Engagement of Peace Corps Volunteers

Get Involved Engagement of Peace Corps Volunteers Engaging with Peace Corps Volunteers is a remarkable opportunity that can inject fresh energy and innovative ideas into our organization, particularly in the context of youth work and community development. Having spent over two decades in the civic sector, in the YMCA we already understand the power of dedication and a long-term commitment. But what makes the inclusion of Peace Corps Volunteers truly exceptional is the infusion of youthful enthusiasm, diverse perspectives, and a global outlook. These volunteers, often brimming with passion and a zest for change, can bring new life into our programs. Through the Peace Corps, we have seen and experienced motivated individuals who can share invaluable stories and experiences, enrich our mission while foster cross-cultural connections. Their presence not only adds vibrancy but also brings fresh narratives that can captivate our partners and donors.

Apply for the European Solidarity Corps

Get Involved Apply for the European Solidarity Corps The European Solidarity Corps brings young people together to build a more inclusive society, support vulnerable citizens, and respond to societal challenges. The European Solidarity Corps offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop. More and better opportunities are opening covering a wide range of areas, such as integration of migrants, environmental challenges, prevention of natural disasters, education, youth activities, and humanitarian aid. It also supports national and local actors in dealing with various social challenges and crises. The European Solidarity Corps also aims to complement the efforts made by member States to support young people and facilitate their transition from school to the labor market under the Youth Guarantee, by providing them with additional opportunities to start in the labor market in the form of internships or jobs within their member state or one of the partner countries. The activities of the European Solidarity Corps support the objectives of the newly adopted EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 which encourages young people to become active citizens, agents of solidarity and positive change for communities across Europe, inspired by EU values and European identity. It’s a chance to challenge your limits and develop skills that will serve you in any endeavor. So don’t hesitate – apply for the European Solidarity Corps. Your journey begins now and promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. As organization we have the Quality Label

Participation at the National Forum of Philanthropy

Latest News Participation at the National Forum of Philanthropy On 15.12.2022, the Philanthropy Forum was held organized by Konekt and the network for financial sustainability as part of the USAID Donation Partnerships Project. This is an annual gathering of national leaders in philanthropy and includes representatives of the business community, institutions, and civil organizations, including the YMCA, who shared experiences and created models for enhanced cooperation. Konekt’s research shows that half of the companies donate during the year which is an indication that there is significant philanthropic potential in our country. In terms of donating funds from citizens this year 2022, Macedonia rose to a solid 25th place compared to 75th in 2013 according to the ranking of the World Giving Index. At a time when unpredictable events in the world fill our daily lives, and the future is full of uncertainty, it is the right time for philanthropy to take its rightful place as a driver of positive change in the community. The forum presented the global trends and influences of philanthropy and put that point of view in a Macedonian perspective. “As individuals, business owners, and managers, many of us open our wallets to support friends, family, and people who seek our emergency help. But when thought out and targeted for the benefit of the wider community, donations have the power to improve conditions in the long term and contribute to the well-being of society. We are creating donation partnerships to enable increased donations, real incentives for donors, and easy and fun ways to donate that will enable all citizens and companies to be part of the changes for a better tomorrow.” The Executive Director of “Konekt”, Ms. Nikica Kusinikova, pointed out. The forum discussed overcoming the challenges to shape a favorable environment for increased donating in the function of accelerated development. The participants showed a willingness to nurture partnerships for donating, work on a better legal framework, become members of the Club of Responsible Businesses, and educate themselves about philanthropy and social responsibility, and the announced online platform for group donations aroused interest. This forum was organized by the USAID Donation Partnerships project, implemented by Connect, in partnership with the European Center for Non-Profit Law, the Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Macedonia, Indigo, and the American Chamber of Commerce in the Republic of North Macedonia.Photos from the event can be seen here and here.

Label of Trust Workshop

Latest News Label of Trust Workshop On 07.02.2022, 17 civil society organizations got acquainted with the standards of the Label of Trust and the benefits of using it through an online presentation. Among them was the YMCA youth association with its representative. The trust mark is a self-regulatory system that aims to make it easier for citizens and companies to choose trustworthy organizations to which they can donate. It strives to increase long-term trust between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local donors. The label is obtained through a carefully created process and criteria for transparency, accountability, performance results, compliance with legal regulations, etc. Civil organizations that possess the trust mark are good partners of citizens, but also other stakeholders in the community. Why donate to an organization that holds the label of trust? They have passed the process of internal inspection of the operation A board of experts from several fields evaluated the operation of the CSO They are recognized in the community as a reliable partner working in the public interest Increased transparency and accountability of CSOs To acquire the label of trust, a CSO has to adhere to a certain set of principles and criteria in the following areas: Mission and values Democratic management of an organization Financial management Transparency and reporting Communication and Advocacy Fundraising Human resources To receive the trust mark, civil organizations first perform a self-assessment, that is, they fill out a questionnaire for the evaluation of their work, and then the board of the trust mark checks all the documentation and additional meetings with the CSO. At the end of this process, the Board decides whether the CSO will receive the trust mark.

Youth Council in Bitola

Latest News Youth Council in Bitola On February 2, 2022, the constitutive session of the local Youth Council took place in Bitola Municipality. In addition to its project contributions, the YMCA actively engages in the city by participating in the local Volunteering Council. Now, the YMCA extends its involvement in the Youth Council with Ivana assuming the role of President. We extend our best wishes to her and the entire team for success! Ivana Atanasovska was chosen as the Youth Council President from two candidates. Mayor Toni Konjanovski addressed the nine council members, expressing hopes for their future endeavors and encouraging the generation of constructive ideas and proposals. These efforts aim to retain youth in the city and collaborate with local self-government to improve the Municipality’s future. Gabriela Ilievska, the Council President, conveyed her belief that the well-known saying “youth is our future” will be substantiated through the Youth Council’s actions, demonstrating the significant impact young individuals can make in preventing the emigration of their peers. Both the Council President and the Mayor stressed the Municipality’s readiness for continuous collaboration with the Youth Council, anticipating numerous initiatives and projects within legal constraints.