The organization I have chosen to research is the Young Men’s Christian Association, otherwise known as the YMCA. The non-profit organization was founded on June 6, 1844 in England by a man named George Williams. The goal was to form a healthy getaway for the men who traveled to cities such as London for weeks at a time to work. Instead of commuting back and forth, these unfortunate males would live in overcrowded and socially unacceptable conditions.
During the United States Civil War, the organization suffered a significant drop in membership. The amount of men able to maintain their association with the group shrank to a third of its original size. President Abraham Lincoln formed a group to help the troops uphold their faith. After almost 5,000 volunteers and the distribution of nearly one million bibles it is safe to save the movement was a huge success.
Despite Lincoln’s feat, the war had taken its toll. By the end, there were only forty-nine Y’s left. After a hefty reconstruction period that lasted about four years, there were six hundred more operating facilities. These new buildings offered the YMCA a reformation. Instead of being dominated by volunteer help, the new Y’s included a fitness center and needed supervision around the clock. It wasn’t until this time that the YMCA centers showed a greater focus on physical well-being.
Just when it seemed YMCA was well on its way to being an extremely influential non-profit organization, its advancements came to a screeching halt. The Great Depression was to blame, and the Y’s were released from the government welfare tasks. YMCA was forced to prove its worth to the community in hopes of receiving governmental aid. In order to increase their members, the Y’s aimed to provide for the unemployed. Luckily, they received a great response and the YMCA was able to uphold its existence.
After some very rocky periods and questioning the future of the organization, the Young Men's Christian Association finally found level ground. Monetary was back in a big way and more facilities began to spring up. Also, the YWCA was formed. This organization functioned the same way YMCA did, but was made for women. This advancement allowed the group to multiply in size. Nearly six million dollars was put towards the YMCA and YWCA and 98 new facilities were built.
Above is a picture of the Monroe County YMCA. As you can see, the buildings have become very modern work out facilities. After speaking with a YMCA representative, I have learned a great deal more about the group. They pride themselves on the respect the general public has for them and agree they have underwent many transformations since their beginning. I was told that a larger effort is being placed on maintaing the religious aspect of the group because it has become less of focus as of late. There are several career paths available for young and old at the Y and within the corporate organization. Anything ranging from lifeguard, to camp instructor, to receptionist, to climbing the corporate ladder would allow any one of us to hold a stable job while being involved with the recreation world. When asked what their definition of leisure was, they replied with a simple, "There is no one definition. My definition will certainly differ from yours, which will differ from the next person who walks through out doors." After pressing a little further the rep. said leisure was a way to get away from the constant grind of everyday life. Mixing a healthy lifestyle with a group that provides and excellent support in faith and life in general is something their members enjoy.
The newest trend that has become very noticeable in the YMCA organization is art. Many people are turning to their intellectual side and exploring the world of art. What used to be widely known for physical exercise has know become a place of learning and creativity.
Synopsis:
After researching the Youth Mens Christian Association I have learned many interesting facts. I have learned its not just a workout center, but an organization that prides itself in its faith. Also, the history of the Y is somewhat fascinating in that a large part of its success and failure coincide with the economy. The Y has existed for many years and has established itself has one of the most influential non-profit organizations in the world. There are numerous career opportunities each with its own rewards. If I were to have a career in this agency I would love that I was largely involved in a recreational group, but the pay may be significantly less than if I were employed elsewhere. Climbing up the corporate ladder may be possible at the home office, however, the possibility is not as great when working at the actual facilities. The YMCA has outlast many dark periods, which may be a great insight to their many years ahead.
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