The Week of Prayer starts on the 2nd Sunday of November, and runs up to, and including, the following Saturday.

The dates for 2012:

Sunday 11th Nov - Saturday 17th Nov 2012

The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer is “Violence will not have the last word - Working for change that respects rights and dignity”.

Peace Day is on the Saturday at the end of that week.

The Young Men's Christian Association ("YMCA" or "the Y") is a worldwide movement of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs.

Founded on June 6, 1844 in London, England by George Williams, the goal of the organization was putting Christian principles into practice, achieved by developing "a healthy spirit, mind, and body."

The YMCA is a federated organization made up of local and national organizations in voluntary association. Today, YMCAs are open to all, regardless of faith, social class, age, or gender.

• YMCA International - World Alliance of YMCAs
• YMCA Country Profiles