Famous for its rivers, bridges, and championship sports teams, Pittsburgh has the feeling of a small town while offering the advantages of a big city. Composed of a unique tapestry of 90 communities, Pittsburgh presents a lifestyle of cultural diversity, sustainability, affordability and safety in addition to access to world-class education and health care.

What was once known as a smoky, polluted steel town has evolved into a hub for sustainability, having reinvented itself with one of the most dramatic environmental transformations in the world. Now ranked among the top 10 cities in the United States for certified green building space, Pittsburgh has become a hot spot for biomedical sciences, corporate headquarters, and technology. Home to one of the country’s most active foundation communities, Pittsburgh supports hundreds of local nonprofits each year acting as a significant force for good.

This year’s theme, Sustaining a Healthy Future, relates not only to the culture and industry of Pittsburgh, but it conveys a shared commitment and intent among all of us to carry on the YMCA mission for years to come.  This is more than a conference theme; it is call to action!  As an organization, our healthy future hinges on our capacity to inspire and serve. We know that the impact the Y has is real – and it is those successes that motivate us and drive our efforts among the philanthropic community. Sustainability, the potential for long-term maintenance of well-being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions, is woven into the very essence of what we do and how we do it.

We look forward to seeing you at the 31st Annual NAYDO Conference on YMCA Philanthropy!

Read what one volunteer said about the 2011 NAYDO Conference experience:

"...Just wanted to share a hearty bit of gratitude to your organization for providing me the generous opportunity to attend the NAYDO conference in April as a volunteer on behalf of the Decatur YMCA.  Not only was it a tremendous opportunity to expand my understanding of the YMCA organization, it also offered a magnificent opportunity to deepen my awareness of philanthropy-why it is important, how to share the message with associates and donors, and innovative ideas, from across the country and the globe, to fulfill the mission. 

 

To a volunteer board member, the NAYDO conference could be considered essential to a comprehensive understanding of the YMCA, its global impact, and the ongoing efforts to carry on the mission of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development.  I would urge committed volunteers to accept the privilege of attending a NAYDO conference.   I guarantee the time will be well spent as an inspiration and the education invaluable to your affiliation to your YMCA and community as a whole. Thank you again, very sincerely, for the opportunity to be a part of this worthwhile event and cause.  I can assure you the contribution was well utilized and very much appreciated!"

Respectfully,

Melissa Watson
Volunteer. Decatur YMCA