From vision to action
The August edition of YMI World demonstrates how a shared vision begins to shape everyday action across our movement. As International President Johan Vilhelm Eltvik’s Blue Music theme gathers momentum, clubs and leaders around the world are finding practical ways to strengthen fellowship, inspire renewal and build communities where goodness is seen through service.
This month’s cover celebrates a historic milestone for Y’s Men International: our participation in the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto, where YMI was recognised with a special World YMCA award honouring more than a century of partnership, service and steadfast support for the worldwide YMCA movement. The Council strengthened existing relationships, opened new opportunities for collaboration, and reaffirmed the vital role YMI continues to play within the global YMCA family.
August is also the Emphasis Month for Strategy 2032. Throughout this issue, members are encouraged to look beyond day-to-day activity and consider how fellowship, leadership, community impact and global engagement can help shape a stronger movement over the years ahead. Alongside Strategy 2032, stories from around the world show that renewal is already taking place, whether through leadership transitions, community partnerships, environmental initiatives or new approaches to club life inspired by Blue Music.
A particularly inspiring example comes from Chiang Mai, where members exchanged formal meetings for a Blue Music campfire centred on conversation, music and shared experiences. The result was a renewed sense of purpose and personal commitment, reminding us that lasting change often begins with relationships.
Elsewhere in this issue of YMI World, you’ll find:
- Coverage of the 21st YMCA World Council and YMI’s century-long partnership with the YMCA
- Strategy 2032 priorities and practical ways to build stronger clubs
- New YMI resources, including the updated Club President Manual
- Reports from every Area highlighting leadership, service, membership growth and community impact
- UN observances linking humanitarian action with YMI’s mission
- A final invitation to apply for the 2026 International Youth Convocation before registrations close
As Blue Music continues to spread throughout YMI, August reminds us that meaningful renewal grows through relationships, shared purpose and the willingness of every member to play their part.
Contributions for the next issue of YMI World are due by 15 August 2026.
Let’s keep writing this story, together.