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Organization name
The NGO is YMCA (Young Men Christian Association). The chief executive officer and
the president is Suzanne McCormick. YMCA is one of a kind based on its endeavor of
strengthening community via inspiring action across and in communities, improving the
wellbeing and health of individuals of all ages, and empowering young people.
b. Services/Performance/Achievements
At YMCA, the NGO is committed to strengthening communities by linking individuals
to their purpose, potential, and each other. For over 10,000 communities in the U.S., YMCA has
the partnership and presence to not only one promise but to deliver affirmative change. YMCA’s
mission is to apply Christian principles through programs that build a healthy body, mind, and
spirit for all (YMCA, 2021). The NGO is guided by its core values of responsibility, respect, and
honesty. YMCA does not discriminate based on background or age as it gives people of all walks
of life the opportunity to attain their utmost potential with dignity. The vision of the YMCA is to
have a future where people from all walks of life feel secure, make connections, gain confidence,
and achieve health at every stage of life (YMCA, 2021). The organization focuses on developing
new generations of change-makers tasked with creating communities everyone wishes to live in.
YMCA believes that everyone deserves a chance to attain their utmost potential
regardless of an individual's background. One way that YMCA does this is through youth
development. The organization is focused on nurturing the potential of every teen and child
(YMCA, 2021). They ensure that the youth are empowered to lead successful and inspired lives.
The youth development programs range from sports, afterschool services, and child care, and
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many more. YMCA offers holistic programming that nurtures, protects, and enhances
exceptional development journeys for every teen and child.
Early learning and child care programs at the YMCA focus on broadly nurturing child
development by boosting self-reliance, fostering healthy relationships, and building foundational
skills. All this occurs in a supportive and safe environment (YMCA, 2021). YMCA has
academic and leadership enrichment programs that assist millions of youths in building the
confidence and skills to reach their potential and impact positive change in their communities.
Through play, sports and swimming, YMCA is committed to enabling children to live active and
healthy lifestyles. These activities assist in building healthy and lifelong habits and acquiring
confidence that helps foster positive relationships (YMCA, 2021). The camps at YMCA offer
children numerous opportunities to make lasting friendships, lead, learn, and laugh. There are
overnight and day camp options where the trained counselors and proven programs offer
memorable, meaningful experiences that attract kids every year.
YMCA is focused on healthy living through the provision of various programs. The
fitness, wellbeing, and health program is tailored to meet the individual wellbeing of everyone
involved in the program. YMCA offers a welcoming and fun environment focused on building
confidence, endurance, and strength. Children are also taught how they can be safe around water
(YMCA, 2021). The YMCA believes that exploring new interests and friendly competition are
important in human development through sports and recreation. YMCA also values family time
by offering meaningful, memorable experiences for everyone. Families come together at YMCA
in search of new and fun activities.
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Some of the notable achievements for YMCA are the organization assisted in founding
the United Service Organizations (USO), the Negro National Baseball League, Camp Fire Girls,
The Boy Scouts of America, and the Gideons. YMCAs invented volleyball and basketball.
YMCAs pioneered teaching English as a second language, night schools, public libraries, and
camping (University of Minnesota, 2019)
. SWOT analysis
Strengths
The most imperative asset that an organization possesses is enjoying communities’
support in the surrounding regions. YMCA has managed to win the public’s hearts due to the
generous activities they offer individuals, families, and children across the globe. YMCA has
people's best interests at heart, and they are not in business for the money. Instead, they are
focused on raising funds that can help in meeting the needs of communities. Therefore, the
strength indicates that the goals and motives of YMCA are pure and align with their local
communities. Another major strength is based on how YMCA is well-known across the globe,
based on the diverse ways they assist communities worldwide. In the U.S., YMCA serves more
than 10,000 communities (YMCA, 2021). Since YMCA is a global NGO, numerous different
cultures are familiar with YMCA. Therefore, the organization is respected and well-known. In
addition to the company’s globalization, YMCA has the capability to diverse in two ways. One
way entails the different genders, races, and ages that utilize the offered services and facilities.
The second way that YMCA facilitates diversity is through the different activities offered by the
organization (YMCA, 2021). Since the YMCA is a non-profit entity with high respect and regard
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for numerous communities, they team up with larger organizations and receive donations, which
assists the organization in fulfilling its objectives.
