of the most dangerous border towns in Mexico. This prompted our CEO to put out a call to the other YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs in the Prairie region, and the Guelph Y, to participate in a capital campaign to raise the funds to build the Casa Canada in Juarez. Construction is now nearly complete and the doors will soon be opening!

Our ability to participate in International Partnerships has been greatly enhanced by our partnerships with other Canadian Ys. The Regina YMCA and YMCA-YWCA of Guelph have shared in our partnerships with both Mexico and Uruguay over the past years. Also, in the past two years the Winnipeg Y has provided financial support to a partnership between the Vancouver YWCA and YWCA Russia in Moscow that provides programming and family counseling to women, girls and their families. This year the Winnipeg Y will take a broader approach and direct its financial contributions to YWCA Canada’s international efforts.

The Winnipeg Y is also contributing to the Calgary YMCA’s partnership with the Ukraine YMCA both at the National and community level. The Ukraine Y provides much needed recreational and leadership development programming to children and youth. Amazingly, the Y is in 10 communities across the Ukraine and fully run by very dedicated volunteers other than the 4 paid national Y staff. Though the Ukraine Y is still in its infancy, it has made amazing strides and accomplishments in offering opportunities for recreation, artist development and leadership development for children and youth.

The Winnipeg Y International Working Group reconvened this September and will have met five times by the end of June. We are working hard to focus our energies and determine our direction, and decide the initiatives we want to focus on. The committee is responsible for guiding our Peace Week Initiatives, maintaining a presence in our Branch Ys on an ongoing basis, managing the Winnipeg Y International Blog and managing our relationship with Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, an educational and funding agency. We are also exploring ways that we can increase our impact through opportunities to educate Y members and members of the Winnipeg community on becoming Global Citizens and increase awareness to international issues.

Please be sure to take a look at the links to further information about International Development initiatives by other Ys and organizations.

Pamela Wright
International Liason
Board of Directors, Former Chair
YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg

Comida for Casa a success!

2011-03-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

The South Leadership Program is pleased to announce that this year’s international fundraiser on February 19th 2011, Comida for Casa, was a great success with 29 participants raising over $2000!

Leadership participants fasted for 24 hours to raise money and awareness for the YMCA Casa Program in Mexico. As the Leaders discovered in the weeks before the famine, the situation in Mexico’s northern border is in a state of crisis with drugs, police corruption and social issues that come along with constant migration of people including many vulnerable youth. The leadership participants related to these young people and the dangerous struggle many of them feel they need to undertake in order to provide for themselves and their families. The Leaders learned about the role Casa YMCA’s have and the services they provide to youth just like them!

The Leaders began their famine at 10:00am on Saturday, February 19th and came to the YMCA South Branch for a night of activities! They started their evening out with a presentation by Mary Moore, Youth Program Coordinator and past Mano a Mano Youth Summit participant. To many, the presentation brought to light the issues that are often left out of the commercial image of Mexico. As Katie Clark, LIT and Comida for Casa participant, reflected "after seeing the presentation, I was surprised by the living conditions- when you think of Mexico, you think of a tourist resort. I didn't really know how poor some of the living conditions were and was surprised by the fact that they have so much military around." The presentation also explained the struggle of the average migrant: "One part of the presentation that surprised me was how lots of things that happened to these people would be a horrifying experience for us, but are daily life for them" stated Drew Register, Leader.

Upon completion of the presentation, the youth played gym games and a variation of the game “Quest” wherein participants were given the status of either “migrant” or “settled” and were tasked with acquiring resources in order to cross the border. Advisors were challenges to migration and would complicate or make the journey to cross even more frustrating. Drew Register noted that Quest “was added perspective to the conditions in Mexico and the struggle of people trying to attain resources." After a debrief of the game, participants made post card art for the youth who use Casa followed by some free time with board games, vids, and even piñatas! Finally, the participants settled in for the night to get some much needed rest for the pancake breakfast in the morning.

The Comida for Casa group broke their fast at 10:00am on Sunday, February 20th in the company of many members and family who had come to share in the festivities of the Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast fundraised over $200, making the total money raised $2200 for Casa YMCAs!

"The CASA YMCAs will really appreciate this money. With all of the gang violence in Mexico, people need CASA more than ever" said Riley Proulx.

This Comida for Casa and the pancake breakfast would not have been possible without the support of all donors, families and the driving force behind the event: the South Branch Leadership Program participants AND advisors! A special thanks to the South Child Care centre for their gracious donation of space, the South maintenance crew who demonstrated great patience in cleaning around us, and all the staff, volunteers and families who helped with pancake duty!

Submitted by Mary Moore

South Y Youth Program Coordinator

Member, International Working Group

PANCAKES FOR PEACE!

