YMCA , sometimes regionally called the Y , is a worldwide youth organization based in Geneva , Switzerland, with more than 64 million beneficiaries in countries. It has nearly 90, staff, some , volunteers and 12, branches worldwide. The organization's stated aim is to put Christian values into practice by developing a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
From its inception, YMCA grew rapidly, ultimately becoming a worldwide movement founded on the principles of muscular Christianity. Local YMCAs deliver projects and services focused on youth development through a wide variety of youth activities, including providing athletic facilities, holding classes for a wide variety of skills, promoting Christianity, and humanitarian work. The national organizations, in turn, are part of both a geographically regional area alliance and the World Alliance of YMCA.
YMCA programs vary between nations and regions, but are all based on the principles espoused in the Paris Basis. They were concerned about the lack of healthy activities for young men in major cities; the options available were usually taverns and brothels. Williams' idea grew out of meetings he held for prayer and Bible-reading among his fellow workers in a business in the city of London , [ 5 ] and on 6 June , he held the first meeting that led to the founding of YMCA with the purpose of "the improving of the spiritual condition of young men engaged in the drapery, embroidery , and other trades.
By , YMCA started a popular series of lectures that from were held at Exeter Hall , London, and started being published the following year, with the series running until YMCA was associated with industrialisation and the movement of young people to cities to work. YMCA "combined preaching in the streets and the distribution of religious tracts with a social ministry.
Philanthropists saw them as places for wholesome recreation that would preserve youth from the temptations of alcohol, gambling, and prostitution and that would promote good citizenship. The Conference took place in August , bringing together 99 young delegates from nine countries, held before the Exposition Universelle They discussed joining in a federation to enhance cooperation amongst individual YMCA societies. In , the fourth World Conference of YMCAs, held in Germany, affirmed the importance of developing the whole individual in spirit, mind, and body.
