Global awareness is integrated into programs for children, youth and adults at YMCA centres throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Each year, over 24,000 people participate in global awareness events and activities.

The objectives of our global awareness activities are to:

• Educate and inform YMCA members about current global issues and trends
• Encourage global responsibility and action towards positive change
• Develop a sense of belonging to the YMCA global family
• Support leadership in global awareness among staff, volunteers, youth and members

Global awareness activities include:

• Peace Week activities, allowing children, youth and adults to explore peace-building from personal, community and international perspectives
• International leadership programs for youth
• “Lunch and learns” which explore global themes such as human rights, HIV/AIDS, environmental sustainability and fair trade
•  Sharing and exchanging stories, blogs, videos, pictures and postcards from YMCAs in communities around the world

To get involved in global awareness activities throughout the Greater Toronto Area, check out what's happening.

These projects are undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)