The course is divided into three parts.

Part I of the Leadership Orientation gives us a look into the rich and fascinating history of the YWCA that makes it such an important and vital organization. Historic highlights, our national organizational structure - how we work and relate to both each other and to our sister YWCAs in other parts of the world and the meaning of our legacy as a membership movement will be addressed.

Also addressed in this section is the YWCA Mission. The YW Mission is fundamental to all managerial activities. It is the foundation for all that we do. Therefore, it is essential that the President and the Executive Director recognize that their roles as leaders of the YWCA commits each to the responsibility of forwarding it.

This part involves all of the different factors in organizing the work of your association. We will address association affiliation requirements and the importance of good stewardship. We will also clarify roles and responsibilities of the President, Board and Executive Director and explore strategies for building positive inter-relationships. Lastly, w will look at fund development methods and examine how to maximize your associations staff and volunteer resources.

Understanding our YWCA history, our Mission, our work as a membership movement, our organizational capacity and each other’s roles and responsibilities are important factor in building strong YWCA foundations. However, in order for us to move forward as healthy, viable associations it is imperative that we are able to plan in a strategic, purposeful and meaningful way. Part III of the Leadership Orientation will help give us tools for planning for the future of our associations, insuring our financial viability and positioning us as true change agents for our communities, our nation and indeed, the world.