10 Things You Need Know About the YMCA
For more than 175 years, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) has been serving communities all over the world, supporting young people and their families through a variety of services and programs designed to improve health, wellbeing, and educational opportunities. In this article, we explore 10 facts you may not know about the organization, from its beginnings to its global impact today.
1. The YMCA was established in response to the Industrial Revolution.
Originally established in London by Sir George Williams on June 6, 1844, the Young Men’s Christian Association was created to put Christian teachings into practice, supporting the development of “a healthy body, mind, and spirit.” Following the organization’s inception, it grew rapidly and quickly became a worldwide movement.
At the time of its founding, the YMCA was based on muscular Christianity, a British philosophical movement dating back to the mid-19th century that was characterized by a belief in self-sacrifice, discipline, and patriotic duty, incorporating the physical and moral benefits of athleticism.
2. The World YMCA is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Patricia Pelton is the current president of this international non-governmental organization, with Carlos Sanvee serving as secretary general.
The YMCA employs more than 88,000 individuals worldwide and is assisted by more than 919,000 volunteers. Today, the YMCA operates in 120 countries, benefiting more than 64 million people globally.
3. This non-governmental federation focuses on youth development.
The YMCA supports a variety of youth activities, providing athletic facilities and classes while undertaking humanitarian work and promoting Christianity.
4. George Williams joined forces with 11 friends to create the YMCA.
Drawn to London by the Industrial Revolution, Williams discovered a lack of healthy activities for young employees in England’s major cities, as entertainment largely centered around taverns and brothels. He began staging regular prayer and Bible-reading meetings for fellow employees.
On June 6, 1844, Sir George Williams staged a meeting that led to the creation of the YMCA. He announced its purpose was to improve “the spiritual condition of young men engaged in the drapery, embroidery, and other trades.” By 1845, the YMCA was presenting regular lectures at Exeter Hall, London.
The YMCA has a long association with industrialization and the migration of young people in search of work. It quickly grew a reputation as a center for wholesome recreation, preserving youth from the temptations of gambling, alcohol, and prostitution while promoting good citizenship.
5. In the 1850s, the YMCA extended its reach to Europe, Australia, and the US.
Henry Dunant, the secretary of YMCA Geneva, lobbied for the creation of a truly global movement with international headquarters. Dunant, who went on to become the first recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize and established the International Committee of the Red Cross, successfully convinced YMCA Paris to stage the organization’s first world conference. The event took place in August 1855 at the Exposition Universelle, uniting 99 young delegates from nine countries.
6. Some people were initially opposed to the YMCA’s exercise programs.
Sir George Williams’ mission was to improve the spiritual condition of young workers through the formation of family and social prayer meetings, Bible classes, and mutual improvement societies. Several of his associates argued that the organization should focus on theological pursuits rather than physical education. It was not until the late 1800s, when several American YMCA centers began presenting workout courses, that the organization’s physical programs gained widespread popularity.
7. A YMCA employee invented basketball
While employed as an instructor at the YMCA International Training College in Springfield Massachusetts, James Naismith created basketball to keep students active during the harsh New England winter of 1891.
After it was introduced to China by the YMCA in the late 1800s, basketball went on to become one of the most popular sports in the country, attracting approximately 300 million participants today.
8. Volleyball was also created by the YMCA.
In 1895 Bay State YMCA teacher William G. Morgan developed volleyball to serve as a less-demanding alternative to basketball.
9. A YMCA employee developed the idea of Father’s Day.
Spokane YMCA chapter delegate Sonora Louise Smart Dodd first pitched the idea of setting aside one day each year to honor dutiful fathers everywhere. America celebrated the first Father’s Day on June 19, 1910, and the concept proved incredibly popular. Today, Father’s Day is celebrated all over the world.
10. YMCA Silicon Valley has improved the lives of 255,000 residents.
Through the hard work and generous donations of more than 22,500 volunteers and patrons, YMCA Silicon Valley has helped transform the local community, improving the lives of children, youth, adults, and seniors, allowing young people to grow and thrive through a vast array of services and programs.
Presented at 14 separate locations across Silicon Valley, the YMCA’s Early Learning Readiness program has helped 500 children and caregivers, enabling 93 percent of child participants to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for kindergarten.