News & thoughts

For this month’s reading list, we're looking back at our favourite reads this year, and the writing that has shaped and inspired our thinking in 2022. 

From organisational milestones, to new research and approaches, and further expansion of our free to access support package to the sector, it’s been quite the year at YMCA George Williams College. As we look back on all that we’ve learnt and achieved this year, we were keen for celebration to feature as part of our collective reflection. So, for this month’s ‘Our Thoughts’, we asked the team to share their own highlights of 2022. 

For this month’s Our Thoughts, our Research and Projects Assistant Zunaira Mahmood reflects on learning from our evaluation into the impact of youth voice within the #iwill Fund, and how we can all strive towards better embedding youth voice practice within our work.

Hot off the press, this latest read shares insights from our Youth Steering Group on our new Typology of Youth Voice, and the importance of ‘good’ youth voice practice.

In this long read, Director of Learning Kaz Stuart reflects on her experience supporting the recent YMCA Europe’s pilot Professional Masters in Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and shares learning and tips on how CSOs can strengthen their impact measurement and leadership practices.

Every month, members of the team share work that has made us think, inspired us, or piqued our interest. 

Check out our reading list for November!

In this latest blog, we spotlight our Enterprise Development Programme participants Impact Dance, and their journey in creating a dance movement which fosters inclusive environments and opportunities for young people of colour.

For Black History Month, the team have curated a list on work that celebrates, embodies or shines a light on Black history, experiences, and voices.  

For ‘Our Thoughts’ and in celebration of Black History Month, Director of Programmes Sope Otulana considers the impact and value of creating a ‘Black history of the youth sector’.

Each month, members of the team share writing or media that has made us think, inspired our work, or piqued our interest. 

Each month, members of the team share writing that has made us think, inspired our work, or piqued our interest. Check out what we've been reading in September!

For this month’s Our Thoughts, our CEO Bethia McNeil considers the concept of 'dosage', a core component within the 'What Works' approach, as a means to better understand the impact of youth work.

Research and Projects Assistant Zunaira Mahmood shares reflections and learning from our Panel's summer data collection, as part of our evaluation into the impact of youth voice within the #iwill Fund.

Now in it's Alumni Network phase, Enterprise Development Manager Soizic Hagege shares illuminating insights from social enterpreneurs to EDP grantees, as part of our peer-to-peer learning offer. 

Read all the latest insights from the #iwill Data Trawl, illuminating the ways in which #iwill funded youth social action activities in England champion youth voice, and the impact they have had on young people, organisations, funders, and communities.

Each month, members of the team share writing that has made us think, inspired our work, or piqued our interest. 

Check out what we've been reading in August!