| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
The YMCA (or Young Men's Christian Association) is an ecumenical Christian organization seeking to provide support for young people and their activities. The YMCA now provides support for both young women and men.It states its goals as "seeking to build a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation." Each regional YMCA oversees its local chapters and finances unto itself. Nationwide, the regional YMCAs are related primarily in terms of overall strategy and direction only--the organization is truly community-based and staffed and supported by volunteers and regional employees.
The YMCA movement was founded in London, England on June 6, 1844 by George Williams and a group of like-minded Evangelical Christians. Williams was a draper, typical of the many young men who were being drawn to big cities by the Industrial Revolution. His colleagues were simililarly employed. They were concerned by the lack of healthy activities for young men in cities such as London. The alternatives were often taverns, brothels and other temptations to sin. The "Y" expanded to Australia in 1850. The first YMCA in North America opened in Montreal, Quebec on November 25November 25 is the 329th (in leap years the 330th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 36 days remaining. Events 1034 Malcolm II of Scotland died. Duncan, the son of his second daughter, instead of Macbeth, the son of his eldest daughter,, 1851Events January 23 The flip of a coin determines whether a new city in Oregon is named after Boston, Massachusetts, or Portland, Maine, with Portland winning. March 1 Victor Hugo gives speech at the French national assembly and uses the phrase United State, and the first in the United StatesThe United States of America also referred to as the United States U. America ¹ or the States is a federal republic in central North America, stretching from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It shares land borders with Canada in on December 29December 29 is the 363rd day of the year (364th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 2 days remaining. Events 1170 St Thomas Becket, is slain in his own cathedral on orders from Henry II of England. 1813 War of 1812: British soldiers burn Buffal, 1851Events January 23 The flip of a coin determines whether a new city in Oregon is named after Boston, Massachusetts, or Portland, Maine, with Portland winning. March 1 Victor Hugo gives speech at the French national assembly and uses the phrase United State
Today, YMCAs are present in 122 countries.
The activities of the YMCA can be divided into four categories:
The first YMCA was greatly concerned with BibleThe Bible (From Greek βιβλια biblia meaning "books", which in turn is derived from βυβλος byblos meaning "papyrus", from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) study. In response to the needs of the communities they serve, some YMCAs make a more general commitment to spiritual values.