What is Activate America?

Activate America is the YMCA's bold approach to directly address our nation's growing health crisis. Our mission compels us to transform the way we work, both internally and externally, to support all kids, adults, families and communities in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind and body. In addressing America's unprecedented health crisis, the YMCA is best equipped to influence change in individuals and in our communities to proactively address this health crisis, which is central to the achievement of our mission.

In some ways, Activate America is a reflection back to our earliest years in defining individual health as the union of spirit, mind and body. And it builds on the significant role we played in defining health and well-being starting in the 1960s.

For the first time in history, children are predicted to live less healthy and possibly even shorter lives than their parents because of chronic diseases and obesity. Research by the America on the Move Foundation has shown that making two small daily changes – taking 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of about a mile) and eating 100 fewer calories – can prevent the average annual weight gain of one to two pounds. And, family-based activities and small lifestyle changes can produce significant long-term results.

In order to reflect the bold vision reflected in Activate America:

1. We will support healthy lifestyles by reaching out and engaging all those who seek well-being of spirit, mind and body.
2. We will create and sustain healthier communities by actively participating in our communities and connecting our networks and resources to influence decisions that impact health.

YMCAs are known for their ability to bring people together every day to generate solutions to challenges facing communities across the nation.  The community development efforts of YMCAs over the years have initiated important community programming and activities, such as the YMCA’s commitment to parent-child programs, youth in government programs, day and summer camps, and child care and afterschool care. 

Through its health and wellness programs, the YMCA is a major player in the health promotion and chronic disease prevention revolution that is saving lives, improving health, and reducing health care costs.  Every day, YMCAs lead community efforts to build understanding and respect for others by mixing people of diverse ages, races, religion, abilities and incomes.

YMCA Activate America: Pioneering Healthier Communities

YMCA of the USA launched a key component of Activate America in July 2004 – the Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) project.  This community leadership initiative aims to (1) raise the visibility of lifestyle health issues in the national policy debate, and (2) encourage and support local communities in developing more effective strategies to promote healthy lifestyles.  Since the launch, 46 communities have fielded teams to take on the challenge of improving the health of their communities and their residents.

Pioneering Healthier Communities teams are:

  • Changing the environment of afterschool programs implemented by the YMCA and other community organizations so kids participate in physical activity and are offered healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and water;
  • Influencing policy makers to put physical education back in schools and include physical activity in afterschool programs;
We, at the YMCA, aspire to model and celebrate healthy living in all that we do. We invite you to visit the Pawtucket Family YMCA and learn how the Y is working to make your community a healthier place to live.  If you have questions about Activate America or our commitment to it, please contact us