World Alliance of YMCAs

The World Alliance of YMCAs, established in 1855, is a global organization that originated as a Christian lay movement in London in 1844. Its primary aim is to foster high standards of Christian character through group activities and citizenship training. The YMCA's programs encompass sports, physical education, camping, counseling, education, and public affairs.1

The movement has expanded significantly, with millions of members across approximately 125 countries and territories by the early 21st century. The YMCA also provides services to armed forces and prisoners of war, and operates educational institutions and hotels. In the United States, the organization is sometimes informally referred to as "the Y".12