OUR BOLD SHARED VISION
Creating Connected Communities (CCC) is the YMCA’s 10-year bold, shared vision for strengthening communities by fostering meaningful human connection.
CCC builds on the Y’s 175-year legacy of helping all people find belonging, build relationships, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. It’s not a new program, but a framework for making opportunities for achievement, relationships, belonging, connection, and contribution more intentional across everything the Y does.
Explore the resources and learning opportunities below to help your Y take action.
Learn Our Approach to CCC
Watch a three-minute video overview of Creating Connected Communities
THE SIX LEVERS OF CONNECTION
The Six Levers of Connection provide practical ways to make connection more intentional across programs, spaces, partnerships, and community systems.
ELEVATE CONNECTION
Use shared language and stories to strengthen purpose and connection.
PRACTICE CONNECTION SKILLS
Develop the skills and reinforce the culture that make meaningful connection possible.
EMBED CONNECTION EVERYWHERE
Design and deliver experiences that create connection.
CREATE CONNECTED SPACES
Build physical and digital environments that spark interaction and create access and belonging for all.
INVITE CONTRIBUTION
Provide opportunities for people to share their time, talents, and voices to create change.
SUPPORT WELL-BEING
Foster experiences that elevate health and well-being and help all people thrive.
Get the Six Levers of Connection Toolkit
Get Started
Learn More and Join a Cohort
Cohorts and Communities
No Y should have to navigate challenges alone. Through cohorts and learning communities, Ys connect with peers across the movement to share experiences, exchange ideas, and inspire each other.
Six Levers of Connection Activation Learning Cohort:
The Six Levers of Connection Activation Learning Cohort is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the levers while inspiring and supporting meaningful action. Through a combination of learning, reflection, discussion, and practical application, participants will explore each lever and examine how it can be activated and measured within their Y and throughout their community.
REGISTER
• Option 1: Oct. 28 & Nov. 4
• Option 2: Dec. 1 & Dec. 8
Excellence Assessments
Creating connections starts with understanding where your Y is today. Through Excellence Assessments, Ys gain a clear picture of strengths, opportunities, and priorities built on leading practices and grounded in the human experiences that define the Y: achievement, relationships, belonging, connection, and contribution.
Organizational Excellence Activation Learning Cohort:
The Organizational Excellence Assessment (OEA) is a data-informed framework designed to support every YMCA’s pursuit of excellence. The assessment helps associations identify strengths and opportunities across operational and financial areas, while providing consistent data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
Participants will be introduced to the OEA will learn what is assessed, how the assessment is scored, and how to prepare for and complete the OEA when it opens Oct. 1.
This cohort is designed for CEOs and senior leaders responsible for association operational and financial performance.
REGISTER
• Option 1: Oct. 13
• Option 2: Nov. 5
Looking for CCC OPPORTUNITIES?
After General Assembly please visit Link to access these Creating Connected Communities resources and more.