World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA
World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA
World YWCA GUIDE TO STARTING A YWCA
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important responsibilities. A volunteer Chairperson is elected to head the National Committee and<br />
eventually, when funding is secured, a paid General Secretary or Executive Director may be<br />
appointed who will carry responsibility for the coordination of programme and direction of staff.<br />
The Executive Committee is responsible for her appointment and terms of employment.<br />
* The specific names and titles of committees, boards and leadership positions may vary in different<br />
national associations.<br />
• Members are recruited and involved in proposing and carrying out activities that address the needs<br />
of women and girls.<br />
• In keeping with the <strong>YWCA</strong> purpose, programme plans and ways to finance such are developed.<br />
• A <strong>YWCA</strong> has a Constitution and Bye-Laws so that functions and procedures are clear. The<br />
Constitution and Bye-Laws comprise the law that govern the organization. They are adopted by the<br />
membership. They assure the organization’s permanent character, stability and democratic<br />
framework.<br />
• <strong>YWCA</strong> leaders must have a clear idea of what the <strong>YWCA</strong> is and should be able to interpret the<br />
<strong>YWCA</strong> to the community.<br />
• The <strong>YWCA</strong> works in coalition with other community organizations on common goals but it keeps<br />
its own identity.<br />
4. Does a <strong>YWCA</strong> need a building?<br />
• No, but it does need a place to meet, a mailing address, and a telephone, or access to one. These are<br />
needed to facilitate communication, establish identity and provide the means for effective<br />
administration and programme development.<br />
5. Does an association need paid staff?<br />
• No. <strong>YWCA</strong> volunteers generally carry strong roles and responsibilities. For reasons of continuity<br />
and programme development, funding is often sought to enable the appointment of part-time or<br />
full-time paid staff.<br />
6. How is a <strong>YWCA</strong> supported?<br />
A <strong>YWCA</strong> may be financed in several ways:<br />
• membership fees<br />
• programme activity fees<br />
• special fundraising events<br />
• government grants<br />
• funding from proposals to donors for specific project/programme activities<br />
• the <strong>World</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong> Resource Sharing Programme, through human and financial resources.<br />
7. How does the purpose of the <strong>YWCA</strong> translate into action?<br />
The <strong>YWCA</strong> purpose translated into action means that the <strong>YWCA</strong>, at local and national level, and in<br />
response to the needs of the community, may offer appropriate programme in such areas as<br />
• leadership training, with special emphasis on young women<br />
• community development<br />
• skill-training and educational activities for all ages<br />
• health and nutrition<br />
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