To all our volunteers: Thank you!

The work of the YWCA movement depends on the talent, time and treasures offered by its volunteers. our volunteers: Thank you!

In 2009, the World YWCA facilitated Regional Training Institutes (RTIs) with YWCAs in Asia and Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean. These events were made possible by the volunteer base of the associations in the region, particularly the hosting associations: namely the YWCA of Indonesia, YWCA of Nigeria and YWCA of Trinidad and Tobago. Thanks to their commitment, over 280 women and 83 young women have been trained through World YWCA events on sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS and violence against women.

The World YWCA President, General Secretary and staff experienced the warm hospitality of YWCA volunteers in their travels and official visits during the year. International delegations received a warm welcome by the volunteers and staff at the YWCA of Liberia during the International Women's Colloquium and by the YWCA of Palestine for the 2009 Joint Advocacy Initiative Witness Visit and on numerous other occasions.

The YWCA movement reaches over 25 million women and girls through its work in local communities. Many associations depend on volunteers to deliver their programmes and services. Through the dedication of volunteers, YWCAs are able to provide varied services from childcare for working mothers to shelters for women survivors of violence, from feeding programmes for families in need to training on safe sex practises including female condom use.

Likewise, the World YWCA advocacy work is sustained by the many hours contributed by volunteers through research, administrative support and participation at United Nations events in Geneva, New York and Paris and other key international meetings around the world.

Through its long history, the World YWCA has been shaped and sustained by its wonderful, dedicated volunteers. Thank you once again for your commitment to the purpose and values of the YWCA.