Full Version: YMCA

YMCA

The Young Men's Christian Association ("YMCA" or "the Y") is a world-wide, largely nonsectarian and apolitical social movement with a special emphasis on community development and young people. It uses a holistic approach to individual and social development encompassing spiritual, intellectual and physical methods. This approach is symbolised by the inverse red triangle used by YMCAs around the world representing the YMCA mission of building a healthy spirit, mind, and body.

The YMCA was founded in London, England, on June 6, 1844, by Sir George Williams as a result of his desire to "...win souls to Christ." in the midst of the unhealthy social conditions in London during the Industrial Revolution. Since then the YMCA has grown to become a world-wide movement of more than 45 million members from 124 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs.

In 1844, the concept of a YMCA, which began among evangelicals, was unusual because it crossed the rigid lines that separated the different churches and social classes of England, making the YMCA a pioneer of ecumenism. This openness was a trait that would eventually lead to the inclusion of women and children and a culture of acceptance of people of different faiths and backgrounds. Today, the degree to which religion is emphasized in programs varies between individual YMCA associations. Generally, YMCAs are open to all, regardless of faith, social class, age, or gender.

Its name represents something of an anachronism, but it has been retained as a strong brand name.

what about that song called YMCA?!

its like... sotta ... arh... homosexual song? where on the mtv all the men were singing YMCA song and .... dancing... =_________=" i never really know what it meant until today~~

yeah.. also got the feeling from some tv show that song's kinda gay...