YMCA Activate America® is the YMCA's bold approach to directly address our nation's growing health crisis. Our mission compels us to transform the way we work, both internally and externally, to support all health seekers and communities in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind and body.

The Need and Opportunity

America's health crisis is the defining issue of this generation and the next. America's health crisis is the defining issue of this generation and the next. This crisis has been brought about by a myriad of factors - the most evident being physical inactivity and unhealthy eating - that are within our society's power to influence. As a movement, no other organization is in the position that we are to influence change in individuals and in our communities to proactively address this health crisis, which is central to the achievement of our mission. We have the knowledge, expertise, network and reach to succeed. And, in succeeding, we will not only address this unprecedented health crisis, we will also increase our relevancy and contribute to our long-term sustainability.

The Bold Vision

YMCA Activate America® began when 21 YMCAs came together to explore how they could work together to redefine the YMCA experience to address the nation's unprecedented health crisis. Their work became even more urgent when a report was released concluding that this generation of children could face a lower life expectancy than their parents. These pioneers volunteered to work on behalf of our larger YMCA movement, put their own money on the table, and were joined by Y-USA in a unique local/national partnership. Together, we asked tough questions that often led to other tough questions. At about the same time, another group of YMCAs joined forces to consider how they, and other YMCAs across the country, could serve as catalysts for creating sustainable change in their communities through the Pioneering Healthier Communities project.

Over time, our focus became crystal clear as we identified the need to support health seekers, which we define as all children, youth, adults and families whose successful pursuit of health and well-being in spirit, mind and body requires continuous, supportive relationships and environments. These health seekers are at the heart of the bold vision reflected in YMCA Activate America®.

We will support healthy lifestyles by reaching out and engaging all those who seek well-being of spirit, mind and body.1.        We will support healthy lifestyles by reaching out and engaging all those who seek well-being of spirit, mind and body. We can influence and motivate health seekers to make positive changes in their pursuit of well-being by defining membership not as a commodity (providing access to facilities, equipment and programs), but as an experience characterized by the creation of relationships and opportunities to support the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

To support this pursuit, we must focus aggressively on supporting the success of health seekers and their families instead of focusing predominantly on the already active population. Fortunately, we've learned that redefining the YMCA experience to support health seekers does not discourage those already active

2.        We will create and sustain healthier communities by actively participating in our communities and connecting our network and resources to influence decisions that impact health. From walkable community design to healthy school lunches, YMCAs can and should be at the table helping communities create environments that support health seekers. We will work as a catalyst to spur action by partnering with public, private, academic, philanthropic and research organizations to magnify our impact. Other YMCA initiatives will continue - and expand - since they reflect the YMCA Activate America® vision, including YMCA Healthy Kids® Day and America On the Move Week with the YMCA.