Weaknesses
In every organization, there are strengths and weaknesses. The same case applies to
YMCA, which has various weaknesses despite being an NGO. One major weakness is its
inability to evolve. YMCA is a non-profit organization that has gained the trust of various
communities and is viable for community involvement. However, this has the probability of
holding the organization back. Most of the YMCA’s money is distributed through donations to
neighboring communities or initiatives to improve communities. From a humanitarian
perspective, this is a noble thing for the organization (Funds for NGOs, 2019). However, from a
business viewpoint, this is a weakness. Most of the organization’s resources are diverted to
helping communities, leading to their equipment and buildings being somewhat outdated. When
compared to the state-of-the-art gyms provided by other organizations, YMCA equipment
appears to be outdated. Furthermore, the YMCA membership is community-oriented. Thus, a
possible member may opt to visit another state of the art gym such as Planet Fitness, which is
across the street since they have more modern facilities and equipment (Narayanan, 2012). In
addition, they will have the luxury of visiting the Planet Fitness gym based on the flexibility it
offers.
The second weakness of YMCA is in its name Young Men's Christian Association.
Though the organization was initially initiated to be a Christian organization for young men, the
organization’s agenda has switched from religion to assisting the community and children.
YMCA faces the predicament of succeeding in some countries due to its affiliation to
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Christianity. Therefore, the “Christianity” in the organization's name may lead some countries
affiliated with other religions to stay away from the organization. There are about ten YMCAs in
China. Nevertheless, their locations are not very well known since religion is not freely
expressed like in the United States in China. There is freedom of religion in China, but the
government does not permit individuals to voice their religion. Hence, an individual who is a
YMCA member is prohibited from discussing his/her membership. In the U.S., there is freedom
of religion, but countries with dissimilar government policies hinder people from proclaiming
their religion in the open (Narayanan, 2012). Consequently, YMCA is globally limited. YMCA
pays low wages to its employees, which lowers their motivation in meeting the organization’s
objectives. There is also the weakness of the organization having inefficient camping facilities.
Opportunities
It is important to consider the opportunities that exist for YMCA. YMCA has the
probability of collaborating with other corporations with which their interests align. An example
of such an organization is The Young Women Christian Association. (YWCA) which is distinct
from YMCA (Narayanan, 2012). However, both of these organizations are non-profit and share
identical goals of assisting the youth to have a better life and helping the communities around
them. They also provide activities for children and families. If YWCA and YMCA can link up,
this would culminate in more business and community growth opportunities. The second
opportunity for YMCA would be to invest in new equipment, which would attract lucrative
membership deals that would facilitate healthy living in local communities. People would be
getting the appropriate workout since the equipment would be modern and effective. YMCA has
the opportunity of partnering with more schools, which will boost its youth-related programs
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Threats
YMCA faces various threats despite being an NGO. Since YMCA is a global
organization, it encounters diverse threats based on where it is located. In the United States, one
major threat is stiff competition from other fitness centers that operate for 24 hours. In addition,
people have busy schedules and different working shifts, making it intricate to visit the gym
during the day. Nevertheless, facilities that are always open offers flexibility to their members
and ensure they get the value for the money they pay. There is also the threat of YMCA being
perceived as a scam, like other organizations like the Red Cross Scam (Narayanan, 2012).
Therefore, well-wishers may avoid making donations based on their perception that they may fall
into the trap of scammers. Lastly, there is the threat of a change in trends. For instance, the
ongoing pandemic limits physical interaction, meaning that most YMCAs have to be canceled.
d. Recommendations for the organization
● YMCA should invest in modern gym equipment, which will attract youths willing to
have a healthy and fulfilling life.
● YMCA should review the wages for their employees and ensure that they are adequately
compensated to boost their morale.
● YMCA should invest in camping gear so that those going camping can have an enjoyable
and fulfilling time.
● YMCA should partner with other NGOs that have similar objectives so that they can help
more communities and youths
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● YMCA should consider having their gyms operate on a 24/7 basis to offer gym users
more flexibility
● YMCA should improve on its business strategies through flexibility and hiring
knowledgeable managers who will apply new business ideas to facilitate the competitive
power of the organization.
● The organization should consider having day camp programs to offer more flexibility to
campers.
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References
Funds for NGOs, (2019). SWOT Analysis for NGOs. Retrieved on September 26, 2021, from
https://www.fundsforngos.org/featuredarticles/55465/#:~:text=The%20SWOT%20analysis%20is%20a,marketing%2C%20prod
uct%20development%20and%20more.
Narayanan, J. (2012). Strategic planning for NGOs. New Jersey Lap Lambert Academic Publ.
University of Minnesota (2019). About The Exhibit. Retrieved on September 26, 2021, from
http://gallery.lib.umn.edu/exhibits/show/ymca-america/about_the_exhibit
YMCA, (2021). YMCA. Retrieved on September 26, 2021, from https://www.ymca.org/
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