Putting Christian principles into practice for a new generation of YMCA leaders
About onPrinciple
As our world becomes more complex, the YMCA is endeavoring to move beyond simply reflecting our communities, to be a place that empowers all people – young people in particular – to put Christian principles into practice by promoting unity, peace, justice and fullness of life for all creation.
OnPrinciple is catalyzing a movement of skilled emerging young leaders within the YMCA who live and lead like Jesus and, as Harold C. Smith believed, “will reach, by God’s grace, into hearts, minds and bodies strengthening them in wholeness and unity of purpose that is so needed and longed for today.”
Objectives
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Strengthen the YMCA’s mission by putting Christian principles into practice in a manner that embraces inclusion and builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
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Provide new insight and meaning into the spiritual lives of Y leaders, integrating faith with life, leadership and work.
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Generate deeper awareness of the power of Christian presence to heal and restore all things, especially in complex cultures.
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Strengthen understanding of what it means to lead through a lens of faith.
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Equip YMCA leaders with the skills needed to effectively identify needs and opportunities, then lead adaptive change in their local communities.
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Develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with YMCA colleagues who are leading transformational change in and through the YMCA.
Program
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Locally focused
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Fellows and mentors working in "triads" or “quads”
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5 YMCA faculty and subject matter experts
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17 months
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Self-directed study + small groups + virtual learning sessions
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11 day learning and study in the Holy Land
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World class leadership content at the Global Leadership Summit
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120 YMCA leadership recertification credits
Leadership
OnPrinciple is guided by a group of volunteer leaders.
Mike Bussey, Chair
onPrinciple
David Byrd, onPrinciple 2023 Cohost
Retired, YMCA of the USA
Andy Calhoun, Retired CEO
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Laura DeVries, Program Director
onPrinciple
Eric Ellsworth, Retired CEO
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
Tim Hallman, Director of Christian Emphasis
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Diane Joyce, Director
Prayer Principle
Tim “TJ” Joyce, Retired CEO
YMCA of Greater Richmond
Melissa Logan, CEO
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
David Newman, Lead Pastor
Antioch Church at Countryside YMCA
Jorge Perez, CEO
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Angela Prenger, Retired CEO
Long Branch Area YMCA
Steve Tarver, CEO
YMCA of Greater Louisville
“This immersion experience, exploring the roots of Christianity and connecting to the roots of the YMCA, combined with adaptive leadership lessons is the best leadership and personal development experience of my career – which includes 15 years in Fortune 500 leadership development programs.”
Jonathan Panter, CFO
YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
Mission
To equip YMCA leaders to skillfully put Christian principles into practice in a manner that embraces inclusion and strengthens healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Vision
We envision a movement of transformational leaders who embrace the heritage of the YMCA and strengthen Christian presence as they meet contemporary needs and enrich the lives of the members and communities they serve.
