Leadership Development

Providing opportunities for young people in YMCA programmes to develop the skills and acquire the experiences that will equip them to play a role in the development and delivery of programmes is a key strategic objective of the YMCA.

How was the need for the Leaders in Training first identified?

In 2009 a group of young adults completed the “Youth in Management” course, which involved planning a youth work project and going on an international trip. During our evaluation, the participants identified the need for more basic training in youth work. Staff agreed that these skills were needed and so we developed the Leaders In Training course.

What are your project’s aims or objectives?

The aims of the Leaders In Training course are as follows:

• To train young people in youth work skills including: Child protection, Facilitation,Working with groups, Planning and organizing activities
• To recruit new volunteers for YMCA programmes
• To support the personal development of participants

What were some of the highlights for the programme during the past year?

Some of the highlights for the LIT programme for 2017 include:

• Another 7 successful graduates who received their certificate having completed the LIT programme in May 2017
• LIT became a springboard for some participants to become more directly involved in youth work in the YMCA.
• The group hosted their own event/open day highlighting the work of the YMCA in providing youth friendly drop-in facilities/youth spaces. Adults who would not normally visit attended this day alongside young people. This gave way to new networking opportunities.
• One participant on his journey overcoming addictions was able to speak publicly about his learning and development thanks to being part of a youth organisation
• The development of skills and relationships in the group that will impact each participant and their community in the longer term.

How does your project try to capture or measure the outcomes for young people/the community?

• Assignments and tasks must be completed by participants which demonstrate comprehension and attainment of the aims of the course.
• As part of the course, the participants develop measurement tools to assess the impact of their youth work activities on the community they are working with. These methods vary year to year.
• The course concludes with an evaluation session where the participants reflect on their own growth and learning.

What new challenges/opportunities has your project identified that it would hope to tackle in the future?

• Expanding the course to include participants from Youth Advisory Panels in other YMCAs.
• Develop opportunities for young leaders who complete leadership training programmes to have an influence on the YMCA nationally.
• To base our approach on the best available research on Youth Participation.