A new rhythm for a new year
The July edition of YMI World opens the 2026/27 YMI year with the launch of International President Johan Vilhelm Eltvik’s theme: Waking the Sleeping Giant with Blue Music.
Blue Music sets the tone for the year ahead, calling every club and club member to turn goodness into action. In his first message as International President, Johan invites us to see Blue Music as a symbol of YMI’s deepest values: fellowship, freedom, courage, compassion and hope. It is a call to resist the “Grey Music” of conflict and division by listening to the goodness already within our movement and allowing it to shape new ideas, new solutions and new forms of service.
This issue also shares a powerful early example of Blue Music in action: the donation of a new school bus to YMCA Vikas Special School in Thiruvalla, Kerala. What began as a heartfelt request became a practical act of generosity, supported by YMI leaders and YMCA Madras, helping children with disabilities travel safely to school.
July is also the Emphasis Month for Public Relations and Communications, making this a timely issue for thinking about how YMI tells its story. Articles on Public Relations, Impact Communication and updated YMI resources remind us that strong communication helps clubs share their service, strengthen visibility, engage future members and present YMI with clarity and confidence.
Elsewhere in this issue of YMI World, you’ll find:
- IHQ updates as the new YMI activity year begins
- A reflection on Nelson Mandela International Day and its connection with Blue Music
- Guidance on updated PR manuals and YMI resources
- Stories of club growth, Regional Conventions, youth engagement, YMCA partnership, and community service
As 2026/27 begins, July invites us to listen carefully, act generously and communicate clearly, so that the goodness within YMI can be seen, shared and strengthened across the world.
Contributions for the next issue of YMI World are due by 15 July 2026.
Let’s keep writing this story, together.