About
California State Alliance of YMCA's 

General Function:

To educate and promote awareness among YMCAs about public policy issues; to monitor legislation and develop strategies to address concerns; and to gain consensus among independent Associations on public policy issues which are identified as potentially significant to local YMCAs.

Objectives:

To monitor public policy issues of importance to YMCAs in California and to develop and coordinate strategies of response as needed.

To develop a blueprint or method to help YMCAs in California build strong, positive relationships with local key public officials, legislative staffs and others in positions of influence regarding political decisions impacting YMCAs.

To help keep YMCAs in California informed and ready to speak out on issues at state and local levels of government.

To determine strategies that will help YMCAs reduce their vulnerability to tax and regulatory challenges.

To develop and coordinate implementation of YMCA strategy for responding to state level tax challenges and other threats to YMCAs in California.

To promote advocacy and action on priorities that are developed by the California State Alliance of YMCAs and the YMCA of the USA which are deemed to be of direct vital interest to the essence and nature of the YMCA and the ability of the YMCA to carry out the mission of the organization.

To participate, as appropriate, in coalitions with other non-profit organizations on public policy issues of common interest.

Structure

The California State Alliance of YMCAs consists of the CEOs of YMCAs located in California.  Advocacy efforts are headed by a full-time lobbyist, Catherine Barankin, in Sacramento. 

Revised October 19, 2004