The Paris Basis

“The Young Men's Christian Associations seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be his disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of his Kingdom amongst young men"

As adopted in Paris in 1855 & reaffirmed, by the World Council Of YMCAs in 1973
YMCA Structure
The World Alliance of YMCAs is a confederation of 124 national YMCA movements. The national movements, meeting as the World Council, are the international decision-making body of the world YMCA Movement.
World Council

The World Council meets every four years. The meeting has two purposes. One is to conduct the Council's business, to evaluate the work of the World Alliance Executive Committee and its staff, and to set policy and directions for the Movement for the next four years. The World Council also provides a unique opportunity for 1,000 YMCA people to meet together.
Executive Committee

The 30 Executive Committee members, who represent a balance of age, gender and region, are elected at the World Council. The Committee meets each year to review the work of its standing committees and discuss future plans. There are 3 Officers: the President, Vice President and Treasurer.
Members of the World Alliance

The World Alliance is accountable to its members, the affiliated National Movements.

The National Councils work includes strengthening and extending local associations, leadership and programme development, developing strong and effective governance and community relations. They also represent the world Movement in their country.

In addition, there are Area Alliances in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe. They are formed by, and are accountable to, their affiliated National Councils.

The Area Alliances support National Movements, promote co-operation, provide leadership for the region and network with other NGOs. They also facilitate communication within the area and develop programmes.

The international movement also has a series of informal networks amongst National Movements, local associations and Area Alliances, from any region of the world, working together on a self-directed agenda.

Role of the World Alliance

The World Alliance provides leadership on global thematic and mission issues, collaborates with the Area Alliances, co-ordinates global resources, and facilitates communication within the world Movement. It strengthens the capacities of National Movements, supports networks within the world Movement, facilitates gender based approaches as integral to all areas and levels of YMCA work, and develops programmes for youth development and for financial and human resource development. 

The World Alliance also represents the YMCA at the global level, for example with United Nations agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and world religious bodies. It is a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and of other international bodies. It also provides a space for YMCA dialogues where geographical, regional and movement dynamics are evenly weighted and unity is strengthened, as well as supporting the implementation of Challenge 21. 

The World Alliance is financed through contributions of its member associations and other resources raised for special projects and services.