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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Children & Youth, Youth Centers & Clubs
Mission: The purpose of the california state alliance is to further the public and charitable purposes of young men's christian associations incorporated as nonprofit public benefit corporations in the state of california by: (i) advocating on behalf of children and families and promoting spiritual, social and mental development, healthy living and social responsibility of youth and adults, (ii) making california citizens and policy makers aware of california ymcas' mission and programs and gain recognition as a leader on issues related to development, healthy living and social responsibility of youth and adults, (iii) protecting the operating integrity of california ymcas in order to carry out their public and charitable purposes, and (iv) fostering statewide communication and cooperation among california ymcas to address issues of importance to california ymcas and their mission.
Programs: Healthy living- the california state alliance of ymcas promotes healthy living in california by promoting public heath initiatives through advocacy, advocating in support of the health and fitness programs of our member associations, and supporting collaboration among our member associations on statewide initiatives to promote healthy living. In 2014 we engaged our member associations in a statewide initiative to advance healthy eating and physical activity (hepa) standards in out-of-school programs, including grants to two member associations to provide training to staff on incorporating hepa standards. We also convened a leadership group of health experts to develop plans for advancing hepa standards in out-of-school settings, culminating in advocating to the state legislature for a policy to incentivize hepa standards in afterschool programs throughout the state.
youth development- the california state alliance of ymcas promotes youth development in california by promoting investment in youth development through advocacy, advocating in support of the youth development programs of our member associations, and supporting collaboration among our member associations on statewide initiatives to promote youth development. In 2014 we engaged our member associations in a statewide initiative to prevent childhood sexual abuse in california, using a community training program called darkness to light. Member associations received resources to develop staff as trainers and deliver abuse prevention trainings to community members across the state. Our advocacy focused on state legislation to define seasonal day camps in order to better regulate day camps for the health and safety of children, as well as planning for advocacy for increasing funding to a state-funded afterschool program.
social responsibility- the california state alliance of ymcas promotes social responsibility in california by promoting volunteerism and community benefit through advocacy, advocating in support of the social responsibility programs of our member associations, and developing the california state alliance of ymcas as an effective advocacy and membership organization to better serve california through all aspects of our work. In support of these goals in 2014, we embarked on incorporating as a 501c4 organization, established bylaws and directors, hired our first executive director, developed key relationships with state agencies and other community organizations, and engaged our members in developing a strategic plan, identifying priorities for advocacy, establishing advocacy protocols, and developing agreements to ensure embodiment of principles of social responsibility among all member associations.