The YMCA reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

YMCA

Alternate meaning: YMCA (song)

The YMCA (or Young Men's Christian Association) is a Christian organization seeking to provide support for young people and their activities. The YMCA now provides support for both young women and men.

The YMCA movement was founded in London, England on June 6, 1844 by George Williams, and states its goals as "seeking to build a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation". The first YMCA in the United States opened in Boston, Massachusetts on December 29, 1851.

Today YMCAs are present in 122 countries.

Historically, before the decriminalisation of homosexuality, some men often used the local "Y" as somewhere to meet other men — and often as a place to have anonymous sex. This practice has diminished as gay bathhouses have become more prevalent.

See also

• YWCA, YMCA Youth and Government
• Jewish Community Center

External links

• World Alliance of YMCA
• YMCA history

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