YMCA

WHEREAS, In 2026, the Young Men's Christian Association (the 1
"YMCA" or the "Y") marks its 150th year in the state, founded in 2
Seattle by pioneers Dexter Horton, Rolland Denny, and Catherine 3
Maynard on August 7, 1876. The Seattle YMCA was soon joined by 4
associations in Tacoma, Spokane, and Walla Walla over the next 10 5
years, eventually growing to the 15 associations, 50 branches, and 6
eight residential camps currently serving the state; and7
WHEREAS, The state anniversary coincides with the national YMCA's 8
175th year as an organization, having been founded in the United 9
States by Thomas Valentine Sullivan at the Old South Church in Boston 10
on December 29, 1851, inspired by the YMCA movement in England with a 11
mission to put Christian principles into practice by building healthy 12
spirit, mind, and body for all; and 13
WHEREAS, The YMCA has continually adapted to meet evolving needs 14
of American communities, strengthening society by bringing people 15
together, fostering relationships, and creating a sense of belonging; 16
and 17
WHEREAS, The YMCA's legacy includes providing safe housing during 18
the Industrial Revolution, pioneering the first night school and 19
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, inventing basketball and 20
volleyball, delivering the first group swim lessons, establishing the 21
youth and government program, a premier civic engagement initiative 22
SENATE RESOLUTION
8682
By Senators Pedersen, Conway, Hasegawa, Slatter, Valdez, Wagoner, and Saldaña
p. 1 8682
that continues today, and serving as the birthplace of Father's 1
Day, with the first celebration held at the Spokane YMCA in 2
1910; and 3
WHEREAS, Today Washington state YMCA's focus on youth 4
development, healthy living, and social responsibility changes 5
lives and communities. Youth and adults find social connections 6
at the YMCA, which lead to improved physical and mental health 7
and well-being; and 8
WHEREAS, The YMCA is the largest nonprofit provider of 9
quality licensed child care in the state, providing a safe place 10
for youth to learn and thrive. The confidence that parents have 11
in the Y allows them to work and attend school knowing their 12
child is well cared for and happy. The YMCA is also the leading 13
provider of water safety classes, partnering with school 14
districts and communities to help teach youth the lifesaving 15
skill of swimming; and 16
WHEREAS, The YMCA is a leader in chronic disease prevention. 17
Through its programs addressing diabetes, hypertension, 18
arthritis, Parkinson's, and childhood obesity, participants find 19
a supportive community and evidence-based strategies to prevent 20
and cope with chronic disease; and 21
WHEREAS, The YMCA is a community economic driver through 22
jobs creation and employment opportunities. The Y's principles 23
of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are seen in our 24
over 9,000 employees statewide. The YMCA is proud of its 25
reputation as the first employer of many young people; and26
WHEREAS, The Y serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and 27
abilities, creating spaces where all people feel welcome, are 28
treated with respect, and find opportunities to connect with 29
their neighbors; and 30
WHEREAS, In 2026, YMCAs in Seattle, the state, and the 31
nation will host special events that celebrate the moments, 32
programs, and people who have shaped their story; 33
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize 34
and honor the many contributions made to our state by the YMCA 35
over the past 150 years; and 36
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 37
immediately sent by the Secretary of the Senate in written form 38
p. 2 8682
to each of the Chief Executive Officers of the 15 independent 1
YMCA associations in the state for public display during this 2
anniversary year. 3
I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 4
do hereby certify that this is a true and 5
correct copy of Senate Resolution 8682, 6
adopted by the Senate 7
February 6, 2026 8
SARAH BANNISTER 9
Secretary of the Senate 10
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