Benefits
of Membership
 Association
Journal
Each year, AYP members receive 8 issues of Perspective, one of the
finest publications of its kind. Its regular features, timely articles,
special reports, and association news will help to keep you on the
cutting edge of the YMCA profession, YMCA management and program
development.
Growth Opportunities
AYP is deeply committed to providing its members with a variety
of growth opportunities. Chapter workshops, region and national
conferences all offer the highest quality programs and resources
available to enhance both personal and professional development.
Through its Learning Circles, small groups of AYP colleagues meet
throughout the year to continue their mutual pursuit of life-long
learning experiences.
Free Professional Resources
By contacting the AYP office or website at www.aypymca.org, members
may obtain copies of the following resources:
• Career Resource Manual
• Geographic Relocation Manual
• YMCA New Administrator’s Manual – “The
First 90 Days”
• AYP Model Personnel Policy & Benefits Guide
• AYP Model Ethics Policy
• Harold C. Smith Symposium
Recognition
AYP places high value on the recognition of professional excellence,
leadership and service. Programs which recognize both individual
and group achievement are conducted at the
chapter, and national levels.
Personal Support in times of need
Members can count on AYP to be there when they need help the most.
The Emergency Assistance Fund provides grants, up to $7,500, to
colleagues who are facing an extreme financial crisis. The We Care
Network is a nation-wide response program that makes contact with
and offers caring support to YMCA staff who have been involuntarily
separated from their positions. Counsel and resource materials are
immediately available when the network is activated.
Training Grants provide financial support to current members who
seek training that will directly contribute to their preparedness
for more responsible positions in the YMCA. Grants are available
for formal education courses, leading to an undergraduate or graduate
degree and/or specialized training programs. Applicants must have
been an AYP member for the
previous twelve months in order to qualify for a training grant.
A total of $17,000 is awarded annually.
Your Personal Network
Today, changes in society and the work place are so rapid that all
of us are challenged to adapt. Experts tell us that one of the keys
for personal survival and success now and in the
future is to have effective support networks actively present
in our lives.
The Association of YMCA Professionals is a unique organization,
dedicated exclusively to the well-being and development of YMCA
staff throughout the country. Because of the many opportunities
for growth and colleague interaction afforded its members, AYP can
and should be one of your primary networks. After reading the following
information, we hope you will become or continue to be a part of
our growing family.
How AYP is organized
In order for national associations, like AYP, to conduct their activities,
develop and deliver their services, involve their members, and maximize
their benefits of membership, they
must have a simple organizational structure.
Chapters
Chapters are the strength of AYP and its primary operating units.
They are geographically organized throughout the country to provide
a meaningful “grass roots” experience. Through a series
of planned meetings, special events and projects, chapters provide
the best opportunity for an individual’s ongoing involvement
with AYP and fellowship with other colleagues in a non-work setting.
Currently, there are 36 chapters.
National Board
The National Board of Directors is the corporate board for the association.
Consisting of 30-35 members, it determines policies, establishes
goals, appropriates and allocates funds, and conducts its work in
accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws. AYP programs and services
are managed through the Board’s standing committees: Member
Services, Chapter Services, Support Services, Leadership Development
and Communications. In addition to the National Officers and Members-at-Large,
AYP’s board also has two elected representatives from each
of the seven regions.
Regions
Chapters are grouped into 7 geographic regions (Northeast, Mideast,
Southeast, Great Lakes, North Central, South Central and Pacific).
Each has elected regional officers that
coordinate AYP programs, member services and support to chapters.
|