2011-02-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

International Development Week

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARAY 6-12, 2011

International Development Week gives Canadians a chance to:
•Learn more about Canada's role in international development and the important contribution of many Canadians in developing countries
•Learn more about life in developing countries
•Find out how they can become active global citizens and get involved in international development

Please visit MCIC's website to learn how 8 Manitobans are making a difference in the world, and find out what YOU can do to contribute to making our planet more peaceful!

CELEBRATING CASA
In the midst of one of the bloodiest times in Mexico, where the drug wars of Mexican Cartels have left hundreds dead and terrorized citizens in one of North America’s poorest country, YMCA CASA remains a safe place for youth.

WHAT IS CASA?
Every year, thousands of youth try to enter the United States illegally by crossing the Mexico-US border. Once caught, they are brought back to the border and placed in a detention centre where they are interviewed and re-patriated. Without YMCA Homes like Casa, these youth would then be released onto the streets to fend for themselves. Without food or money, they are released into border towns such as Tijuana. With high violent crime, drug and prostitution rates, these youth were extremely vulnerable.

Since 1991 they have had a safe place to go. CASA is recognized as a lead provider of services to migrant youth, offering “basic food and shelter, psychosocial counselling, medical and social referral services and family reunification’. (YMCA HOMES FOR MIGRANT YOUTH, 2008).

Each home is managed by a resident host-family, attending to the migrant youths’ basic needs. Once they are settled in the Home, YMCA social workers begin a dialogue that will hopefully lead to reunifying the youths with their families, helping them to pursue healthier and safer life choices.

To date, over 50,000 young people have been helped by the CASA program.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
For over 10 years the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg has been a partner in support of the CASA program.

Individuals can donate to the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Strong Kids Campaign and designate their donation to the International Fund.

100% of donations received are used to support YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s International Partnerships.

PEACE MEDAL RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

2011-02-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Peace Medal is a reminder that it is possible to build a more peaceful world, one step at a time, and that everyone can be engaged in these efforts.

Each year the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s International Working Group, along with YMCA’s across Canada, sends out a call for nominations for this prestigious award. Every year the nominees continue to impress, and it is never an easy decision for those who select the recipients. 2010 again proved to be a year of tough deliberations.

The groups below stood out for their efforts, both at home and abroad, and we are pleased to recognize their efforts and award them the 2010 Youth Peace Medal.

TANZANIA 2010

The students of Kildonan-East Collegiate’s Tanzania 2010 project were recognized d

ue to their “dedication to the construction of water holding tanks, drinking and hand washing stations, private pit latrines for girls, and a hygiene and water management education program.” The group has been together for four years to fundraise for the project in East Africa, working within the broader framework of the NGO Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief. Aside from fundraising they have learned about global issues such as food security, gender equality, and basic human rights and they have shared this knowledge with their community. As a direct result of their activities, children at Qaru Lambo and Gilala schools in Tanzania, whose students previously drank from sloughs and missed a lot of school as a result of sickness, now have year round access to fresh drinking water for the next thirty years.

GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

The Gay Straight Alliance of Westwood Collegiate was chosen for “their dedication to creating a welcoming, safe and respectful school as ambassadors of acceptance for others.” Functioning for two years in Westwood Collegiate the GSA has proved popular amongst students due to its strong message of acceptance, human rights, safety, peace and harmony. They work tirelessly to fulfill their vision of “A school where everyone is welcome, safe and respected.” They hosted several events including a rainbow sticker drive for Gay Pride week, creating information pamphlets advocating for gay rights, created a teacher education package for “How to Teach Acceptance”, and they inspired 90% of the student body to wear purple on October 20, 2010 to send the message to bring an end to homophobic physical and emotional abuse, amongst many additional accomplishments. They have also helped other GSA groups form throughout the division and city. Their nominator stated that she has seen a change in the school since the group was formed – the atmosphere at the school is happier and more accepting and tolerant. In particular, the peace medal review committee appreciated the positive, inclusive approach taken by the group to build understanding and commitment among students and teachers.

Peace Quotes

2010-11-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear... That old law about "an eye for an eye" leaves everybody blind... The time is always right to do the right thing... Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

We hope that you had the opportunity to experience Peace Week, and we hope that you will take the inspiration from the event and incorporate it into your daily life.

REMINDER: Peace Medal Nominations | Dealine Approaches

Nominations are being accepted until December 3, 2010! Forms are available here on our blog (toolbar to your right) or on our website.

Peace Quotes

2010-11-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

PEACE WEEK is underway and runs until November 27th!

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know Peace" (Jimi Hendrix)

“We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

PEACE MEDAL NOMINATION DATE APPROACHES

December 3rd is the deadline from nominations for this year's Peace Medals. Please see the Peace Week headline on the right hand side of this page for all of the nomination forms, or visit our website.

PEACE WEEK 2010 APPROACHES!

