Movement roles/Peer organizations/Models/YMCA
Description
[edit]Some global NGO movements have remained decentralized. The YMCA, is, arguably, the oldest global NGO movement. Founded in London in 1844, it opened locations in Boston and Montreal in 1851. There are now YMCAs in 124 countries. However, the central association, based in Chicago, reports no shared results and works with a budget of <$1m. The YMCA undertakes few, if any global programs or advocacy.
Three reasons why users like this model
[edit]- Local
- Flexible
- Minimal hierarchy
Three concerns of users about this model
[edit]- No global program – none of the similar models (below) has a global program on the scale of Wikipedia
- No global voice or ability to transfer resources from where they are to where they need to be
- Inconsistent brand
Similar models
[edit]The World Organization of the Scout Movement brings together what is possibly the largest volunteer movement in the world. It remains highly decentralized, and and allows big differences among members, for example in the admission of girls or gays as scouts.
Amnesty International is another example of a loose volunteer-led association of associations
- About 4m members worldwide
- Governed by an annual meeting of hundreds of delegates from constituent organizations, in proportion to membership