YMCA rebranded to just The Y

Not trying to shed Christian ties with new logo

Oregon Faith News Note

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time in 43 years, the YMCA has unveiled a new brand strategy hoping to increase understanding of the impact the nonprofit makes in communities. After more than two years of analysis and research. The nonprofit will now be called the Y to align with how people most commonly refer to the organization. .

As part of the Y’s assessment of community need, the organization surveyed a cross section of Americans to learn more about the most pressing issues and challenges facing their communities today. Among the key findings–56 percent of Americans are strongly satisfied with their own lives today, while 66 percent say the current quality of life in their community is worse than it was a year ago.  When asked about what the future holds for quality of life in their community, Americans were divided – 51 percent were optimistic about the future while 49 percent were not.

“People are concerned about the problems facing their communities,” says Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA,  “Like the Y, they understand that lasting change will only come about if we work together to improve our health, strengthen our families and support our neighbors. For 160 years, we’ve focused on changing lives for the better.” “Our commitment to building greater awareness for the important work we do will enable us to expand our efforts and further strengthen communities across the country.”

The Y’s former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color options and new, contemporary look, better reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves.  The new logo’s bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y’s commitment to personal and social progress.

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