2010-11-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Imagine for a moment that our world was at peace. What would peace look like? How would your life change?

Peace Week | November 20-27, 2010

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg marks YMCA World Peace Week by dedicating a week in November to engaging people of all ages in exploring peace and integrating peace building activities into their personal lives, their community and overseas.

Peace Week is an expression of YMCA values – from values of caring and respect, to efforts we make everyday to be inclusive and build bridges among people from diverse backgrounds, to work in fellowship with YMCAs and YWCAs worldwide, addressing issues of social justice and human rights.

Call for Peace Medal Nominations

Do you know an individual or group who voluntarily contributes to peace building in your community? Celebrate their achievements by nominating them for a Youth or Adult Peace Medal!

We need your help to identify individuals and groups in your community who contribute to the peacemaking process. The Peace Medal is a reminder that it is possible to build a more peaceful world, one step at a time, and that everyone can be engaged in these efforts.

To make a nomination, simply complete the Registration Form, and answer the questions on the How to Nominate an Individual or Group sheet. A full list of past recipients can be found here. The deadline for nominations is December 3, 2010.

The Recipients of the 2010 Peace Medals will be announced at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Annual General Meeting on January 31, 2011.

We look forward to celebrating Peace Week with you from November 20-27th!

World Alliance in Hong Kong

2010-09-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg welcomes the YMCA of Regina to the International blog! The YMCA of Regina is a fellow partner of the Tijuana YMCA and the Montevideo YMCA, and therefore there has been much collaboration between our Ys over the years. Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen of Regina attended our latest International Working Group meeting via conference call and we look forward to learning more about each other through the wonders of virtual media! Some history on Regina's Global Participation:

The YMCA of Regina has had participation in numerous global events in recent years. This list includes sending a delegate to the 16th World Alliance of YMCA's in South Africa in 2006, as well as numerous exchange programs with the Tijuana YMCA in Mexico and Montevideo YMCA in Uruguay, and participation in the YMCA Europe Festival with a team of 8 youth in 2008. Lastly, the YMCA of Regina is proud to be sending a youth delegate to participate in the 17th World Council meeting taking place in Hong Kong in July 2010.

Alex Rhead participated in the World Council meeting in Hong Kong and sent us some thoughts on her experience:

Alex Rhead on the left, with Koray

Let me introduce myself. My name is Alex Rhead and I am the Youth Development Director at the YMCA of Regina. I grew up at the YMCA, attended Youth programs, and I began working at the Front Desk in 2006. I graduated from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, and then transferred to work in the Y’s Community Development Department. My first International experience with the YMCA was a Conference in Mexico City in 2007. Most recently, in July 2010, I had the wonderful opportunity to represent YMCA Canada as a Youth Delegate in Hong Kong for the 2010 World Alliance.

I was most surprised about . . .

The importance of the C in the YMCA’s around the world. The Canadian YMCA’s are a small group of organizations whose Mission is values-based, but not specifically Christian-values. I experienced this phenomenon to a degree in Mexico City, but was surprised with the amount of controversy that surrounded this in Hong Kong. Since the beginning of the YMCA, there has been debate with how integral Christianity is to the Y’s work. By no means did we get to the bottom of this issue but it was interesting to hear both sides of this conversation.

I was most proud to be Canadian when . . .

During the Cultural Night, every Area- Alliance or Country presented something representative of where they came from. The Canadian Delegation decided to show a slideshow of Canadian landscapes while some individuals completed the sentence ‘ I am proud to be Canadian because. . .’ Afterwards, we played K’Naan’s ‘Waving Flag’ . This song was significant because it was featured in the World Cup, K’Naan is a Canadian Refugee, as well as the video featured the earthquake in Haiti, and the YMCAs of Quebec are international partners with the Haitian Y. As the video played, we handed out YMCA and Canadian Flags, and all World Council participants waved them in time with the music.

This moment was inspiring in itself, but what had an even stronger impact on me was the people that approached me afterwards. Many were curious about our country, and asked to be an ‘honorary Canadian’. We wanted our presentation to portray Canadian diversity and unity- and this was definitely accomplished.

I will bring away with me. . .

It is so important for the Y to provide opportunities for meaningful youth engagement on all levels of its governance. Our Youth Delegation recognizes that this is a very dynamic issue- and it will take lots of dedication, time and resources to implement strategies to make this a reality. Still, the YMCA is an organization that was founded by a man who at the time was only 21 years old. In order to stay relevant in our communities, the YMCA must engage the youth and utilize them as a resource for the present and future. YMCA Canada has taken steps to begin to develop a year-round forum for youth voice in federation decision making. As well, at the Regina YMCA we have implemented youth advisory committees connected to all Leadership Development Programming.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Alex!

To learn more about the YMCA of Regina's International Development program, please visit their website!

Canada Night - Wave those Canadian flags!

