Central Coast YMCA Provides Access to Online Health, Fitness and Youth Programming

During these unprecedented times, Central Coast YMCA remains committed to those with the most pressing needs

Salinas, CA, April 11, 2020 - During these unprecedented times, Central Coast YMCA remains committed to those with the most pressing needs, and to keep Y members healthy and connected, the Central Coast YMCA is providing access to online health, fitness and youth programming.

Group fitness classes led by Y instructors are available online via Facebook Live. The Y is also offering youth-directed activities, such as arts and crafts and STEM projects through Facebook Live. A weekly schedule of classes and activities is posted at www.centralcoastymca.org.

YMCA fitness instructors have created a weekly workout for members, with three levels of skill and intensity. Additionally, CCYMCA members can access Y360, an on-demand fitness program for adults and kids to enjoy at home (information and links online).

For more information, call (831) 757-4633 or go to the Central Coast YMCA website at: centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Central Coast YMCA Providing Childcare for Children of Essential Workers to Address Pressing Needs

When California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, Central Coast YMCA immediately pivoted to emergency programming aimed at supporting its communities, including providing childcare for children of essential workers.

Salinas, CA, April 06, 2020 - When California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, Central Coast YMCA immediately pivoted to emergency programming aimed at supporting its communities, including providing childcare for children of essential workers.

With area schools closed, workers with children need reliable, affordable childcare. YMCA is devoting its facilities and resources to providing childcare, particularly to first responders, health-care staff and agricultural workers, but also to grocery store employees, delivery drivers and anyone else required to work during the pandemic.

At all CCYMCA locations, childcare from qualified staff costs just $35 per day (per child), weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An extended-hours pop-up camp — designed for the children of healthcare workers — takes place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., at a rate of $50 per day (per child). YMCA childcare staff has received training on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as per CDC guidelines, kids in emergency childcare are being kept in groups no larger than 10, instructed on correct prevention techniques such as handwashing and sanitation and practice social distancing.

Youth in the Essential Childcare Camps participate in curriculum-based programs; including enrichment activities such as arts & crafts, STEM projects and daily fitness exercises. Homework time is an important part of these planned activities, allowing students to work on distance learning and school assignments. In addition, the Y is providing weekly education packets, ensuring all youth keep their academic skills current and do not fall behind in school. Children also participate daily in our Youth Fit 4 Life, the YMCA’s youth fitness program.

During these unprecedented times, the Central Coast YMCA is committed to serving our communities and those with the most pressing needs.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.centralcoastymca.org/

Central Coast YMCA Opens Registration for its 2020 Summer Day Camps

For your child’s best summer ever, sign up for a Central Coast YMCA Summer Day Camps — registration is now open at all five YMCA locations

Salinas, CA, February 26, 2020 — For your child’s best summer ever, sign up for a Central Coast YMCA Summer Day Camps — registration is now open at all five YMCA locations: Monterey, South County, Salinas, San Benito and Watsonville, with the first camp to start June 8, 2020.

No matter your preference — indoor camps, outdoor camps, sports camps and more — the Y offers a summer experience that will leave you and your child with a grin on your faces!

Early registration continues through March 31; regular registration dates: April 1 to Aug. 12. Week 1 Begins June 8, 2020; and will be held every week, 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, June 8 – Aug. 12, 2020 (1/2 day on July 3).

Registration forms are available at: https://www.centralcoastymca.org/clientuploads/PDF/SalinasCommunity/Day%20Camp/SYMCA_Summer_Day_Camp_Registration_Packet_2019.pdf

All campers must have their registration form completed and turned into the YMCA and balance paid prior to the camp session. No child may enter camp without the Registration Form or with a balance.

At the Y, no one is ever turned away because they lack the ability to pay. We offer financial assistance so everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of the Y's valuable programs and services. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, click on xxx (one of the links below), fill out the form and bring it to your local YMCA.

