The World Alliance of YMCAs logo: yesterday and today

The official insignia of the World Alliance of YMCAs was first adopted in 1881, and is still in use today. Emblems are chosen to give identity and provide a symbol of belonging which may enhance a sense of unity.

When the badge of the World Alliance of YMCAs was adopted by the 9th International Conference in London in 1881, it was for the sake of the young travellers of our associations. This first badge was described in the following way:

The names of the five parts of the globe are inscribed on the segments of a circle united by cartouches which bear the monograms of the Association's name in different languages. The circle recalls the fact that our scattered associations form one body. The larger monogram of the name Christ within the circle (being the combination of the two initial letters of the name in Greek), as seen in the catacombs painted by the early Christians, will constantly remind the associations that Christ is their centre, their true bond of union, their supreme object, their strength and their sole cause and end. Over the symbol of Christ is placed the Bible, because as St. John declares, the Divine Word is the special means whereby young people overcome the world, and in this way the badge bears the distinguishing mark of the Reformation. The Bible is open at the page containing our Redeemer's high-priestly prayer, John XVII, and the 21st verse of the chapter is specially indicated: 'That they all may be one'. The badge is not an arbitrary or hackneyed rallying sign; it bears the character of a symbol, and expresses simply and clearly the spiritual treasures common to all associations.

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