Describe The Characteristics And Environments Of A Human Service Organization

Characteristics and Environments of a Human Service Organization
Vicki Gold
BSHS 462
July 22, 2013
Latera Davis

Characteristics and Environments of a Human Service Organization
The Young Men’s Christian Association, more commonly known as the Young Men’s Christian Association is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization that is committed to helping people and communities to grow and learn. Their contributions influence both our nation’s culture during times of profound social change to the individual support they provide to an adult learning to read. The following paper will discuss the characteristics of the Young Men’s Christian Association, its staff, its stakeholders, how it is involved with the community, how it values diversity, and the
environmental trends it is facing. What are the organization’s vision and mission?
Mission
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. At the Young Men’s Christian Association, strengthening the community is the main focus. Every day, they work side-by-side with the community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive (YMCA of Orange County, N/A).
Vision
The Young Men’s Christian Association strives to improve the lives and strengthen the character of today’s youth by fostering youth and family development, healthy living and social responsibility driven by passionate staff and volunteers (YMCA of Orange County, N/A).
How the Young Men’s Christian Association is governed and staffed The Young Men’s Christian Association not only relies on full-time and part-time employees but volunteers as well. Individuals who would like to be employed by the Young Men’s Christian Association can look online or go to their nearest Young Men’s Christian Association and inquire inside. Supervisors help employees to progress in their career choices and encourage staff members to become leaders. More than 500,000 individuals volunteer for the Young Men’s Christian Association across the nation. These volunteers are business owners, community leaders, parents, and the youth of the community. Most of the staff at the Young Men’s Christian Association is volunteers from the community. Some of the positions that the volunteers hold are: * Lead the Boards of Directors and committees * Raise funds to ensure the Young Men’s Christian Association is accessible to all members of the community * Coach sports teams and teach many of their classes * Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choices, and the pursuit of higher education and goals * Extend a hand to help adults who want to do more, be more or live healthier * Advocate for the Young Men’s Christian Association’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and your community * Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors (YMCA.net, N/A)

What community collaborations and marketing and public relations strategies does the organization employ? Why are these collaborations important to the organization and the community?
The Young Men’s Christian Association has many activities for all ages for individuals in the community. Some of these activities would be:
FOR THE YOUTH * Child Care * Education & Leadership * Swim, Sports & Play * Camp
HEALTHY LIVING * 50 Moving Forward * Healthy Kids Day® * Family Time * Health, Well-being and Wellness * Sports & Recreation * Group Interests
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY * Summer Food Program * Social Services * Global Services * Volunteerism & Giving * Advocacy (YMCA, N/A)
These activities are important to the success of the Young Men’s Christian Association because they involve the community and help them to achieve the mission and vision of the organization.
Each of the collaborations shows the community that they are driven to help the community succeed and grow. According to the Young Men’s Christian Association’s website the programs, services and initiatives: enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic. How does the organization demonstrate the valuing of diversity? From the very beginning the Young Men’s Christian Association was making it possible for all individuals to come together regardless of their race or cultural background. Through training and counseling the staff members of the Young Men’s Christian Association are trained to support cultural difference in their community. Over the last 150 years the Young Men’s Christian Association has built strong kids, families and communities by responding to the ever changing
society.
What environmental trends – political, economic, social, and technological – are they facing? How well is the agency managing these trends and forces?
One of the political issues that the Young Men’s Christian Association has faced is the question of which is if the Jehovah Witnesses can become members or not. In the end it was decided that no, they could not. Though this decision was more on the WatchTower or Jehovah Witnesses in which they decided they could not associate or be a member of a Christian association. Since the decision is more on the Jehovah Witnesses the Young Men’s Christian Association has no control or influence on if they join or not. However, the Young Men’s Christian Association will not be changing its beliefs to accommodate them either.
Since the Young Men’s Christian Association is a non-profit organization they have to rely on government grants, local business, and the community for donations. The Young Men’s Christian Association is focused on change so they have the adaptability to find solutions to the change that they incur.
Social changes affect the diversity of the community. The Young Men’s Christian Association strives to create an environment where no matter the race, gender, or sexual orientation a member can feel comfortable to come to and enjoy the services that the YMCA offers.
With the advance of technology the Young Men’s Christian Association is committed to increasing ability to share more information online and developing more apps for internet users. The Young Men’s Christian Association is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to help the members and community to learn and thrive with the new age technology.
Throughout this paper we have learned about the Young Men’s Christian Association and the characteristics that are common in all of the organizations. By changing with the times, using the staff and volunteers from the community, and adapting to the technology available they will achieve the goals that they have set.

References:
YMCA of Orange County ( N/A), Mission/Vision, retrieved on July 22, 2013 from http://www.ymcaoc.org/mission-vision
YMCA (N/A), Join us and make a difference, retrieved on July 22, 2013 from http://www.ymca.net/volunteer