Kids thrive in Summer Camp at the Y, where they will find a safe, caring environment in which they can discover who they are and the gifts they have to share:

• Caring camp counselors committed to helping children build confidence and character by being positive role models
• Tons of new friendships waiting to be made
• Discovering not just the wonders of an active lifestyle, but the joy of exploring unique talents and our wonderful local community
• Time to share strengths and develop new ones
• Creating memories to last a lifetime!

Weekly Camp Themes:

Week 1: Beach Party

Week 2: Super Hero

Week 3: Full STEAM Ahead

Week 4: Back to the Future

Week 5: Wacky Spirit

Week 6: Animal Planet

Week 7: Iron Chef Throwdown

Week 8: Story Wars

Week 9: World of Games

Week 10: World of Art

Week 11: Summer Send Off

Daily Schedule

7-9 a.m., Check in (South County & Monterey)

7:30-9 a.m., Check in (Salinas, San Benito & Watsonville)

Choice Time (Group Games, Arts & Crafts, Board Games)

9-9:30 a.m.: Camp Fire

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Group Game/Team Building

10:30-10:45 a.m.: Snack

10:45-12:00 a.m.: Arts & Crafts/Literacy

12:00-12:30 p.m.: Lunch/Clean Up

12:30-1:00 p.m.: Choice time (Group Games, Art Projects, Readers Theater)

1:00-1:45 p.m.: Sports & Group Games

1:45-3:30 p.m.: Swimming (Salinas & Watsonville); Healthy Living/Cooking Project (South County, San Benito & Monterey)

3:30-4:15 p.m.: Enrichment/STEM

4:15-5:45 p.m.: Reading Club

5:00-5:45 p.m.: Closing Circle

5:45-6:00 p.m.: Sign Out

For more information or questions, contact Mikayla Spooner, Youth Development Director at: mspooner@ymcacentralcoast.org or by calling (831) 758-3811 ext. 1008.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ymcacentralcoast.org

Watsonville YMCA to Host Open House on Jan, 25, 2020

Watsonville YMCA will host an open house on Jan. 25, 2020, so the community can try out the Y for free and see what it has to offer.

Salinas, CA, January 23, 2020 — Watsonville YMCA will host an open house on Jan. 25, 2020, so the community can try out the Y for free and see what it has to offer.

The open house will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25, 2020, at the Watsonville YMCA Family Center, 27 Sudden Street, Watsonville.

There will be free fitness assessments and orientations during the open house, as well as family arts and crafts, and demo fitness classes from 11:30 am-1 p.m. Demo classes will include Spin, Kidfit, Bootcamp, Kid Zumba, and Zumba classes. Healthy lifestyle information will also be available.

Also, join the YMCA that day and the Y will waive the enrollment fee and give you $50 of Y-Bucks, for a total savings of $100. Present the Y Bucks card for discounts on exercise classes, sports, after-school programs, personal training and more (some restrictions apply). This special offer expires Jan. 31, 2020. Y-Bucks are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

For more information, call (831) 728-9622, email Stephany Soto, Senior Membership and Wellness Director, at ssoto@ymcacentralcoast.org, or go to the Central Coast YMCA website at: centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Salinas YMCA Hosts Meet and Greet for New Executive Director on July 1-2

The Salinas YMCA will hold meet-and-greets for its new Executive Director of Operations, Bill Proulx, on July 1 and 2, at the Salinas YMCA Family Center.

Salinas, CA, June 28, 2019 — The Salinas YMCA will hold meet-and-greets for its new Executive Director of Operations, Bill Proulx, on July 1 and 2, at the Salinas YMCA Family Center.

The first meet-and-greet will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 1, the second from 6-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, at the center, 117 Clay St., in Salinas. The July 1 event will feature season watermelon for all attendees, and the July 2, homemade oatmeal.

For more information on the two events, call (831) 758-3811.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://centralcoastymca.org

Central Coast YMCA Gears Up for Summer with Two Big Fitness Events in May and June, 2019

Central Coast YMCA is gearing up for summer by hosting two events, National Employee Health & Fitness Day on May 15, 2019, and the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” on June 20, 2019.

Salinas, CA, May 12, 2019 — Central Coast YMCA is gearing up for summer by hosting two events, National Employee Health & Fitness Day on May 15, 2019, and the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” on June 20, 2019.

