World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA

FOREWORD
This Guide to Starting a YWCA was developed in response to requests from groups and individuals around
the world who want to start YWCAs and need guidance as to the procedures and protocol involved. The
YWCA movement around the world is successful. in part because of the strong foundations on which
national and local associations are built and this Guide seeks to ensure that all new YWCAs also begin with
this advantage.
Users of this book should note however that this Guide can only offer a basic outline. Those seeking to start
new YWCAs can glean general principles from it but must adapt it to their own circumstances. There are
many variations and models of structures and practices in local and national associations throughout the
world, so that each new association will need to take into consideration its own ways of work together with
cultural, historical and geographical factors. This flexibility within the YWCA movement is necessary for it
to maintain another of its strengths, which is diversity. Nurturing unity with diversity is a gift that has
allowed the YWCA to grow and evolve to meet the needs of women in 92 countries around the world.
Why does someone want to start a YWCA in the first place? The answers are numerous but they almost all
share the common denominator of an unmet need or a problem to be solved. When an individual woman or
group observes an unmet need in their community, they soon realize that many hands can address the need
better than one or a few. As a base for community organizing and coalition building, a YWCA offers that
solidarity. When a woman sees that the talents of the women around her being wasted and going unused,
she is seeing another need for a YWCA. The YWCA offers leadership opportunities at many levels and
challenges women to use and develop their abilities in service to others. Where young people or older
people lack worthwhile activities, the YWCA gives them space to create them. Where there is a spiritual
void, the YWCA provides a space for spiritual fulfillment through its commitment to faith in action. Where
there is a lack of freedom, the YWCA exemplifies democratic principles. YWCAs can fill many needs and
provide answers to many different problems. But the ultimate initiative must come from individuals who
commit themselves to making this happen.
This Guide is only the first step to assist you. We wish you every success in using it and ask you to
remember that the World YWCA is available to answer queries and assist in training and resource
materials. As this is the first printing of this Guide, we welcome all suggestions for improvements or
additions. If you translate it, please send us a copy. Best wishes for your effective work as women!
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