Founded in Toledo, Ohio, USA in 1922 to support a local YMCA, Y’s Men International is now oriented to serving the worldwide YMCA, the largest non-governmental youth organisation, and through it the communities in which it is present throughout the world.
Since the YMCA is usually known as “the Y” in the USA, and as the Y’s Men movement started there as a club of “men of and for the Y”, it was named the “Y’s Men’s Club”.
Judge Paul William Alexander (pictured) was the founder of the first club together with a group of other young men. However, today women are also full members of our movement and family participation is encouraged in numerous activities.
Since 1995 local affiliated clubs wishing to emphasise this openness can choose to call themselves “Y’s Men and Women’s Clubs” or “Y Service Clubs”. Members are known as Y’s Men or Y’s Women.
Our clubs are passionate about nurturing the potential of the younger generation. We collaborate with schools and the YMCA to provide enriching programs that foster leadership, encourage healthy living, and instill a sense of civic responsibility. From after-school activities to mentorship programs, we’re invested in creating opportunities that help youth thrive.
A healthy community is a happy community. That’s why we’re deeply involved in promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles. Our initiatives include community fitness programs, nutritional education, and supporting local health drives. We believe that by taking proactive steps towards wellness, we can uplift the entire community.
We encourage everyone to play a role in enhancing the fabric of our society. Our members lead and support various projects – from environmental cleanups to fundraising for local charities. We aim to inspire a culture of giving, ensuring that our collective actions contribute to a sustainable and equitable society.
The Maritimes Y Service Clubs serve as a vital link in the community chain. By organizing events, celebrating local culture, and providing support during crises, we bring people together, creating bonds that strengthen community ties. We’re committed to building a supportive network where everyone can find help and companionship.
We recognize that strong families are the backbone of any community. Our programs and services are designed to support families in various aspects of life. Whether it’s through parenting workshops, couples’ activities, or supporting single parents, our goal is to nurture family units for a resilient community.
Volunteering with the Maritimes Y Service Clubs is an opportunity to lead, learn, and grow. We encourage our members to take on leadership roles within projects, helping to steer our efforts in meaningful directions while developing personal and professional skills. Our leadership training and volunteer recognition programs celebrate and build upon the passion and creativity of our volunteers.
The Canadian Area is divided into four regions:
The Maritimes Y Service Clubs thrive under the guidance of our dynamic Regional Team. The 2023-2024 team comprises committed individuals who lead various aspects of our organization, ensuring we remain focused on our mission of serving communities effectively.
Interested in taking a leadership role? We offer training, support, and a collaborative environment to help you grow as a leader within our organization. Contact us to learn more about current opportunities.
