General Introduction
The YMCA
is a leading Christian charity Organization committed to support all young people, particularly in times of need. The YMCA
reaches out to over 1 million young people each year, working with them at every stage of their lives and offering support
when and where they need it most.
The YMCA
has been recognized by both the Government and Community as one of the pioneering organizations working with youth for the
complete development of their personality – body, mind and spirit as encapsulated in the universal policy of YMCA.
Even
though YMCA is a movement based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, it is not a religious movement. Caste, Color or Religion
is no barrier to join this movement. YMCA has been trendsetter in all the activities throughout the world. All YMCA programmes
are to build competence and confidence in youth in a safe, secure environment for social and emotional growth.
Young
Men’s Christian Association a Worldwide movement based on the Christian principles was founded on June 6, 1844. The
aim was to take care of the Physical, Intellectual, Spiritual and Social well being of the Young people and Society at large.
Since then, the YMCA has gone on encompassing the world. Now it is the largest Non Governmental Organization spread over 140
countries around the World with 15000 Local Associations and 30 Million Members.
The World
Alliance Head Quarters in Geneva
, represents the movement at the world level, Asia & Pacific Alliance Head Quarters in Hong Kong, represents the movement
at the Asia & pacific Region level and National Council Head Quarters in New
Delhi, represents the movement at the National level and provides leadership at various levels.
The first
YMCA in Asia was established in Calcutta 1854 and many other YMCA’s were established
during 1880’s in south India and
the National Council of YMCAs of India.
Introduction of Salem YMCA
The Salem
YMCA was initiated in the 1890s and was established in the year 1914 with a dream and vision to reach Youth and the community
of Salem . It is registered as a charitable society and reaches
out to the people of the city of Salem and the surrounding
areas providing wholesome development.
Members
are invited to organize and stimulate an environment that enables them to develop leadership qualities, cordial interpersonal
relationships and to be involved in the care and work for the less fortune and underprivileged in the community.
The Salem
YMCA is constantly striving to reach higher levels of service to young people in need both in the urban and rural villages. Various projects and programs are designed and carried out to this effect. Its
efforts are well recognized by the local government and administrative authorities.
Several programs are executed in partnership and co-operation with other likeminded and service oriented NGOs, clubs
and organizations.
The Salem
YMCA also provides a very strong platform for ecumenical fellowship, interaction, dialogue and co-operation of people of diverse
faiths.
SalemYMCAs Leadership.
The Salem
YMCA is governed and led by a very able Board that comprises of men and women from all walks of life. Rev. Samuel D. Stephens the former president of the Asia and Pacific Alliance
of YMCA s and currently the Deputy President of the World Alliance of YMCAs currently serve as the president of the Board. The leaders of the Salem YMCA continue to make significant contributions at the regional
and national levels of YMCA life.
A brief
glance at past history shows that Salem YMCA has produced great leaders like the late Mr. K. T. Paul who revolutionized national
thinking on rural development. He is said to have coined the term “rural
reconstruction” that became the watchword for India
’s rural development thrust. He moved on to be the first Indian to
hold office as National General Secretary. That Rev. Samuel D. Stephens is the
First Indian to hold office as President of the Asia & Pacific Alliance in its 60 year history is noteworthy.
Our Regular Programs
· Tournaments to encourage young players
· Competitions to bring out talents of school and college students.
· Family conferences
· Seminars & Retreats for youth.
· Training Programs.
· Awareness Programs.
· Medical Camps.
· Orientation Programs for YMCAs under Salem sub_region.
· Special programs to commemorate National & International
Events.
· Summer Coaching Camps for school & College students
· Regular Coaching Camps through out the year.
· Leadership development Programs.
· Adventure camps.
· Speakers Forum.
· Blood Donation Camps.
·
Free legal services for the deserving.
