Welcome to You Ask Andy

Kent Lombardo, age 11, of Helena, Mont., for his question:

WHEN WAS THE YMCA FOUNDED?

The YMCA is an international organization fostering constructive social, physical and educational activities for youths and adults of both sexes. The YMCA was founded in London in 1844 to combat unhealthy social conditions resulting from the Industrial Revolution.

Young Men's Christian Association is the full name of the organization. Although it adheres to Christian principles, no religious qualifications or its members are imposed.

The world body, known as the World's Alliance of YMCAs, has a membership of more than 25 million in more than 90 countries. A total membership in the United States is in the region of 12 million.

A British humanitarian named Sir George Williams organized the first YMCA. It attempted to combat idleness among young businessmen by means of Bible classes and prayer meetings. The idea proved popular and within seven years Great Britain had 24 associations.

The YMCA movement spread to industrial centers in North America and Europe in 1851. On December 29 of that year the first YMCA in the United States was founded in Boston. Similar groups were established in New York, Philadelphia and other cities, and by 1854, 26 associations had been formed in the United States and Canada.

By 1854, just 10 years after it was founded, Sir William and his associates introduced the YMCA movement to 397 associations with more than 30,000 members in seven countries.

Today, the facilities of a YMCA branch commonly include a gymnasium and swimming pool, social and hobby center, classrooms and workshops and modern living accommodations. Specialized programs are maintained for railroad and industrial workers, college students, armed forces personnel and a variety of cultural and age groups.

Among the teenage groups are Hi Y clubs for high school boys which teach democracy in practice as well as theory. A companion group, the Tri Hi Y, functions similarly for girls.

The great majority of YMCA activities are led by volunteers, although some are conducted by paid personnel. Branches of the YMCA are self governed, independent units supported financially by United Fund drives, membership fees and direct contributions by the public.

Almost all YMCA branches are affiliated with regional and state Y groups, as well as with the national council of YMCAs in the United States, which maintains research, publicity and purchasing departments and helps set policy for local branches.

The International Committee of the United States and Canada operates YMCA World Service. The American YMCA movement also participates in the YMCA World Alliance.

Notable YMCA contributions to American life include the invention and development of basketball and volleyball.

The YMCA symbol is a red triangle representing spirit, mind and body.

 

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