The YMCA
Unveils New Brand Strategy to Further Community Impact
Hundreds of Thousands
to benefit from YMCA of San Diego
County's focus on youth
development, healthy living and social responsibility
For the first time in 43
years, YMCA of the USA
has unveiled a new brand strategy to
increase understanding of the impact that YMCAs make in communities across the
country. The YMCA has the unique
capacity to address many of the challenges facing the nation today. Through its new brand strategy and framework,
the nonprofit will extend its reach into communities to nurture the potential
of youth and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being and provide
opportunities to support neighbors.
The new brand strategy the result of more
than two years of analysis and research was introduced today at a National
Press Club event that included leaders from the philanthropic and nonprofit
communities. As part of the event, the
YMCA unveiled a new, more forward-looking logo
that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the organization, and a framework
that focuses resources on three core areas: youth development, healthy living
and social responsibility. In another
major change, the nonprofit will be called ¢âÂÒthe Y¢âÂå to align with how people
most commonly refer to the organization.
¢âÂÒThe YMCA of San Diego County is truly
excited about the new brand strategy and the opportunity to connect more people
in the areas of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development,¢âÂå
said Shelly McTighe-Rippengale, Vice President Marketing, Communications and
Development, YMCA of San Diego County. ¢âÂÒThere will be many changes taking place
at all of our branches we are building momentum and this strategy engages
everyone from our volunteers to our members and donors.¢âÂå
Hundreds of YMCA branches, camps and program centers
across the county will roll out the revitalized brand beginning today and will fully transition to the new brand within five years.
¢âÂÒThis is a very important, exciting time for the Y,¢âÂå said
Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. ¢âÂÒFor 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.¢âÂå
Today,
across the United States,
Ys are making a difference in three key areas of focus:
- Youth
Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen - Healthy
Living: Improving
the nation's health and well-being - Social
Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors
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.
About The YMCA of San Diego County
The YMCA of San Diego County is the second largest Y in the
nation serving hundreds of thousands of San Diego County
residents and employing more than 4,500 people.
Through a variety of programs and services focused on youth development,
healthy living and social responsibility, the Y unites men, women and children -
regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children
and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide
opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y is dedicated to improving the quality
of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as
children of God through the development of the spirit, mind and body. Visit www.ymcasd.org
to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292- YMCA (9622).
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