CONNECT, LEARN & LEAD
Professional development and networking for NJ YMCA Professionals
Invest in your career
YMCA Professional Network (YPN) is a YMCA of the USA-supported professional development and peer-to-peer network led by local Y staff. All Y staff—including part-time—are YPN members upon hire. Upgrade to a Prime Membership and gain access to additional benefits including registration discounts and eligibility to receive EAF grants. Prime Membership is free. Quick Guide for Prime Registration
Build networks
Tap into expertise outside your Y and bring back new ideas and best practices. By joining YPN Peer Communities—networks within YPN designed to exchange ideas and foster innovation in specific program areas (such as aquatics, membership and camp)— you will be able to engage peers to discuss best practices and troubleshoot challenges.
Grow as a leader
YPN positions Y staff for greater opportunities by developing leadership competencies through networking with peers and through trainings and eLearnings. Staff members can also put their competencies into practice by serving as leaders with chapter boards, Peer Communities, and events.
Emergency Assistance Fund
Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) provides financial aid when an accident, illness, death of a loved one, disaster or other crisis strikes. Grants of up to $10,000 are made to active and retired Y professionals, as well as family members. The applicant must be a member of YPN Prime or the YMCA Alumni Association for at least the past six months or be an immediate dependent family member. Learn more or request a grant.
WNJY Podcast
YPN Chapter 17’s podcast, WNJY, is now available for free listening. WNJY was developed during the COVID-19 shutdown to address the ongoing need to stay connected and continue professional development. Hosts, Michael Reisman of the YMCA of Bucks County and Hunterdon County and Nya Noziere of the Sussex County YMCA, explore relevant issues and current trends impacting our day-to-day lives as Y professionals.