What is #HPStrong?

     The YMCA of High Point announced its new Strategic Plan, “High Point Strong” in September. It is complete with fancy language, marketing techniques, heart-warming stories and images, pretty pictures and lofty goals. Typical stuff for a community organization. But, what does it all mean?

     Within the YMCA, this type of document is usually good for distribution on our company website, a sterile mass mailing, or it takes up permanent residence on our corporate shelves somewhere. But, the average citizen that this plan claims to serve is completely unaware of its very existence much less its desired intent.

     Strategic Plans primarily focus on an organization’s business model and intended good works.  Here are the steps: Company A will raise money or sell a product, and in return, Company A will share the bounty and work toward a stated cause.

     There are many worthwhile causes that are producing incredible work. Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Foundation, etc. are just a few examples of my favorites. All examples of charities that state their cause and provide resources to solve a societal problem. The average citizen can understand that money comes in to the charity and goes back out to solve problems such as homelessness or fund cancer research.

     The YMCA’s model is much more difficult to explain. What do we do at the YMCA? Well, we do so much.  Because of our business model, we are different things to different people. This is much different than most charitable organizations.

     Children benefit from the YMCA because of programs like basketball, soccer, swim lessons, afterschool, literacy, leadership development, and many others. Adults benefit from exercise classes, diabetes prevention, cancer rehabilitation, heart disease prevention, and many others. Plus, the community benefits through numerous outreach efforts. These efforts include programs that teach kids to swim, afterschool and summer day camp programs that promote reading proficiency, college scholarship programs for minority students, and many, many other programs. Plus, the overarching foundation of the YMCA promotes the Christian values that our society holds so dear. We believe that we are here to love and serve! Quite an organization, huh?

     However, the YMCA realizes a major flaw in our business model. The YMCA of High Point only serves 16% of the total population. That means that 84% of the population either does not have access to the YMCA, cannot afford to participate, or has no reason to participate.  Either way, our business model has a major shortcoming! How can the YMCA make our community stronger when serving only 16% of the entire population?

     So, what is High Point Strong?

     This plan is our answer to solve major issues in our local community. The Y believes that we must help our youth grow into great citizens.  The Y believes that all people will reach their potential when they are healthy. And, the Y believes that all people deserve to be a part of this fellowship.

     The short term solution is to partner and collaborate with other charitable organizations, active churches, socially responsible businesses, and donors and sponsors.

     The deeper answer is to follow the Greatest Commandment.

     In other words, Love one another. As Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 22, Love the Lord…and Love one another (verses 36-40).

     Maybe the Y should rethink the business model. Don’t wait for customers to walk into the YMCA and ask for support. Go out and actively seek the 84% of the population that needs the Y. Don’t stop searching for funding when the convenient answer is “we don’t have the resources to support this cause.” Keep looking! Keep loving!

     For our YMCA, we believe that there are several causes that will make High Point a stronger community. Literacy, Food security, Child Safety, and the promotion of personal Health. Now, we are not the experts in each of these areas. But, that does not mean that we sit idly by and watch others attack these issues, or worse, not attack these issues. We actively play a role. Whether the Y leads, partners, or advocates does not matter. The Y will be involved! Why? Because we want High Point to be strong!