History of youth work History of youth work The history of youth work goes back to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which was the first time that young men left their own homes and cottage industries to migrate to the big towns. The result of this migration was an emergent youth culture in urban areas, which was responded to by the efforts of local people. In 1844 the first organisation whose sole aim was to address the needs of young men was founded. The YMCA was set up by George Williams. Williams was from London and his goal was
George E. Williams St. Louis, Missouri. George E. Williams George E. Williams (28 February 1828 – 31 October 1914) was an American newspaper publisher and politician from New York. He was born on February 28, 1828, in Clay, Onondaga County, New York. He attended the public schools, and for six months the Clinton Liberal Institute. In 1851, he became the editor and publisher of the "Phoenix Gazette", a Whig-leaning newspaper. Two years later he moved to Fulton, in Oswego County, and published there the "Oswego County Gazette". Williams and his paper joined the Republican cause in 1855. In 1858, the paper was merged