Growing stronger, reaching further
The September edition of YMI World places extension, membership growth and membership conservation firmly at the centre of our attention.
This month marks the beginning of the 100 Days Membership Campaign, running from 1 September to 9 December. Clubs are encouraged to reach out to new people, welcome back former members, strengthen existing membership and explore opportunities to establish new clubs. Growth is about more than numbers. It depends on creating clubs where people feel valued, connected and inspired to take part.
International President Johan Vilhelm Eltvik links this directly to Blue Music. Renewal begins by changing the way we meet, listen and engage with one another. More conversation, more shared stories, more friendship and more space for new ideas can help clubs become places where people genuinely want to belong. His message is clear: extension grows from stronger fellowship and a willingness to rethink old habits.
This issue also shows what that spirit can achieve in practice. In Kerala, the Y’s Men Village project has provided seven vulnerable families with safe, secure homes and established a community centre to support continued development. Built through cooperation between YMI clubs, the Middle East Region, Time of Fast, local partners and individual supporters, the project is a powerful example of goodness translated into lasting action.
Elsewhere in this issue of YMI World, you’ll find:
- Practical guidance on extension, recruitment and membership conservation
- Updated resources, including the EMC Manual and Member Orientation Guide
- A good-practice story from Chiang Mai showing how service can grow into a lasting partnership
- Area reports highlighting new clubs, leadership, service and community impact
- International medical service in Cambodia and humanitarian initiatives across the Areas
- Final information for IC 2026 and IYC 2026 in Penang
September is a month to look outward and inward at the same time: to invite new people into YMI, while making sure our existing clubs remain places of friendship, purpose and meaningful service.
Contributions for the next issue of YMI World are due by 15 September 2026.
Let’s keep writing this story, together.