Receiving one of two awards at NAYDO in 2009. Photo courtesy: K. Wilson
Communicating the YMCA mission, vision and values requires an inside perspective-something that I possess after four years working for the YMCA in Waterloo Region as Director of Communications. My three North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) communications awards are proof that I can present the organization effectively to potential donors through capital campaign material, to the community through top-notch annual reports or audience-centric websites.
I am excited about working with YMCAs across Canada and the United States to increase participation, membership and donations.
James Howe
The YMCA makes a huge impact in the health of our communities through its work to build strong kids and families.
Yet the Y faces significant communications and branding challenges. Everyone knows the YMCA but relatively few know it well. Individuals connect to the YMCA based upon their own personal experience. Even many members think of it as just another health club with a gymnasium and a pool and don’t think of it as a registered charity. Many people do not know the YMCA is a leader in a wide range of programs such as child care, overnight camps, immigrant settlement and orientation, employment and youth services. Nor do they understand that these services are provided by a significant social services agency that cares about the health of the whole person within a values-based context.
YMCA staff excel at helping people grow healthier in spirit, mind and body. They are so dedicated to helping people that they spend nearly all their time and resources delivering on their mission. They can use some professional communications support with their marketing, branding and fundraising.
If your YMCA can use some help talking to your community, Communicate & Howe! can help. We know the YMCA from the inside out and bring a wealth of expertise to telling the Y’s stories to help you achieve your goals for marketing communications and financial development. Best of all, we can do it within a strategic framework that utilizes cost-effective solutions to maximize your investment.
Check out samples of the Annual Reports for the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo that James Howe’s fingerprints are all over:
Please contact us to see how we can help you tell your YMCA stories.
“James is an energetic, connected and creative communications professional. His work with us raised the quality and effectiveness of our communications and opened a number of new doors to the outside world.”
Tom Abbott, Vice President - Membership Services and Facility Development , YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo