Earlier this month, YMCA of the USA announced a new brand strategy that included the unveiling of a new, modernized logo. Despite some media reports to the contrary, the organization is officially keeping the YMCA moniker although it will also allow itself to use the simplified “the Y” nickname that is used to describe the organization in popular parlance. Officials said the move was not meant as a sign of moving away from the core Christian values that define the YMCA but to conform to how the organization is most commonly referenced.
Carroll said that Countryside YMCA will still be called just that and all YMCA franchises would be allowed to chose how they wished to be called. The new model did call for a more consistent use of the YMCA logo — the giant Y.
“Our logo was really fairly close to the national model, but other YMCA’s had logos that were pretty different,” Carroll said. “The new logo is forward looking and vibrant, the kind of things all YMCA’s strive to be.”
More important than either the name or type of giant Y used in marketing, Carroll said, is the commitment to community outreach made by the national organization.
Carroll said that while the logo and marketing materials will eventually change, the Countryside YMCA will continue to offer the same variety of programs and classes that help people develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others.
The national Y said it would continue to focus on youth development, encouraging healthy living and promoting social responsibility.
Carroll said Countryside YMCA had long been working in all of these areas.
“The national organization is dedicated to being more than just a “gym and swim,” Carroll said.
“I think it’s good news from the national organization.”
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