Voting takes place at the World Council. (Featured: Marilyn Kapitany of Winnipeg)

The Canadian Delegation in Hong Kong

CASA Update

2010-06-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

One of the most dramatic programs I have come across with the Winnipeg YMCA-YWCA International Working Group are the “Casa” programs of the YMCA of Mexico.

Since 2002 the Winnipeg YMCA has been a supporter of the Casa programs. Here is a brief report on the current status of the Mexican YMCA's Homes for Migrant Youth.

The mission of the YMCA Homes for Migrant Youth is:

To contribute to the holistic development of youth along the Mexican-U.S. border in spirit, mind and body, seeking the maximum protection of their human rights, providing migrant youth with safe and secure shelter including food, clothing, health services and access to a means of communication, with the ultimate goal of reuniting them with their families.

The YMCA Homes for Migrant Youth were established in 1990 to respond to the needs of young people under the age of 18 who were repatriated to Mexico after crossing the U.S./Mexico border without proper documentation. Before the creation of the YMCA Homes, migrant youth were left by border authorities in cities along the Mexican side of the border without protection, services or shelter. The youth lived in extreme poverty and risk. Most could not find food or shelter. Many were abused by criminals involved in prostitution, drug trafficking and gang-related activities.

The YMCA of Mexico, with support of U.S. local YMCAs and Canadian YMCAs, organized a network of YMCA homes that provide vital food, shelter, counseling and reunification services to migrant youth in four cities. It is now considered a model program by the Mexican and United States governments and by a wide range of non-profit and human service organizations working along the border. The YMCA Homes have helped over 50,000 young people since 1991.

Collectively, the YMCA Homes served 3,949 youth in 2008. This number is consistent with previous years and current YMCA capacity. The YMCA Home in Tijuana served 1,935 youth, the YMCA Home in Ciudad Juarez served 536 youth, the YMCA Home in Piedras Negras served 944 youth, and the YMCA Home in Agua Prieta served 534 youth. 80.3% of the youth served by the four homes were males. 71.5% were between the ages 16 and 17, and 23.6% were age 15 or younger. The YMCA successfully reunified 79.66% of the youth with their families in Mexico.

Developments

The YMCA of Mexico has made significant progress in the Capital Campaign for the YMCA Homes for Migrant Youth. In 2008 the YMCA raised $1,509,063.12 Mexican Pesos (approx. 120,000.00 USD) for the construction of two of the YMCA Homes, Piedras Negras, Coahuila and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The capital campaign will run until 2010.

The new model of the YMCA Homes will allow the YMCA to serve the current population of migrant youth and to reach other groups in the local community through prevention programs for local youth and families at risk. The ground breaking ceremony is planned for the fall 2009 and the construction in Piedras Negras is expected to take seven months.

To support this project, the YMCAs of Western Canada led by the YMCA – YWCA of Winnipeg created a task force that will join the efforts of the Mexican Federation of YMCAs to complete this project. The YMCA plans to mobilize resources and support from local and state governments for this project. This new YMCA Home will benefit 1,500 migrant youth as well as the local community.

For a personal perspective on the experience of day-to-day life at the Casa in Tijuana, take a look at this article from the Winnipeg YMCA-YWCA International Newsletter, Summer 2007.

Reported by Don Fraser
International Working Group Member

Working Group member off to Mexico!

2010-06-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Mary Moore, South’s Children’s Program Coordinator, was selected through an application process to attend the Mano A Mano Youth Summit – Empowering the Youth of the Americas, in Tijuana, Mexico this July 19 – 31. Mano A Mano is sponsored by the YMCA’s of Canada, Mexico and the United States and will focus on global issues affecting youth and emphasize civic engagement and community development. The program will not only empower youth to be agents of change, it will create fellowship and networks among youth leaders in the Americas. Mary looks forward to this amazing opportunity and we anticipate her feedback and sharing when she returns. All of Mary’s expenses will be covered by funding through our International program.

Congratulations Mary!

Hungry for Haiti

2010-03-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

The South Youth Leaders raise almost $5000 to support the people of Haiti

In the aftermath of the massive earthquake that struck Haiti Tuesday January 12, 2010, and in light YMCA International Week (February 1st-7th), the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Leadership Program participants decided to be a part of the YMCA movement across the world and come together to assist the YMCA of Haiti affected by the disaster.

In just days after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, an estimated one-third of Haiti's population (3 million people) were affected. The extent of the devastation slowed down aid distribution, shorting the supply of water, electricity and communication.

A little known fact is that there are actually small YMCA’s in Haiti that have been focused on helping youth and the poorest people in the country since their inception in 2001. YMCA Haiti has three program sites: Port-Au-Prince, Camp Perrin and Ste. Suzanne that were established with support from the YMCA of Montreal. The YMCA Konbit Youth Centre in Port-Au-Prince's main activities include HIV/AIDS prevention training for youth volunteers who then work in the community, leadership training, a reading club, homework help, English classes, sports and cultural dance activities and discussion groups.

