Taking the spirit of Penang home
The 75th Y’s Men International Convention brought more than 550 people together in Penang for several memorable days of fellowship, learning, celebration and friendship. Now, as everyone returns home, the October edition of YMI World looks at how the energy generated in Penang can continue across our movement.
International President Johan Vilhelm Eltvik reflects on the enthusiastic response to Blue Music and asks clubs to begin their own conversations about what can be changed, renewed and improved. With 310 Blue Music Ambassadors now appointed worldwide, the focus is increasingly on turning the vision into practical action in our clubs and communities.
October is also Alexander Support Fund (ASF) Emphasis Month, highlighting one of the longstanding expressions of partnership between Y’s Men International and the YMCA. This edition looks at the history and purpose of ASF, how funds are used internationally and locally, and the opportunities it provides to strengthen YMCA programmes, leadership and community impact.
Elsewhere in this edition:
- Relive IC 2026 and IYC 2026 in Penang through highlights, photographs and videos
- Explore how Blue Music is moving from vision to action
- Consider what makes people remain engaged through a feature on membership conservation
- Welcome the new Y Service Club of Canberra NewGen in Australia
- Read about more than 200 YMI club members responding to severe flooding in Korea
- Discover new International Brother Club partnerships and stronger YMCA–YMI cooperation
- Celebrate the induction of former YMI International Secretary General Henry Grimes into the YMCA’s National Hall of Fame
- Catch up on service, fellowship and leadership activities from across our Areas
The Convention may be over, but the conversations and connections that began in Penang continue. October gives us an opportunity to carry that spirit back into our clubs, strengthen our partnership with the YMCA and put new ideas into practice.
Contributions for the next issue of YMI World are due by 15 October 2026.
Let’s keep writing this story, together.