History of YMCA as a World Wide Movement

“The World Need’s Peace….. You are that Peace….”.

World YMCA

Started in 1844, in the Industrial City of London, to becoming a world movement in 1855, the YMCA has come a long way, lasting over a century and a half, to make its mark as a pioneer and premier organization of youth. The Young Men’s Christian Association – YMCA today embraces 126 nations and 45 million members all across the Globe.

YMCA started with 12 men including Sir George William in a small way on 6 th June 1844 , in London . England at that time was the home of Industrial Revolution and a Capital of Commerce. Industrial Revolution had created social upheavel, creating homelessness for thousands of people who then migrated to the capital for employment. They lived in de-humanising conditions in the city, and their social life and morals broke down. They were exploited by rich Industrialists, who amassed wealth on the labour of the poor. Amid this turmoil, George William felt the urgent need to reform the spiritual, moral and social life of young men who otherwise were getting frustrated. Where other efforts had failed in this direction, YMCA took shape in the hands of George Williams through Bible Study and Prayer, to become a International Organization spreading all across the world, its mission of unity and brotherhood of all mankind.

Today the headquarters of the World YMCA is based at Geneva , and from there it affiliates all regional and Local YMCA and networks their programmes and activities across the globe. The YMCA is now known as an International organization known for its contributions in the field of Hostels and Guest houses, Physical Education and sports and Community Work. Two major contributions that the YMCA has given to the world is the invention of popular games Basketball and Volleyball.

Symbol

The symbol of the YMCA the Equilateral triangle representing overall development of mind, body and spirit of young men.

• To work for equal opportunity and justice for all.
• To work for and maintain an environment in which relationships among people are characterised by love and understanding.
• To work for and maintain conditions, within the YMCA and in society, its organisations and institutions, which allow for honesty, depth and creativity.
• To develop and maintain leadership and programme patterns which exemplify the varieties and depth of Christian experience.
• To work for the development of the whole person.

Challenge 21
"Challenge 21" signifies responsibilities that YMCAs might assume in the new millennium according to their specific needs and possibilities. The potential agenda-orientations in Challenge 21 clearly position the YMCA in relation to wider societal happenings. It was consciously not titled as a Statement of Mission - such a statement might emerge as a consequence of a continuing process.

• Empowering all, especially young people and women to take increased responsibilities and assume leadership at all levels and working towards an equitable society.
• Advocating for and promoting the rights of women and upholding the rights of children.
• Fostering dialogue and partnership between people of different faiths and ideologies and recognizing the cultural identities of people and promoting cultural renewal.
• Committing to work in solidarity with the poor, dispossessed, uprooted people and oppressed racial, religious and ethnic minorities.

 

Indian YMCA

Among the first Indian YMCAs to be set up were in Calcutta , Trivandrum and Bombay . The early work of Indian YMCAs was among youth, students, European railway men, mill workers, and also Physical Education and Rural Reconstruction. As Indian YMCAs grew and matured, its new activities and programmes directly contributed to the growth of Modern India. Indian YMCA can proudly boast of assisting the Government of India, in its Integrated Rural Development Programme and also in forming the Indian Olympic Association. Also during the years of Nationalist struggle, K.T. Paul , the first National General Secretary of the Indian Movement, was invited to be member of the first Round Table Conference , held in the year 1930 at London . Today the Indian movement spans all states and the total number of Indian YMCAs are 550.


Goa YMCA Panjim

Goa YMCA, a part of the gigantic organization, now offers affordable accommodation to the world wide YMCA community members and other tourists. Goa YMCA housed in the capital of Panjim, a most preferred holiday destination in India for International and Indian travelers, will boast of its own facilities, activities and programmes. The first phase was inaugurated at the auspicious hands of the Governor of Goa, His Excellency, Shri SC. Jamir. The Project which is a Community Centre houses 14 self contained air conditioned double rooms, a Dining Hall, a Multi-purpose Hall providing conference facilities, and a Activity open area.

The YMCA has placed before itself absolute , selfless and high minded ideals of service for the development of the people and everyone who is a well wisher of the people of India . Goa YMCA would wish and do its best to see that these ideals of the Indian YMCA find fulfillment.