Global Engagement Trips
Why We Go.
Since our founding in London in 1844, the YMCA has served millions of children, adults, families, and seniors across more than 120 countries by continually asking, “How can the YMCA serve our community?”
In 2018, the Arlington-Mansfield Community Needs Assessment revealed a gap in connecting with newcomer, immigrant, and indigenous communities. In response, we began visiting their countries of origin, gaining firsthand insight, and engaging in local service projects abroad.
Shortly after returning home, we took intentional steps to become more welcoming—hiring staff who reflect these communities, bringing our Mobile YMCA to cultural events, celebrating holidays, sharing cuisine during Welcoming Week, and inviting community leaders to join our Board of Directors.
Today, our YMCA continues to grow as newcomer, immigrant, and indigenous families feel welcomed, valued, and represented.
What began as an effort to better understand how to serve our local community has evolved into something even greater. We started realizing that participants returned from these journeys inspired—having served, learned, and built relationships across borders. For many, a YMCA Global Engagement Trip becomes a life-changing experience that broadens perspective, inspires gratitude, and deepens connection to the Y’s mission.
With this in mind, we opened the program to all adults who wish to experience this transformative journey as part of their YMCA membership—an opportunity to travel with purpose, see the world, and connect with others.
Watch our "Why We Go" video.
“This experience not only exceeded expectations, it deepened my understanding of how the YMCA serves communities both globally and locally—bringing people together through meaningful service, authentic connection, and lasting impact.”
- Felix Wong, Mansfield TX
Trips Support
Communities
Locally
Trip participants connect with local immigrant and indigenous communities by visiting their home countries, fostering trust and collaboration upon returning home, creating a more welcoming YMCA.
Trips Support
Communities
Globally
Through partnerships with Allies in Youth Development, Texas State Alliance and YUSA, the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA provides direct service and financial support to YMCAs worldwide.
Trips Inspire
Personal
Growth
By engaging in service projects and cultural learning, participants gain new perspectives, develop gratitude, and often make meaningful, positive life changes.
Trips Strengthen
Global
Partnerships
The program offers opportunities for participants to work on-location with YMCAs globally, fostering collaboration through partnerships with the World Alliance of YMCAs and YUSA.
"TRAVEL IS FATAL TO PREJUDICE, BIGOTRY, AND NARROW-MINDEDNESS, AND MANY OF OUR PEOPLE NEED IT SORELY ON THESE ACCOUNTS. BROAD, WHOLESOME, CHARITABLE VIEWS OF MEN AND THINGS CANNOT BE ACQUIRED BY VEGETATING IN ONE LITTLE CORNER OF THE EARTH ALL ONE'S LIFETIME." Author Mark Twain