NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript:
I am writing regarding the Sunday, July 18, 2010 article, “Rebranded: YMCA gets a new name and logo,” by staff writer Michael Kinney, a story about the national rebranding strategy of the Y. We have received a lot of questions from the community about the revitalization taking place, and I would like to clarify few important points about the branding change that some people may have misinterpreted.
Ys have been strengthening communities for 160 years. Our organization’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our logo may be changing, but our mission remains the same, and the Cleveland County Family YMCA will continue to serve the community under our same name. The only name change is in generic terms, we will be known as “the Y.” That is how people already refer to us. We may be shortening “YMCA” to “the Y,” but don’t get the impression that we are doing away with the “C” and what it represents. We are not “doing away” with any “unwanted letters,” despite what is being reported in the media. You will notice that the new logo still has all four letters of the “YMCA” on it, as we are still the Young Men’s Christian Association.
However, our tagline has changed, to better reflect our community impact. We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Ys across the country will continue to help people and communities become healthier, more confident, and better connected.
Just because our sign out front may have a different look, we are still committed to our values and our mission work of providing financial assistance to those who qualify so that everyone may participate in programs and membership. Anyone who would like more information can visit ymca.net, or if you would like to join, donate, or volunteer with our organization, you may visit ymcanorman.org.
We are grateful for the community’s support of our Y over the past three decades, and we are excited about what the future holds in our community as we focus on changing lives for the better.
Chuck Dandridge
CEO
Cleveland County Family YMCA
