ABSTRACT
Michael Young, Lord Young of Darlington, was a prolific British social reformer. His abilities matched his extraordinary range of interests: he was a qualified barrister, he wrote the Labour party manifesto of 1945, gained a Ph.D. in social policy at the London School of Economics, but found his place when he set up the Institute of Community Studies in Bethnal Green, London. From there he launched more than 50 new organizations, including the Consumers’ Association, the Open University and the School for Social Entrepreneurs. He was also an influential social researcher and author, and coined the term ‘meritocracy’. Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
The first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in London in 1844 as a response to unhealthy social conditions in big cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution. YMCAs are now found in more than 120 countries, joined together through the Geneva-based World Alliance of YMCAs, the oldest voluntary international organization in the world today. Originally intended for Bible study and prayer for young men of all Christian faiths, YMCAs have extended their programmes to include development of youth of both genders; recreation, sports and educational activities; services to refugees and displaced persons; and building safer, stronger communities.