Since the disaster, contact has been made with the YMCA of Haiti which has confirmed that participants and staff are safe and the main offices of the YMCA in Port-au-Prince have been destroyed. The status of the two other program sites outside of Port-au-Prince is unknown.

The South Branch Leaders and LITs thought of a creative way to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti in a small but meaningful way. As the Leaders and LITs learned, Haiti is facing a food supply crisis in an already chaotic situation. Without access to food and other supplies, Haitians are becoming desperate and turning to violence in order to fulfill their needs and the needs of their family. Lack of proper food also results in malnutrition, which leads to many complications to the current problem; proper nutrition is required for the hard manual labour the Haitians are doing to dig through rubble; is needed to ensure proper healing of wounds and prevention of infections; and will be vital for keeping the body healthy enough to fight off diseases.

The leadership participants collected pledges for “Hungry for Haiti” and hosted a Pancake Breakfast to help raise money to aid in the relief of Haiti’s hardships. All proceeds went to YMCA Canada, who sent the money to the YMCA Haitian Relief Effort coming in from the YMCA of Dominican Republic.

Hungry for Haiti: Leaders and LITs made a stand of solidarity with Haitians by choosing to go hungry for 24 hours in return for pledges from friends and family. The youth participated in a slide show that Leaders made to raise awareness about the situation, played games based on international development and aid, and slept over in the South Branch Child Care Centre.

Pancake Breakfast: Contributors, friends and family of leadership participants, as well as YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg members were invited to join the Sleep-Over Activity Participants in a pancake breakfast prepared by Leaders on Sunday, February 7th at 10:00am, with a recommended donation of $5.00.

The Leadership Program is proud to announce that Leaders and LIT’s raised over $2420.00 of the South Branch’s total donation of $2669.28. Better yet, the government matched these donations, bringing the Leaders and LIT’s total contribution to YMCA Haiti to $4840.00! In fact, YMCA Canada President and CEO, Scott Haldane was so impressed when he heard what our youth were doing that he sent an e-mail thanking and congratulating our group for “their generous support” stating, “they have led the way for both the YMCA and Canadian youth in general”.

The “Hungry for Haiti” event was made possible thanks to our staff volunteers: Nicole Griffo, Shameel Thakrar, Janet Young, Ian McArton, Sydney McArton, Paul-Tyler Vincent as well as the South Family Child Care Centre, who allowed us to use their space. Finally, a thank you to all of the Leaders who planned presentations and lead discussions, and to all participants who raised money and went hungry to show their support.

Contributed by Mary Moore
Program Coordinator, South Branch
Member of the YMCA-YWCA International Working Group

Update on Uruguay

2010-01-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

The ACJ - Asociación Cristiana de Jóvenes – Montevideo YMCA, marked it's 100th anniversary in 2009. Celebrations brought together the 5 Uruguay YMCA’s; Montivedeo, Salto, Paysandu, San Jose and Rivera. The Winnipeg Y has a long history of exchange with Uruguay.

Here is a quick look at the most recent report from Uruguay to the YMCA of Canada covering the period April 2008 to December 2009.

In 2008 national and local goals were set to strengthen the national movement of the YMCA’s of Uruguay. National goals focused on leadership development and advanced staff training. Local goals aimed for extensive staff training and programs for marginalized youth.

Over the period dozens of events brought relevant training to all levels of YMCA staff, as well as volunteers and leaders throughout the country. YMCA staff provided training in a wide range of governance topics, from leadership, fundraising, marketing, and operational matters, through to strategic planning, history and Mission.

At the local level, the San Jose YMCA was able to purchase land enabling the expansion of their After School Centre, allowing them to serve more youth . The After school Centre was built with the help of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. The Salto YMCA created a new training- for- employment program for youth in extremely vulnerable social situations.

The agenda has clearly been a tremendous success.

Seeking to learn more about the YMCA’s of Uruguay, I travelled to the website of the Montivedeo ACJ, a wonderful site, replete with photo galleries and even ACJ-TV! Watch ‘100 years of History’ or explore the many locations and wide range of programs offered. Here is the link to their website: http://www.acj-ymca.org/index.php

Contributed by Don, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg International Working Group Member

Relief efforts in Haiti

2010-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

All of us at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg send our best wishes to the citizens of Haiti during this period of grief and recovery.
Y's across Canada are joining the relief effort in Haiti.
YMCA Canada has already donated $5000. This donation was matched by YMCA Montreal and the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. Y's across Canada are donating varying amounts towards the relief effort as well.

