Three hundred senior volunteers, staff and youth delegates from Canada’s YMCAs gathered in Geneva Park, Ontario this May to connect, learn from one another, and embark on the next phase in the YMCA’s development. With a new President and CEO, a new brand strategy, and a proposed strategic plan update, the 98th AGM presented Canada’s YMCAs with an opportunity to strengthen their federation.

MASS LBP provided program and process design, facilitation, leadership support and event staging for the three-day gathering. In small round table and plenary discussions, participants identified the challenges to and opportunities for strengthening the YMCA’s impact on Canadian communities. Other activities focussed on updating the YMCA’s 2007-2011 Strategic Plan. All updates were passed unanimously during the AGM’s final vote.

MASS LBP’s innovative approach to AGMs focuses on effective engagement of internal employees and stakeholders. Without internal support for current and future strategies, large organizations cannot capture the energy and enthusiasm they need to move forward. In particular, MASS LBP helps organizations with provincial or regional branches take advantage of yearly national gatherings to create a sense of unity, purpose, and excitement for the course of work ahead. MASS LBP worked with YMCA leaders to comfortably and creatively engage in substantive dialogue, build a sense of community and work together towards plans of action.

Learn more about MASS LBP’s event and process design services here.