Activate
America: FAQs

You are in:
Resources

Activate America is the YMCA's national healthy living initiative. Here in central Ohio it is our commitment to you and the health and wellness of the entire central Ohio community.

What does that mean for me?

The YMCA of Central Ohio is a registered Activate America Association, along with hundreds of YMCA’s across the country. This initiative calls us to focus on two distinct components in our communities:

  1. Collaborations with community partners. For example, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus Public Health, Healthy Ohioans, OSU Medical Center and even 10TV's Commit To Be Fit are on board as partners for Activate America. By forming these partnerships, the community will have greater access to resources and activities that promote healthy activity.
  2. Being a leader in central Ohio to reduce the barriers that people may have that prevent them from a healthy lifestyle and increase our community support for those folks.

Is Activate America something new?

Research and development for Activate America began in early 2003. The YMCA of the USA worked with expert advisors, including:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Stanford Center for Health Promotion
  • Harvard School of Public Health

Isn't that what the YMCA is supposed to do anyway?

The YMCA is well known for its work with children, adults and families. Activate America is a long-term, healthy living strategy that will incorporate the entire community in its efforts to:

  • Help children and youth develop good lifestyle health habits
  • To reach those "start and stoppers" who have a difficult time sustaining a healthy way of living.
  • Help serve those at risk of being hit the hardest by the full range of health problems, such as diabetes.

How can I sign up for Activate America?

Activate America is not a program, it is our culture at the YMCA and most important, includes several partners from the community that also offer a variety of fun activities for the entire family. Visit a YMCA branch today. Our staff will guide you through our Activate America resource center and show you how easy it is to add activity to you and your family's lifestyle.

Do I have to be a YMCA member of the YMCA to benefit from Activate America?

It's your choice, but we’re here to help either way. The overriding goal of Activate America is to provide the community with resources for healthy activity, help break down barriers, and work in partnership with you to help you achieve your wellness goals.

The YMCA of Central Ohio offers a broad base of programs for all ages, fitness and activity levels. Participation in YMCA specific programs does require membership with our organization. The YMCA offers several membership categories for individuals and families and most importantly, supports those in need by offering sponsorship assistance for YMCA programs and services.

We look forward to having the opportunity to serve you and are happy to provide you with a tour of any of our 11 facilities.

Not a member of the YMCA? That’s ok. Because the YMCA Activate America initiative involves so many community partners, you also have the opportunity to participate in special events, educational and specialized programs through organizations like Columbus Children's Hospital, Healthy Ohioans, and Commit To Be Fit.

Do you have any programs for Activate America?

Activate America is not a program; it is the culture of the YMCA. The goal is to add healthy activity into your lifestyle – at home, at the office, or simply a trip to the shopping mall. The YMCA of Central Ohio does, of course, offer a full variety of programs for all ages and activity levels.

Take some time to look through our website. There's something for everyone.

Top of Page Top of Page