YMCA’s Global Teens Web Video Series Brings Transformational Experiences to the World

NYC Teen-Produced Videos Capture Spirit of Cultural Exchange, Service Learning in Thailand, South Korea, Peru, Chile, Italy and Colombia

Video Series Marks Launch of YMCA of Greater New York’s Web-Based Storytelling Initiative

NEW YORK--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Do-it-yourself video and YouTube are the new media of choice for the YMCA’s Global Teens program, as of last night’s premiere of 10 short videos at the first Global Teens Film Festival at the West Side YMCA’s Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater.

“New York City teens express themselves in South Korea - YMCA NYC”

The videos—shot, conceived and directed by 12 participants of this summer’s nine Global Teens excursions—effectively close the 10,000-mile gap between the once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad and at home in New York. But they also provide the viewer with a front-row seat to the transformational effect and positive imprint an intensive two-week global volunteer experience in another community halfway around the world can make on the lives of kids and families.

“Service learning and personal communication are two skills embedded within every YMCA program, and it is rewarding to be able to see our teens developing their own voices to share their personal reflections on their international travel experiences,” said Kevin Shermach, Sr. Executive Director of the YMCA’s Communications Department, which sponsored the Global Teens Press Corps. “But in many cases, these videos are not just a chronicle of the journey. You are witnessing the writing of an indelible chapter in the lives of our young people.”

Prior to their volunteer treks to remote areas of South Korea, Colombia, Peru, Thailand, Italy and Chile, volunteer members of the Global Teens “press corps” were issued video cameras and challenged to tell a specific story about how their trips made an impact on their lives. From eating frog in Thailand to dancing in Colombia to exploring freedom of expression in South Korea, the results collectively tell the stories of more than 120 young people on the path to becoming global citizens.

Following last night’s event, the videos were posted to www.ymcanyc.org and www.youtube.com/user/YMCANYC:

• “Global Teens live la dolce vita in Italy - YMCA NYC ,” Italy
• “Global Teens don't want the music to stop in Colombia –YMCA NYC,” Colombia
• “Teens explore the life and culture of Chile - YMCA NYC ,” Chile
• “Global Teens in the 'Real World' in South Korea - YMCA NYC ,” South Korea
• “New York City teens express themselves in South Korea - YMCA NYC,” South Korea
• “How a group of 13 strangers became a family in Peru - YMCA NYC ,” Peru
• “We are Thailand - YMCA NYC,” Thailand
• “Global Teens conquer the beast in the jungle of Thailand - YMCA NYC,” Thailand
• “New York City Teens eat a frog in Thailand - YMCA NYC ,” Thailand
• “Global Teens 2009 'What I learned' - YMCA NYC ,” New York
• “'In Their Own Words' - YMCA Global Teens,” New York

YMCA Global Teens is a unique international service and cultural exchange program that encourages teens to step outside their comfort zones and powerfully interact with the global community. By creating volunteer opportunities for teens in partnership with YMCAs abroad, Global Teens can contribute to the YMCA’s mission to build strong kids, families and communities in one of the 120 countries where the YMCA works. Since 1996, more than 700 teens have connected with the world through YMCA Global Teens.

“I am so proud that this summer our Global Teens built buildings, taught school children English words and phrases, volunteered with the elderly and converted an unused building into a community center. On top of that, a handful of the teens volunteered to capture the spirit of what was happening and bring it back for the rest of us,” said Jack Lund, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “I have never seen a more powerful statement on how the YMCA can change lives around the world than these videos.”

Global Teens program leadership is planning to introduce the press corps component even earlier in the preparations for the 2010 trips to allow for teens to more fully capture the anticipation and explore preconceived ideas of life in another country. But the launch also marks the YMCA of Greater New York’s first foray into the rapidly changing Web 2.0 media landscape.

Shermach also noted the YMCA of Greater New York is developing a series of videos that share individual stories of the impact the YMCA has had on the more than 350,000 New Yorkers the organization reaches each year. More than 700 YMCA members and program participants shared their personal Y experiences in July and August 2009 as part of the YMCA’s “Summer Story Project,” a traveling video testimonial booth. The videos will explore themes like commitment, adversity, guidance and survival and how the YMCA supports individuals in growing stronger in spirit, mind and body.

“While we are certainly proud of our facilities throughout the city, including more than 150 off-site program locations, the YMCA’s true roots lie in the connection among people, the staff and those we serve,” Shermach said. “Like the Global Teens press corps, the next video series will move past the statistics of how many people throughout the five boroughs benefit from the YMCA and put a genuine and personal face on what the YMCA means to our city.”

The series will feature a high-profile YMCA member as its host and is scheduled to launch in early 2010 both on www.ymcanyc.org and the YMCA’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/YMCANYC, where a pilot video entitled “Three in 350,000” shares three stories of members and how they were impacted by financial assistance from the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign.

The YMCA of Greater New York is a community service organization which promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, with a focus on youth. The largest private youth-serving organization in New York City, the YMCA of Greater New York encompasses 19 branches and 180 program sites throughout the five boroughs, plus three camps upstate, serving 350,000 New Yorkers of all ages each year, including 175,000 children in a variety of educational, social, health and wellness, as well as recreational and child development programs, each of which reinforce the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Supported in part through contributions to the Strong Kids Campaign, the YMCA provides membership assistance and scholarships, so that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Visit ymcanyc.org to learn more.