Information
The Young Men Christian Association is a nongovernmental organization based on Christian principles. The organization has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Also known as the YMCA or simply the Y, its core values are honesty, responsibility, caring, and respect (Winter, 2002). It seeks to nurture and develop healthy minds, bodies, and spirits, based on the principles of muscular Christianity. The organization engages its beneficiaries in charity events, sports, athletics, and fitness facilities as well as skills and capacity development courses (Young Men Christian Association, n.d.). The association is composed of various composite organizations based in over 125 countries across the globe. Currently, it serves over 45 million people across the globe. Ideally, each national association maintains a measure of autonomy, especially in regards to its activities; however, common codes and bills under the world alliance govern them all. The core directive for the YMCA world alliance is “empowering young people” (Winter, 2002).
Organizational Information
George Williams founded the YMCA in 1844 with the primary objective of providing practical and spiritual safe zones for the young men who were moving to London during the Industrial Revolution. Initially, some of the YMCA’s were widely established to serve special interest groups such as the factory and railroad workers, as well as Native Americans, African Americans, and immigrants (Young Men Christian Association, n.d.). The organization has a very clear and concise mission, which is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all” (Young Men Christian Association, n.d.). The YMCA is one of the biggest not-for-profit organizations in the U.S. as well as across the globe (Winter, 2002). The organization has numerous YMCA’s that are willing and able to meet the unique needs of millions of women, men, and children in different communities. In most cases, no individual is turned away from the organization. It acts as a sanctuary for individuals of all faiths, ages, income levels, races, and abilities (Young Men Christian Association, n.d.).
The organization’s strength emanates from its ability to bring individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds together. Communities have different values, beliefs, and principles; therefore, Y rolls out different programs to cater for different communities (Winter, 2002). For example, it may offer swimming and music lessons in one community while offering leadership clubs and childcare in the other. In most cases, members of Y make their own decision based on the pressing needs of their immediate communities. Specifically, they make the decisions on programs to introduce as well as how to operate them (Young Men Christian Association, n.d.).
Potential Programs and Services
As mentioned above, the YMCA is committed to improving communities through social responsibility, youth development, and healthy living. As a result, it offers many programs and services to help people to embrace healthy living and help children to nature third potentials. Some of the programs include swimming classes, mentoring, fitness and wellness, employment programs, leadership and teen education programs, and childcare programs (Young Men Christian Association, n.d.).
Conclusion
In sum, George Williams established the YMCA in 1844 with the primary objective of nurturing and developing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits, based on the principles of muscular Christianity. The organization strives to advance Christian principles and values through the provision of services and programs that transform humanity. Currently, the organization has branches in almost all nations across the globe, and it serves over 45 million people. Some of the programs and services that it offers include childcare, leadership programs, swimming lessons, mentoring programs, wellness and fitness programs, among others.
References
Winter, T. (2002). Making Men, Making Class: The YMCA and Workingmen, 1877-1920 Chicago: University Of Chicago Press
Young Men Christian Association. Organizational Profile. Retrieved March 31, 2016, from <http://www.ymca.net/organizational-profile>
