Young Men's Christian Association

An organization for promoting the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare of young men, founded, June 6, 1844, by George Williams (knighted therefor by Queen Victoria) in London. In 1851 it extended to the United States and Canada, and in 1855 representatives of similar organizations throughout Europe and America formed an international body. The movement has successfully expanded not only among young men in general, but also specifically among railroad men, in the army and navy, with provision for Indians and negroes, and a full duplication of all the various lines of oepration in the boys' departments. It currently (1998) maintains buildings which usually have both recreational facilities and dormitories for dwelling. It is usually called by its acronym YMCA. See also the similar organizations Young Women's Christian Association and YMHA.

Young Men's Christian Association

Young Men's Christian Association,

(the Y or YMCA), organization having as its objective the development of values and behaviors that are consistent with Christian principles. Despite its name, membership is not limited to Christians, and since World War II women and girls have been accepted as members.

The first association was launched (1844) in London by Sir George WilliamsWilliams, Sir George,
1821–1905, English merchant. A vigorous advocate of temperance and an opponent of gambling and tobacco, Williams founded the Young Men's Christian Association in 1844. In 1894 he was knighted for his lifelong work for boys.
..... Click the link for more information. and a group of young men in business as a place to help other young working men find God through prayer and Bible study. In 1851 the movement took root in North America. Following the lead of Montreal and Boston, a number of other cities soon formed their own YMCAs, and in 1854 the first convention of North American associations took place in Buffalo, N.Y. A world conference in Paris (1855), attended by delegates from eight nations, led to the formation of the World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations in the same year.

Originally focused on Bible study and religious activities, the organization, which in 2010 began officially referring to itself as "the Y," has greatly broadened its mission statement over the years, and now has branches on every continent. Ys serve 45 million people in 120 countries, and often provide inexpensive housing, meeting space for community groups, gymnasiums and pools, and child-care programs.