From YMCA Canada:

Thank you for your support of the World Alliance of YMCA’s appeal on behalf of the YMCA of Haiti. Your generosity is appreciated; YMCA Canada has already received a number of donations from Associations.

The YMCA Canada website has been updated to include information about the YMCA of Haiti appeal for people who would like to contribute to the recovery and rebuilding of the YMCA of Haiti. As information becomes available, we will post updates on the status of the YMCA of Haiti and on the relief efforts of the YMCA of Dominican Republic.

The website will also include:

- A link to the YMCAs of Québec Foundation webpage on Canada Helps for online donations.
- A link to the YMCAs of Québec webpage describing the work of their partner YMCA of Haiti.
- A link to the Canadian government's webpage giving the details of how the matching contribution program for individual donations will work.

Here is a response to common questions about individual contributions to the appeal as well as a brief status update.

Donations by individuals to the YMCA of Haiti Emergency Appeal (members, volunteers, and staff)

YMCA Canada is accepting contributions from individuals to this appeal. Cheques can be made out to YMCA Canada and should include the donor’s name, address and a designation to the Haiti YMCA Emergency Appeal. YMCA Canada will issue a charitable receipt.

YMCA Canada
42 Charles Street East 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M4Y 1T4
Attn: Haiti YMCA Emergency Appeal

Individuals giving to the YMCA of Haiti Emergency Appeal will have their donation matched dollar for dollar by the government. The Canadian government has now clarified that individual donations to any registered Canadian charity that are earmarked for Haiti emergency relief between January 12 and February 12 will be matched to create the government’s Earthquake Relief Fund. This Earthquake Relief Fund will be allocated to eligible relief and humanitarian organizations. (At this time, it’s not yet clear whether the YMCA would be eligible to apply to the government’s Earthquake Relief Fund.)

As a reminder, funds raised through the YMCA of Haiti Emergency Appeal will be used to support long-term rehabilitation and recovery as well as short-term emergency relief.

Update on the YMCA of Haiti

Successful contact has been made with the YMCA of Haiti which has confirmed that participants and staff are safe and the main offices of the YMCA in Port-au-Prince have been destroyed. The status of the two other program sites outside of Port-au-Prince is unknown.

The YMCA of Dominican Republic assessment and relief mission to Haiti, which is coordinated with local relief agencies, will likely take place mid-week as the security situation stabilizes within the country.

Thanks for your continuing support.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-11T11:55:00.001-08:00

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg's

International Working Group

wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season!

During this festive time, it is always important to think of those less fortunate.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to the International fund, please visit our website at www.ywinnipeg.ca or CanadaHelps.org

Coming to the blog in the new year:

Information on Uruguay's Casita
Profile of Cat Ross, this year's Peace Medal winner
International Development week in February
and much more!

Statement of Peace

2009-11-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

From the World Alliance of YMCA's 1981 Statement of Peace:

Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us.

The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…

Peace Week is here!

2009-11-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

PEACE WEEK IS HERE!

We'd love to hear about your experiences with Peace Week Activities. Please feel free to leave a comment below!

Peace Week!

2009-11-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Peace Week is just around the corner! Soon Peace Week displays and activities will be featured at your YMCA-YWCA Winnipeg Branch.

Peace Week is November 21-28, 2009.

What is Peace Week?

In 1984 YMCA Canada decided to add an entire week of peace-related activities to follow Peace Day. Peace Week runs from the third to the fouth Saturday in November each year.

YMCA World Peace Week provides an opportunity for YMCAs across the country to promote activities and educational programs to help people explore peace from a personal, community, and international perspective. We teach children, youth and adults about the many dimensions of peace such as acceptance, inclusiveness, caring, respect and responsibility.

Peace Week is unique to Canada.

Stay tuned for our announcement of the 2009 Peace Medal Winner!

FACES FROM THE BORDER - Part 2

2009-11-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

The following are a few examples of the lives of youth who are served by the YMCA Homes. These youth try to enter the U.S. looking for better economic opportunities and/or to join parents, siblings and relatives. Many end up going through horrific border crossing experiences filled with exploitation and tragedy. Most arrive at the YMCA Homes mentally and physically traumatized.

Elizandro, 17 years
From Meztitlan, Hidalgo

It was my mother who talked to a friend about my trip to the Metztitlan, There were about 18 people from my town, but in the bus there was a total of 50 people; the rest were from other little towns in my region. We arrived to Sonora to a hotel that looked more like a house. As soon as we got there they split the group and I was in a group of 20 people and 2 smugglers.

We walked for one night and one day; an 18 wheeler picked us up on the side of the road. One of the smugglers had a cellular phone and when we were in the top of the hills he made a call. We hid in the house of the smugglers for about 8 days, after that they crossed to the U.S. and took all the people there and sent groups of people. I was in a group of 18 and they sent us directly to Detroit in vans.

