Allen Harkey, age 14, of Lincolnton, N.C., for his question:
WHEN DID THE YMCA START?
More than 100 million members in more than 85 countries belong to the YMCA. The organization's membership is open to people of every age, creed, nationality and race. In the United States, more than 9 million people, including about 3.5 million girls and women, belong to about 1,800 local associations. Canada has about 125 local associations and 1 million members.
The YMCA is a worldwide service organization based on Christian principles. Officially called the Young Men's
Christian Association, the group provides programs that encourage the development of body, mind and spirit.
The YMCA was founded in 1844 by a young London clerk named George Williams. He was backed by a group of his friends. They saw the movement quickly grow and spread to other countries, with the greatest development taking place in Canada and the United States.
In 1851 YMCA units were established in Boston and Montreal. The first convention of North American YMCA's met in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1854. A total of 37 delegates from 19 different associations attended that first gathering. A first World Conference was held in Paris in 1855. By this time the movement had grown to 379 associations in seven countries with a membership of 30,360.
The YMCA of New York City built its own building in 1869. Five years later, in 1874, the San Francisco YMCA admitted the association's first women members. During the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 until 1865, the YMCA established activities for members of the armed forces. With each later war these services increased. During World War II more than 450 clubs for the Allied armed forces were in operation.
In addition, during World War II the YMCA raised more than $12 million to aid more than 6 million war prisoners of all nations. Physical fitness programs for the entire family are stressed by local YMCA clubs these days. More than 800,000 persons learn how to swim each year through YMCA aquatic programs. Also, thousands of boys and girls each year take part in the YMCA's youth basketball activities.
A publishing wing of the YMCA is called Association Press. Books on adult education, religion, sports, crafts and many other subjects are published each year.
The YMCA sponsors HI Y clubs for young people as well as many parent child classes and programs designed to strengthen family relationships. The organization also has many activities that fight delinquency.
YMCA education programs range from informal classes on such subjects as yoga or carpentry. College level courses are also offered that can lead to degrees.