The Beginnings
In 1844, George Williams, together with eleven of his friends formed the first YMCA in England. This organization was to help the stranded youth who came for Industrial employment to the London city from the country side. The Youth members had great passion for religious activity within business houses, it had changed its centre of orientation then from youth in particular business houses to a concern for the religious, social, shelter, education and intellectual needs of young men generally.

The YMCA spread very rapidly in different cities and in other countries as well. By the year 1851, it had spread to France, Switzerland, Germany, North America and India. The strong missionary zeal of its leaders was remarkable. The YMCA memberships of affiliated units of world alliance become fully cosmopolitan in the later days.

Mission of the YMCA
The Basis of the YMCA, commonly known as the Paris Basis was formulated at the First World Conference of YMCAs held in Paris in 1855, which was also the basis for the formation of World Alliance of YMCAs.

The YMCAs Strength
There are more than 15,000 local associations with 45 million members in more than 125 countries, making the movement the largest international ecumenical youth organization in the world next only to the United Nations Organization (UNO). The movement has rendered pioneering service in the spheres of Education, Sports, Relief and Rehabilitation of Refugees, Physical Education, Youth Work and Camping, Hostels, Co-operative endeavors and Rural Reconstruction work. Its members from different countries form the World Alliance of YMCAs, an organization that has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.