YMCA

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

Today you will find YMCAs in over 90 countries all over the world. YMCA is the biggest youth organization in the world.

See also

• YWCA, YMCA Youth and Government
• Jewish Community Center

• World Alliance of YMCA
• YMCA history

"YMCA" is the title of a song by The Village People. The song's lyrics hides its real message about the rampant homosexual activities that take place at many YMCA branches (or did in the 1970s when the song was written). Most listeners didn't realize the song had a hidden message and instead thought it was simply a musical celebration of the organization.

In 1999, the band rereleased the single and the proceeds were donated to the organization.

"YMCA" is also the name of a group dance invented to fit the song.