Service remembered, purpose renewed
The June edition of YMI World closes the 2025/26 term by looking both to the past and the future, honouring the people and values that shaped our movement while preparing for a new chapter of leadership and service.
This month’s cover pays tribute to Henry D. Grimes, whose lifetime of dedication helped define the foundation of Y’s Men International. From his earliest service as a club member in Massachusetts to his decades of leadership as International Secretary and the first International Secretary General, Henry Grimes embodied the spirit of volunteerism, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to both YMI and the YMCA. His posthumous induction into the YMCA Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a legacy that continues to influence our movement today.
June is also the Emphasis Month for History and YMCA Relations, making this issue especially reflective. Messages from International President Edward K.W. Ong and ISG Jose Varghese look back on a year marked by resilience, growth, fellowship, and global cooperation. The Annual Review highlights major developments across the organisation, including membership growth, expanded international partnerships, new Time of Fast projects, Roll Back Malaria initiatives, environmental programmes, and the relocation of IC 2026 to Penang, Malaysia.
This issue looks firmly towards the future through the introduction of “Blue Music”, the vision for 2026/27 presented by International President Elect Johan Vilhelm Eltvik. Centred on goodness, inclusion, fellowship, and meaningful action, the Blue Music vision challenges YMI to awaken its collective potential and strengthen its impact in communities worldwide.
Elsewhere in this edition of YMI World, you’ll find:
- Reflections on strengthening YMI–YMCA collaboration globally
- Reports from Regional Conventions and leadership gatherings across the Areas
- Stories of community service, environmental action, healthcare support, and youth engagement
- Coverage of new club charters and continued membership growth
- Information and registration updates for IYC 2026 in Penang
- UN observance days connecting local service with global responsibility
As one term concludes and another prepares to begin, June reminds us that YMI draws strength from its history while continuing to evolve with fellowship, service, and shared purpose at its core.
Contributions for the next issue of YMI World are due by 15 June 2026.
Let’s keep writing this story, together.