THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE THIS PLACE - GET READY TO MAKE HISTORY AT THE 2026 FALL STAFF RALLY!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 - Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway, Normal, IL 61761
As we celebrate the Y’s 175th anniversary, we celebrate nearly two centuries of building a healthy mind, body and spirit for all through innovation, connection, community service, and so much more. The “No Place Like This Place” campaign that celebrates the Y’s 175th anniversary highlights the diverse ways the Y builds stronger, more connected communities.
Our theme for the 2026 Fall Rally, “THE It Starts Here PLACE”, embodies the innovation, dedication, and community-minded spirit of YMCA staff that truly make the Y a place like no other. The Y’s legacy started over 175 years ago and continues to this day through passionate, dedicated, and innovative individuals like you. Throughout Rally, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow colleagues who are a part of the Y’s history and creators of the Y’s future legacy.
Fall Staff Rally is not just an event—it’s a celebration of our collective journey and a springboard to future successes. Let’s seize this moment to continue the Y’s legacy—let’s connect with one another, share our very own Y histories, exchange innovative ideas, and inspire each other and the communities that we serve. Together, we can and will continue the Y’s legacy!
Registration will open around August 1st.
RALLY AWARDS - NEWLY UPDATED FOR 2026!
Let's celebrate the great work being done throughout the movement in Illinois! Nominate a deserving staff member today. Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs Awards were established to recognize outstanding performance by Illinois YMCA staff. Past award recipients have exemplified exceptional levels of work performance and display high regard for the YMCA's mission and work in their communities. Nominations are accepted annually. Recipients are chosen by the Awards Sub-committee of the Fall Staff Rally Planning Committee.
Staff Award Descriptions:
Emerging Leader Award
This award is given to an individual in the YMCA whose contributions over their short time have made a difference in their community. This person exhibits a hunger for professional growth and has shown the ability to successfully lead their department or staff team. To qualify, nominees must have been on the job for more than six months and less than two years of continuous employment.
Program Excellence Award
The nominee must have shown the highest level of leadership in strengthening existing programs or in creating new programs as evidenced by his or her measurable achievements during the last year. This person demonstrates a commitment to advancing the mission of the YMCA in the community they serve. To qualify, nominees must have been on the job more than two years.
Professional Achievement Award
This award recognizes a YMCA staff person who has achieved notable professional growth or excellence in the past year. Consider staff in administrative roles such as business, membership, marketing, property management, financial development, human resources, technology or leadership; as well as those in programs who have made notable growth and achievement professionally. The nominee must have shown the highest level of leadership in their field as evidenced by measurable achievements.
CEO Award Description:
Leadership Legacy Award (formerly Illini Chief Award)
Note: This award is chosen by the Alliance CEO and a panel of past award winners. Please direct any recommendations to Andy.Thornton@IllinoisYMCAs.org.
The Leadership Legacy Award recognizes a current Chief Executive Officer that provides extraordinary leadership to a corporate YMCA in Illinois by exemplifying the YMCA’s values and mission. This award recognizes cause-driven leaders in their association, community, and the Y movement and among his or her peers across the State.