Summerville Y renews focus on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility | Local News | Summerville Journal Scene

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Summerville Y renews focus on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility

Published Thursday, September 02, 2010 2:07 PM

Summerville Journal Scene ®

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YMCA’s new logo

YMCA unveils new brand strategy

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 last week 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 informally be called “the Y”, to align with how people most commonly refer to the organization.

“The Summerville Family YMCA is truly excited about the new brand strategy and the opportunity to engage more people in the areas of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development,” said Gary Lukridge, CEO of the Summerville Family YMCA. “The YMCA has been instilling the Christian values in this community since 1976 and the changes that are taking place will build on this momentum for a stronger future.”

The YMCA of the USA anticipates it will take some time for local Ys to integrate the new logo and new branding strategy, and the Summerville Family YMCA plans on stepping into the new brand over the next year or two. Initially, the Y will incorporate the new logo and verbiage into their marketing materials and program supplies such as t-shirts. Eventually, all printed materials and signage will incorporate the new look and feel of the National Y.

“This is a very important, exciting time for the Y,” said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “For 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.”

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.

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