Develop, advance, and enhance global youth organizations that provide a positive environment and a safe place for young people around the world.

A message from Glenn…

Why do certain people or organizations rise above their circumstances? Are they born with an enate ability to cope and mange through uncertainty? Do they perpetually plan for “rainy days” with an eye always looking ahead toward dangers and opportunities that lie in wait? Are they fortunate beneficiaries of being at the right place during the wrong time? Or are they simply resilient?

I’ve been thinking a lot about resiliency lately for obvious reasons. I doubt that I am alone because many of you, our WFYC Affiliate leaders, are currently grappling with uncertainty. I have heard this sentiment directly and sensed it during our time together during these past six months.

Being resilient, as a concept is often misapplied, overused, and exhaustive especially to those individuals and organizations constantly challenged to do more despite their station in life. As a lifelong baseball fan myself, just ask any pitcher finding himself constantly down in the count facing runners in scoring position how exhausting resiliency can be. Enough already! We all have been challenged to learn new skills, adapt to a new normal, and rediscover new operational landscapes for our organizations. Sound familiar?

Know that you embody the definition of resiliency every day. Young people, parents, and communities in our 30 Affiliate countries around the world rely on your ability to endure and cope with a completely different set of challenges. When thinking about my own resiliency journey I have found comfort knowing I am not isolated on island. I encourage you to continue to face the challenges ahead with humility and curiosity as you explore new ways to serve young people, knowing that during times of triumph and trial, WFYC stands with you AND for you as we celebrate your success together.

Quick Notes:

Innovation is the call of the day and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mexico (Club de Niños y Niñas de México) mastered that by successfully transitioning their annual in-person conference to a virtual format. It was remarkably successful! We at the World Federation of Youth Clubs were thrilled to be part of the conference. We kicked off the session with a congratulatory video by WFYC Co-Founders Rick & Susan Goings. The session focused on key trends, WFYC’s value proposition, followed by Q&A on the benefits and services offered by President, Glenn Permuy and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Shamley. Over 50 attendees tuned in for the session. Congratulations to Mauricio, Daniela, and the entire Club de Niños y Niñas de México team for delivering an outstanding conference!

A big thank you to the Rick & Susan Goings Foundation for their recent generous gift of $125,000. This investment in our future to better serve Affiliates allows us to meet the 1:1 challenge match requirement to receive match funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Our thanks to these two generous and visionary foundations for believing in us and the work we are doing with our Affiliate Clubs around the world.

Glenn Permuy
President & CEO