YMCA
- Alternate meaning: YMCA (song)
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"
History
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 25, 1851, and the first in the United States on December 29, 1851
Today YMCAs are present in 122 countries.
Activities
The activities of the YMCA can be divided into three categories:
Spiritual
The first YMCA was greatly concerned with Bible study. In response to the needs of the communities they serve, some YMCAs make a more general commitment to spiritual values.
Physical fitness
Both basketball and volleyball were developed by YMCA instructors.
Education
Many colleges and universities owe their creation to the YMCA. For example, Sir George Williams University,one of the two schools that eventually became Concordia University started from night courses offered at the Montreal YMCA. The YMCA pioneered the concept of night school, providing educational opportunities for people with full time employment. Many YMCA's offer ESL programs, alternative high school and day care programs.
YMCA and the gay community
Historically, before the decriminalisation of homosexuality, some men often used the local "Y" as somewhere to meet other men — and often as a place to have anonymous sex. This practice has diminished as gay bathhouses have become more prevalent.
See also