I got to Rafael’s brother’s home. Rafael is my friend in Meztitlan, and he has been in the U.S. for about 6 years. The next day he took me to get my false ID and my social security card; if you want to work you need those immediately. He lent me the money and after I found a job I paid him back. I was able to find a job in a factory that builds vehicle parts. In that factory they hire a lot of migrants, they know that the documents we show are fake, but they support the migrants. The money was not bad, I worked there for a while and after that I moved to a tomato packing factory, since I was saving some money I was able to buy a few things, my bed, stereo, television, clothes and shoes, every ting seemed to be ok.

One day after work some guys offered me a ride home, it was three of us in total, as soon as we got off work we got stopped by the cops, because there was a problem with the vehicle. They kept us in jail for four days. When we were there the Border Patrol showed up to pick us up. The police called them; I was the youngest of the 3 of us. They sent me to the Southwest Key house in the city of Concord, California. The other guys were deported immediately. I was there from March 22 until May 22, I was learning some math and English while I was there. They also took us a few times to the Beach, and got some guitar lessons; they also gave us a dollar per day. While I was there I was told that the Mexican Consulate would give me $250.00 for my ticket to go back home after I was deported. On May 19 I went to court and someone asked if I had the money to go back to my town, a Social Worker intervened and said that the Mexican Immigration would be responsible for that expense, and she didn’t even let me talk. Now I’m in Mexico, without a penny to go home, I’ve lost all my belongings that I paid for, I even left two cheques pending to cash at my work before I was detained and sent to the Southwest Key program. I called some of my friends and ask them to collect those cheques, and they said that the company did not want to give them my pending payment. I decided to call the company and they send me a fax that showed that my money was already paid to some of my “friends” it was almost one thousand dollars, I was robbed. They also took my belongings from my room, when I left home I started a small construction in my parent’s back yard and now I only have $50 that I saved while I was in Southwest Key. But is not important, I know how to work in the construction field and I know I will finish my own room, now I need to find a job as soon I get to my little town. To be honest I am very sad about what happened to me, but I know that I will get to see my family soon, very soon.

Source:

YMCA HOMES FOR MIGRANT YOUTH
Annual Report 2008, Mexican Federation of YMCAs

FACES FROM THE BORDER

2009-10-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

The following are a few examples of the lives of youth who are served by the YMCA Homes. These youth try to enter the U.S. looking for better economic opportunities and/or to join parents, siblings and relatives. Many end up going through horrific border crossing experiences filled with exploitation and tragedy. Most arrive at the YMCA Homes mentally and physically traumatized.

Mario Montes de Oca

From Ecatepec, State of Mexico

My name is Mario; I’m from the Estate of Mexico. I was born in March 23 1992. My parents were divorced and my dad once told me that my mom lives in Baja California, maybe in Tijuana or Rosarito. Since their divorce, my grandmother took care of me. Since then I talk to my dad once in a while over the phone, but never with my mom.

My friend and I decided to try to cross to the U.S. and find some work. When we arrived to Tijuana, we had no place to stay. We asked for help at the salvation Army shelter and we stayed there for 2 nights. Then, we decided to cross. Like many others, we got arrested when trying to cross through the mountains. As my friend was older, we got separated and I was interviewed by many people and got sent to the Casa YMCA.

During my stay here at the Casa YMCA, I have been trying to help Mari (YMCA staff in charge of the Home) in whatever she needs. She is very kind and always tries to help me to remember any address or phone number. I hope soon I will be able to remember them. Today it will be my first day at work in a carwash. I wish I could find my friend so we can both be together and maybe settle here in Tijuana. But for now, I know that my home is the Casa YMCA and even if Mari is not my family, she takes care of me and other guys that come in the same situation as me.

Source:
YMCA HOMES FOR MIGRANT YOUTH
Annual Report 2008, Mexican Federation of YMCAs

CASA - YMCA Homes in Mexico

2009-10-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

The mission of the YMCA Homes for Migrant Youth is:

To contribute to the holistic development of youth along the Mexican-U.S. border in spirit, mind and body, seeking the maximum protection of their human rights, providing migrant youth with safe and secure shelter including food, clothing, health services and access to a means of communication, with the ultimate goal of reuniting them with their families

FAST FACTS:

500,000 people migrate from Mexico each year
Many send money back to Mexico to help their families
Remittances from migrant workers in the US are now the country’s second highest source of income (over 25.1 billion dollars!)
The YMCA Homes have helped over 50, 000 young people since 1991
3,949 youth were helped in 2008
YMCA Homes successfully reunified almost 80% of youth with their families
2008 saw an increase in crime in border towns, when organized crime declared war on local state and federal authorities
2800 people were murdered in 2008 in connection with organized crime

CASA

Once the youth are caught entering the US illegally (either at the border, or other location in the country), the repatriation process begins. They’re brought back to the border and placed in a detention centre. “A migrant youth going trough the typical repatriation process has already been interviewed by 5 or 6 US and Mexican authorities before reaching the YMCA Home” (Annual Report, 2008)

Without YMCA Homes like Casa, these youth would then be released onto the streets to fend for themselves. Without food, money or shoes and released into border towns such as Tijuana, with high drug and child prostitution rates, the youth were extremely vulnerable.

