YMCA
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Young Men's Christian Association
Founded: June 6, 1844, London, England, U.K.
Founder: George Williams
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
The Young Men's Christian Association (commonly known as YMCA or simply the Y) is a worldwide organization based in Geneva, Switzerland with more than 57 million beneficiaries from 125 national associations. It was founded on 6 June 1844 by George Williams in London and aims to put Christian principles into practice by developing a healthy ''body, mind, and spirit''. These three angles are reflected by the different sides of the (red) triangle, part of all YMCA logos. From its inception, it grew rapidly and ultimately became a worldwide movement founded on the principles of Muscular Christianity. Local YMCAs engage in a wide variety of charitable activities, including providing athletic facilities, holding classes for a wide variety of skills, proselytizing Christianity, and humanitarian work. YMCAs remain religious organizations; many national or local organizations de-emphasize this aspect, while others choose to prioritize its religious mission above all others.
The different local YMCAs are voluntarily affiliated through their national organizations. The national organizations in turn are part of both an Area Alliance and the World Alliance of YMCAs. The World Alliance's main motto is ''empowering young people'', and it is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
