2025 NAYDO Academy for New York YMCAs
YMCA Year-Round Annual Support - and Your Role In It 

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by the Alliance of New York State YMCAs

NAYDO Academy is a half day of learning and networking for association/branch leaders, program and membership directors, frontline and admin staff. Lunch included.  

Register today! Select your watch site when you register – Space is limited

Watch Sites
• Saratoga Regional YMCA
  290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs  12866

• Capital District YMCA | South Saratoga YMCA
  1 Wall Street, Clifton Park  12065
  
• YMCA of Greater Rochester
  100 Chestnut Street, Rochester  14604
 
• YMCA of Central New York
  4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse  13215

• Rye YMCA
  1037 Boston Post Road, Rye  10538

• YMCA of Long Island | Patchogue Family YMCA
  255 West Main Street, Patchogue  11772 

 
Agenda

9:30          Check in
10:00        Welcome and Introductions

10:10         Creating a Culture of Philanthropy  
Pam Hearn, CFRE, Chief Development Officer | YMCA of the Jersey Shore

Creating a culture of philanthropy at every level is critical to fundraising success. This includes intentionally educating and engaging members and program participants; full-time, part-time and summer staff; current and former board members; parents, alumni, and affinity groups. Small efforts can begin to create a culture and a Y community that understands the need in making an impact.
 

11:15         How to Tell Your Best Y Story
Molly Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer, and Kristen Howard, VP of Public Relations & Communications | YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Storytelling is an integral part of donor cultivation and stewardship―engaging and keeping Y donors. Learn how to collect and communicate effective stories to engage members and donors. Storytelling also helps to grow a culture of philanthropy. Learn best practices in developing and telling your best Y story.

12:15         Lunch break

12:45        The Art and Science of How to Make the Ask
Jon Simons, Senior Consultant | DBD Group

Most of us are uneasy asking for money. You can prepare yourself and your team for an ask that feels natural – even joyful and fun – for you and your Y member. You’ll learn strategies that work together to help you plan, engage and ask members and prospective donors in a way that is effective and energizing.

1:50          Wrap up
2:00         End
 

Contacts:
Steve Henshaw, Alliance of New York State YMCAs, 585.944.4852
Kristen Obaranec, CFRE, NAYDO, 404.593.7920