Since 1991, they have had a safe place to go. The YMCA “is recognized as the lead provider of services to migrant youth in the areas of basic food and shelter, psycho-social counseling, medical and social referral services and family reunification” (AR, 2008)

Each home is managed by a residing host-family, attending to the migrant youths' basic needs. Once they're are settled in the Home, YMCA social workers begin a dialogue that will hopefully lead to reunifying the youths with their families, helping them to pursue healthier and safer life choices.

Most migrant youth stay for 3 to 8 days, but some stay for several months depending on economic or family circumstances. It costs $54 per day, per youth, which covers shelter, food, health and reunification.

Source:
YMCA HOMES FOR MIGRANT YOUTH
Annual Report 2008, Mexican Federation of YMCAs

NEXT WEEK: Faces from the Border

The Formal Introduction!

2009-10-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

I bet you're wondering ... what IS the International Working Group anyway?

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is part of a network of YMCAs and YWCAs located in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Through our overseas partnerships, we support community development projects such as youth employment, healthy living, community economic development, youth shelters and day care centres.

Locally, through newsletters, displays, special events (such as Peace Week and International Development Week) and fund raising, we provide opportunities for members, participants and the general public to learn about international issues and develop a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.

Thank you for visiting our blog - we look forward to sharing with you what we're up to and how YOU can get involved!

PEACE WEEK

2009-10-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

The International Working Group is looking foward to

PEACE WEEK

November 21-28, 2009

Watch for more information at your local YMCA-YWCA!

Do you know an individual or group that contributes to peacebuilding in your community?

You can nominate them for the PEACE MEDAL to recognize and share their achievements!

Peace Jam

2009-09-02T19:36:00.001-07:00

So we must fix our vision not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but upon the positive affirmation of peace. - Martin Luther King, Jr

Imagine for a moment that our world was at Peace. What would peace look like? How would your life change?

Every year the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg celebrates World Peace Week with YMCAs across the globe. This year’s theme was “The Power of Peace. The Power of People,” encouraging everyone from all walks of life, in each moment of their day, to strive to live peacefully. The LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM held a Peace Jam for their youth in order to “to show our own youth the power that they possess as individuals and as a group” said Mary Moore, the South branch’s Youth Coordinator. The event included games, crafts, food and a guest speaker to present a workshop on Conscious Communication.

Conscious Communication is a method for the effective and efficient sharing of ideas, thoughts and feelings between two or more people. Conscious Communication encourages us to be conscious of our body language and method of speech when communicating with others, and avoiding the trappings of violence in our choice of words and posture. Basically, Conscious Communication is about being mindful of how we use our language - verbal or body - in order to express ourselves.

“The presenter discussed liberating ourselves from cultural learning … and encouraged us to create structures in our lives that support compassionate giving” relayed Mary Moore, who co-ordinates the Leaders Program.

The Leadership Development Program is an integral part of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, engaging youth to explore their potential in a value-based space. The program provides teens with a welcoming, supportive and safe environment in which they are afforded the opportunity to grow as individuals by sharing their skills and knowledge with others, gaining new skills, and becoming involved with their community.

After the presentation, the group had a chance to discuss the information. Mary noted that the youth thought the most important thing they can do to bring Conscious Communication into their lives is to UN-learn what they already “know.”

We talked about how we communicate with people as we judge them on the way they dress, the way they act and the way others treat them. The youth discovered the importance of questioning conformity. Another strong point we discussed was the concept of making compassionate giving natural. The youth discussed the significance of empathy and understanding – as it applies both to themselves and others.

A few months have passed since the Peace Jam and presentation, and I wanted to know if any of the concepts had a lasting impression. Was the information left at the door, or did it continue to impact these young people in the months after, when they were tempted to fall back into their old habits? Moore commented that she has seen an increased level of maturity in her Leaders, and they are better able to consider the viewpoints of others when discussing important issues, and expressing their values to others.

What does Moore hope that her Leaders gain from this experience?

As a human being I hope they learn to question, but question in a way that they are open to learning and understanding and to never be afraid to broaden their horizons - Above all, I hope that the youth gained that we care about them so much that we want to hear their ideas, their stories and their values and that learning effective communication is a skill that can promote compassion, understanding and above all, peace.

Would you like to learn more about the YMCA-YWCA Leaders Program, Peace Week and other initiatives? Visit us on the web at http://www.ywinnipeg.ca/!