Strategic Alignment and Movement Strengthening (SAMS)

The Strategic Alignment and Movement Strengthening (SAMS) Global Team is an institutional coordination group that brings together Area Alliances, National Movements engaged in international Movement Strengthening work, and the World YMCA. It acts as the coordinating mechanism for Movement Strengthening across the global YMCA.

SAMS was established in 2023 following a needs assessment that revealed a highly diverse — and fragmented — approach to Movement Strengthening across the YMCA, with over nine different definitions, parallel systems, and significant overlaps. The team was commissioned to build a more coordinated and efficient system.

In 2024, the SAMS Global Team adopted a shared global strategy following a Movement-wide consultation. The strategy sets out a clear vision: a coordinated Movement Strengthening system that enables YMCAs worldwide to better empower young people and communities to achieve our collective Mission.

The YMCA Movement Strengthening Process (V1.0) follows a continuous cycle designed to support National YMCAs in assessing, planning, and improving their organisational health. It covers the full journey from health assessment through to organisational development planning, implementation, evaluation, shared learning, and reflection.
The overall MS process is coordinated at a global level by the SAMS Global Team, formed by the World YMCA, Area Alliances, and National YMCAs providing MS support to other National YMCAs.

Note: This system is being built in phases, and can be adjusted over time based on continuous learning. For 2025 – 2027 the first phases of this cycle are being built, piloted and deployed, in stages.