History

The World Alliance of YMCAs

Headquarters of the World Alliance of YMCAs in Geneva, Switzerland

(NGO, Non-Governmental Organisation)

The World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations is a confederation of National Councils of YMCAs around the world. The National Councils are composed of local associations within their countries. The World Alliance was established as early as 1855, at the first International Conference of YMCA held in Paris. As such, it is the oldest voluntary international organization in the world today. At the first international conference of the YMCAs there were representatives from 38 YMCAs mainly from countries in Europe and North America. Today, the World Alliance represents YMCAs in more than 124 countries of the world and is continuing to expand.

The mission of the World Alliance is expressed in its motto taken from the Bible “That they may all be one” (John 17:21), and the Paris Basis, which emphasizes two main purposes: working for “unity”, and working for the establishment of “the Kingdom of God” on earth, that is , working for a society characterized by justice, peace and love according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Commitment to its mission has led YMCAs to work with all people in the community irrespective of religious, racial, gender or cultural background. This commitment has also led the YMCA to work for social change, addressing the root causes of issues and problems faced by people. In addition to recreation, sports and educational activities as well as the front-line services to refugees and displaced people, in many countries the YMCA is also engaged in the formation of movements for social change. It is involved in people's issues through community organizing and programmes for empowering the people. Issues such as racism, youth at risk, and unemployment are creatively addressed by many YMCAs in response to growing secularization, consumerism and fragmentation. The YMCA, in keeping with its spiritual basis, continues to explore and renew a spiritual basis, continues to explore and renew spirituality relevant to the times.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The World Alliance is governed by a legislative body of voting members which represents all member National Movements. The policy decisions of the World Alliance are made at the World Council meeting of YMCAs, held every four years.

The World Alliance is financed by annual contributions from National YMCA Movements. Additional funds are raised for special projects and services. The staff comes from different regions of the world and consists of the Secretary General, Executive Secretaries and Support Staff.

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1st World Alliance of YMCAs conference in Paris, 1855

1) E. W. Heyblom, Netherlands. 2) E. Renevier, France. 3) T. H. Gladstone, Great Britain. 4) E. Laget, France. 5) Max Perrot, Switzerland. 6) Henry Dunant, Switzerland. 7) T. H. Tarlton, Great Britain. 8) A. Stevens, USA. 9) George Williams, Great Britain. 10) G. Dürselenen, Germany

1844 : Foundation of the first YMCA in London by George Williams.

1845 : Development of YMCAs in Switzerland, USA, France, Canada, Germany, Netherlands.

1855 : 1st World Conference, Paris. Creation of the World Alliance of YMCAs, and Paris Basis. Although the Paris Basis was adopted with enthusiasm in 1855, there was no clear decision at this first World Conference about the status which this Basis was to have on the varying organizational structures of YMCAs in different countries. In the century since its adoption, it has been on various occasions a matter of debate and sometimes violent controversy between movements as to whether the Basis was to be used as a personal statement of faith to be signed by the prospective member; as a statement of purpose for every local YMCA to be put in the central place of its constitution; or whether it was to be used primarily as a basis for the alliance of national movements with the World Alliance of YMCAs, leaving each national movement free to adopt its own statement of purpose and membership requirements in a language suited to its situation, only so long as it was in harmony with the Paris Basis.

1855 to 1878, Between these dates, the World Alliance did not have a permanent headquarters office, however it operated through various centres of correspondence.

1858 : 2nd World Conference: Nearly 200 delegates of all confessions attended except Catholics. Major debates concerned:

1) Condition of admission as YMCA member to be strictly based on the Paris Basis Principles.

2) To decide what to provide for YMCA members during their leisure time.

1865 : 4th World Conference: The totality of individuals in spirit, mind and body was reaffirmed and the importance of physical work through sports was recognised. This was a rather new concept for the time.

1875 : Creation of the "Week of Prayer" to take place every 2nd Sunday of November.

1878: Establishment of the permanent headquarters of the World Alliance (Central International Committee) in Geneva.

1878-1888 : European Extension.

1880 : The International Committee of the USA and Canada began their missionary thrust which was to send fraternal secretaries to Asia, South America, and later Europe.

1880 : Development of "Boys Work".

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