Faces in OUR crowd
Row 1 -- Dorothy Markell, Lou Falk, Mike Frith.
Row 2 -- Dave and Bonnie Saunders, Bruce Macdonald, Kevin and Tania Griffin
International
Service Corps (ISC)
A program of YMCA Alumni
Contact ISC
Click a button and learn about ISC
Leading the way
ISC is managed by a committee of representatives from each YMCA Alumni chapter chaired by Bob Martin of the Willis Chapter. The committee reports to the YMCA Alumni Board of Directors.
A caring visit to
migrant teens left behind in Mexico
By Bob Martin, ISC Chair
The YMCA Alumni International Service Corps ISCO is looking at new ways to provide international experiences to our members.
Our first example of this was an exploratory visit to Tijuana, Mexico, in October. We wanted to explore establishing a longer-term relationship with the Casa YMCA for Migrant Children.
On our first day, we visited the Community Center YMCA of Tijuana, which has a wonderful preschool with 12 classes. We met with the kids, and they gave us all high fives and fist bumps; some things have no language barrier.
We painted the walls of their main building a beautiful royal blue, much of which ended up on my pants and shoes.
Click the button to read the full story.
Current opportunities to serve
YMCAs from other countries have requested volunteers from ISC for a variety of service opportunities. Here are current opportunities. Have an interest in any of them? Just click the button at the bottom and send us a note asking for the details on any opportunity in which you might be interested. All are face-to-face onsite experiences unless otherwise noted.
Bahamas
The YMCA of Grand Bahamas in Freeport brings as many as 500 children a day into its aquatics programs. The Y requests support in aquatics programming, government grant writing, staff development and member services.
Teresa Hill of the Grand Canyon Chapter was on ISC assignment at the YMCA of the Grand Bahamas in November 2023, developing and enhancing the Y's aquatics programs, providing staff and customer service training, and consulting on funding.
Dominican Republic
The YMCA of the Dominican Republic (ACJ/YMCA), founded in 1963, seeks support in day care at an elementary school, including computer training, aquatic program development and teaching swim lessons. Assignment: Fall 2024.
Macedonia
YMCA Macedonia in Bitola was formed in 1999 and serves more than 2,000 young people annually. The Y seeks support in governance (constitution revisions, policies, guidance), and building a focus on long-term sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Assignment: Summer 2025.
Uruguay
YMCA Uruguay was founded more than a century ago in Montevideo. The Salto Y, in the northwest part of the country, requests support for leadership training in marketing of the YMCA brand and image; positioning of the YMCA abroad and on the international agenda; development of financial campaigns and retaining volunteers. Assignment: 2025.