The meaning and spirit that George Williams and his group of colleagues gave to the YMCA is still present. In fact, today it is more relevant than ever.
We can find it in our name: the YMCA and the words “Young”, “Christian” and “Association”.
Youth is our focus and as we empower young people we consider them not only as leaders of tomorrow but real change makers today. By involving them at programmatic and governance initiatives, the YMCA continues providing them the space, the tools and the capacities for their own personal development and for positive social transformation. Just like on June 6th 1844 when a group of young mean led by George Williams founded our movement.
Christian is in the center of our name and shall also be in the core of the YMCA movement. Because we are based on Christian principles, we shall act accordingly by developing initiatives that promote social justice, peace, solidarity and opportunities with a special focus on those who suffer or do not have access to positive and growing opportunities. We seek for a holistic development of each person in spirit, body and mind. Highlighting of Christian mission in an inclusive way was a priority set by our founders and shall also remain today.
Association was the chosen format for our fellowship and it is still real today. It is a natural and effective link between our members, our governance bodies and our management teams in order to deliver our values and actions. It also means the connection among persons and communities from different cultures and regions, making them part of the same collective project. “That we may all be one” (John 17, 21) means unity, strength and capacity to integrate and respond to the needs of individuals and communities.
Thank you and congratulations to all of you, YMCA friends around Europe!
