From Evangelism to General Service: The Transformation of the YMCA

Abstract

This analysis of the organizational character of the YMCA focuses on factors leading to the successful transformation of a welfare organ- ization.' It is argued that the organization's broadly stated goals and unrestricted clientele encourage a wide diversification of programs and target populations. Federated structure leads to decentralized decision making, and to control by local elites. Since YMCA professionals do not have a well-defined ideology, and since the organization is linked to an enrollment economy, the organization is highly responsive to the needs of its relatively integrated and typically middle-class clientele. Possible role dilemmas stemming from the organization's structure are discussed.