YMCA vs YWCA
YMCA and YWCA are two associations that show some differences between them when it comes to the way they function. The expansion of YMCA is Young Men’s Christian Association whereas the expansion of YWCA is Young Women’s Christian Association.
The YMCA is a worldwide organization that has a membership of over 45 million subscribers from a mammoth 125 member federations. It is interesting to note that all the 125 national federations are affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs.
The YWCA is a movement of women working for changes that are related to social and economic fronts around the world. The YWCA works for the promotion of young women’s leadership and justice. It also plans programs that pave the way for the peace and human rights at the grassroots level on a global scale.
The YMCA was founded on June 6, 1844 in London by Sir George Williams. Many who thinks YWCA as a branch of YMCA, it is important to know that YWCA and YMCA are two separate entitities independent from each other. However, in some places both are under a single entity called YM/YWCA or YMCA-YMCA and they hold the programs that are meant for each.
YMCAs are open to all regardless of faith, social class, gender or age. This is the specialty of YMCA. The YWCA is the second largest organization in the world for women. The world alliance of YMCAs has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The principal idea of the YMCA is to put the dogmas of Christian principles into practice. It aims at developing a healthy mind, spirit and body. The YWCA too has its primary focus towards instilling the practice of Christian principles.
It is important to know that both these organizations carry out programs separately though in some places you can find the integration of the programs of the two organizations.