On this date in 1844, the world's first YMCA was founded by George Williams in London, England, to help youth address social challenges.
Those youths never could've imagined that 175 years later, the organization would be benefiting young people in 120 countries around the globe -- and using social media to call for a worldwide volunteerism celebration.
"The YMCA started out as a volunteer-led movement, and to this day, the transformational work of the Y is only possible through the efforts of volunteers," the organization writes on its Facebook page. "Join us this Saturday, June 8 for 175 minutes of volunteer service in celebration of the YMCA’s 175th birthday. Learn more and sign-up at youlocal [stet] Y. #YMCA175 #YMCAChallenge"
On its website, the Y offers a registration form, where you can pledge to donate 175 minutes of your time in service of your community this Saturday, June 8.
The site instructs users to seek out volunteer opportunities in their own communities in a variety of ways:
- Use the YMCA's interactive map to find out whether a Y near you is facilitating a volunteer opportunity on June 8;
- Ask your local Y’s front desk staff about volunteer opportunities; or
- Reach out to other non-profits, houses of worship or other charitable organizations in your community about opportunities to serve.
The YMCA also encourages people to share their experiences using the hashtag #YMCA175 -- and a Twitter search reveals plenty of positive memories from the organization's nearly two centuries of service.
"For 175 years, the @ymca has been there for youth. 'The Y' has been important to my family, & an Alpharetta, Ga., facility is named the “Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA” for my father," Tweeted U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, of Georgia. "The YMCA is now in 119 countries and serves 58 million individuals. Happy Birthday! #YMCA175"
The World YMCA shared a video featuring President Patricia Pelton and Secretary General Carlos Madjri Sanvee to its Twitter account, where the pair discuss the long-term growth of the organization.
"Throughout the years, our movement has evolved to support all people, regardless of age, gender, religion, or socio-economic status," Sanvee says.
"Indeed, it's not all about the men anymore," Pelton says with a laugh. "We're proud of all that we've been able to accomplish over the last 175 years."
"We hope many of you will join us as we write the next chapter of our history," Sanvee replies. "We will mobilize more young people; we will equip them with the capacity and tools to empower themselves, their communities and their nations, because the aspiration is to build a world that is inclusive and safe for all."
The YMCA's celebrations will continue with a weeklong event on August 4-8 in London. According to their website, "training sessions on relevant issues, workshops, live concerts, sports and cultural activities will be the main attractions with a concrete goal: helping local and national YMCAs to build the next generation of YMCA leaders, learning and sharing skills in a youth friendly environment."
