Amherst Y's Men's Club Activities

About 90% of local club support stays in the local community - either through support to the local YMCA or through direct community support (most often a combination of the two). Annually, such support is estimated at close to US$ 4 million - plus numerous hours of volunteer service work.

But local clubs also support international programs, such as:

Alexander Scholarship Fund to support training of YMCA Staff persons. Named in honor of our founder, Judge Paul William Alexander. Every year, local clubs support training of YMCA Secretaries with about US$ 120,000. About US$ 12,000 (10% of the local support) is sent to the International Headquarters and is used to support leadership training
programs mainly in Africa, Latin America and India, but in recent years also in Eastern/Central Europe.

Brotherhood Fund to allow travel of members to visit members in other countries. Every year, about US$ 200,000 is contributed through the sale of used stamps (about 15%) and from cash contributions (about 85%). This program helps to increase understanding of different cultures - both for those traveling ("BF Delegates") and for those hosting them.

International Brother Clubs to enhance international understanding. Links between Y's Men's Clubs in different countries through the exchange of letters, bulletins, photos, cassettes, videos, etc - and visits whenever possible.

Time of Fast. Money is raised through Y's Men "skipping" a meal or two and paying what the meal would have cost into the TOF program. The funds thus contributed are used to support YMCA projects all over the world. The program started about 20 years ago and shows a dramatic increase in contributions - and hence support to YMCAs.