National Employee Health and Fitness Day will be celebrated from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Salinas YMCA Family Center, 117 Clay St., in Salinas.

National Employee Health and Fitness Day was created to promote the benefits of physical activity for individuals through their work site health partnerships.

The Salinas YMCA will hold a health fair with vendors offering health information, free screenings, and exercise classes for all employees. Get a free guest pass and enter the raffle to win an on-site lunch & learn session for your company.

Free exhibits include:

Blood Pressure Screening
Lung Screening
Vision & Hearing Screenings
Dental Care Information
Nutritional Taste Testing
Body Composition Testing
Shoe Samples
Healthy Recipes
Freebies and Raffles

Free classes include:

7:30 a.m. Pilates
9:15 a.m. Zumba
12:10 p.m. Strength Train Together
4:00 p.m. Strength & Stretch Yoga
5:30 p.m. Cardio Pump
6:35 p.m. Zumba

The YMCA is teaming up with World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) to offer free swimming lessons on a large scale at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Salinas Aquatic Center, 1 East Bernal Derive, Salinas.

TEAM WLSL™ will celebrate its 10th anniversary by sending the message that swimming lessons save lives to millions of kids and adults. WLSL™ events will take place at hundreds of locations in more than 20 countries on five continents over the course of 24 hours.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™, created by the World Waterpark Association in 2010, is a global public relations event supported by aquatic facilities, waterparks, pools, swim schools, YMCAs, among others. The WLSL™ event serves as a platform to help the global aquatics industry work together to build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning.

For more information on the swim event, contact Joey Barrera at 831-758-7301 or by email at jbarrera@ymcacentralcoast.org.

For more information, call the Central Coast YMCA at 831-758-3811 or go to www.centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Central Coast YMCA Will Celebrate Healthy Kids Day on April 27 at Four of its Five Branches on the Central Coast

All branches of the Central Coast YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids’ Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families, on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

Salinas, CA, April 21, 2019 — All branches of the Central Coast YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids’ Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families, on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

For over 25 years, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids’ health and continues to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will include fun active play and educational activities to keep kids moving and learning, in order to maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve goals and reach their full potential.

Events on April 27, will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Watsonville, San Benito and South County; from 10 a.m. to noon in Salinas; and 2-4 p.m. at the Salinas Aquatic Center. Monterey’s was combined with Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days celebration on April 6th.

In addition, Central Coast YMCA will waive the joining fee (a $50 value) for anyone becoming a member on April 27.

Vendors participating so far in each of the events include:

Salinas YMCA
Ariel Theater, Kinship Center, Pediatric Dentist, KDON Echo Housing, Castroville Chiropractic Clinic, Fireman (?), Foster Care & Adoption, Hampton Inn & Suites

Police & K9 Units, Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, Sun Street Centers, CASA of Monterey County, as well as a bounce house and photo booth.

YMCA of San Benito County
Greenheart International, Gavilan College, California Highway Patrol, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, San Benito County Sheriff, Safe Kids Coalition of San Benito County, New York Life, SNAP-ED, San Benito County HHSA-RFA, San Benito County Free Library, with 22 more scheduled to participate.

South County YMCA
Monterey County Health Department- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, CASA of Monterey, YWCA of Monterey County, Central California Alliance for Health, Sun Street Centers, Community Health Partnership, Department of Social Services- MC Choice Outreach, Essential Oil Wellness, Monterey County Food Bank and Monterey County Free library- Soledad.

Watsonville YMCA
Healthy Kids’ Day conflicts with the City of Watsonville’s Earth Day event, so there will be no vendors, but will highlight the Y at the branch with fun, games and activities. Family Zumba, Kids Fit, etc.

A child’s development is never on vacation, so Healthy Kids Day encourages youth and families to “Awaken Summer Imagination,” serving as summer kick-off event that helps kids stay healthy and achieving all summer long.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://centralcoastymca.org/

CENTRAL COAST YMCA Youth and Government Delegation of Distinction 2019 for the State of California

The CENTRAL COAST YMCA announces our Youth and Government delegation earned Delegation of Distinction for the state of California and advisor Lori Caldeira voted Outstanding Advisor.

Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties, CA, March 17, 2019 - The CENTRAL COAST YMCA announces our Youth and Government delegation earned Delegation of Distinction for the state of California and advisor Lori Caldeira voted Outstanding Advisor.

For the second year in a row, the Central Coast Salinas Valley delegation earned the prestigious title of Delegation of Distinction. This title is awarded to those delegations who show excellent commitment to the Y core values and who complete their program year with high levels of delegate engagement and success.

The 2019 Central Coast YMCA Youth and Government Delegation consists of 28 delegation members and 4 Adult advisors. This year our Delegation had 6 students who achieved statewide level leadership positions in which there were over 3,500 program participants. Rising to statewide leadership implies exceptional demonstration of leadership skills within the program.

Bill Topic for Central Coast Salinas Valley (CCSV) - An act to amend California Education Code regarding the body composition requirement of the Fitness Gram Physical Fitness test as it pertains to California Public School students. Our own local delegate: Xitlaali C. was asked to speak at the opening Joint Session event (attended by almost 4,000 people) to explain her role and our local delegation’s role in a Youth Voter Pre-Registration Drive. Our local delegation helped to register over 600 high school students to be able to vote when they turn 18.

Program Year Highlights: Students attended two training conferences in Fresno before the culminating event in Sacramento. Students participated in social initiative programs to aid Veteran’s organizations and local homeless shelters.

Students also participated in local community services efforts by:

● Helping at the Salinas Family YMCA Spooktacular Event
● Participating in a hygiene/diaper drive to support local shelters
● Participating in two separate beach clean-ups on the peninsula
● Cleaning/organizing projects at Buena Vista Middle School

While our program year has ended for the season, we will start up again in August.

Anyone interested in receiving more information about Youth & Government should send a request to be added to our email at centralcoastymcayouthandgovt@gmail.com. Or contact Amy Grames, Executive Vice President at 831-757-4633 or agrames@ymcacentralcoast.org.

About the Y
The Central Coast YMCA was formed in 1989 with the merger of two independent YMCAs: the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). The YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, which began as a USO in 1941, merged with the Central Coast YMCA in 1990. The South County YMCA became the fourth branch of the Central Coast YMCA in 1998 and the YMCA of San Benito County followed as the fifth branch in 1999. Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 30 full-time and about 375 part-time employees whose goal is to serve approximately 30,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Central Coast YMCA Diabetes Alert Day March 26, 2019

The CENTRAL COAST YMCA announces Diabetes Alert Day 2019. Together we can Build a better us.

Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties, CA, March 17, 2019 - Tuesday, March 26, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day®. According to current CDC statistics, 1 out of 3 U.S. adults has prediabetes and only 10% know they have it. The CENTRAL COAST YMCA is encouraging people in our community to learn the risks of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and steps they can take to prevent the disease.

Starting March 25 through March 28, each of our branch locations will host an informational booth on Diabetes and Prediabetes. Learn about our Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which helps participants reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include healthy eating and physical activity. Anyone age 18 and over with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes is eligible for this year-long program with approval from their physician. DPP is a nationally recognized program, originated by the CDC. Research by the National Institute of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s DPP can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, and 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.

South County YMCA  Monday,          March 25th   10:30am – 11:30am
Salinas YMCA Tuesday          March 26th   9:00am – 11:00am
                                  Tuesday          March 26th   6:00pm – 7:30pm
Watsonville YMCA  Wednesday,  March 27th   9:00am – 11:30am
San Benito YMCA  Wednesday,  March 27th   10:30am – 11:30am
Monterey YMCA  Thursday,  March 28th   10:30am – 11:30am

More details are available at each of our branch locations and on-line at www.centralcoastymca.org. Or contact Bill Proulx at 831-757-4633 or bproulx@centralcoastymca.org.

About the Y
The CENTRAL COAST YMCA was formed in 1989 with the merger of two independent YMCAs: the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). The YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, which began as a USO in 1941, merged with the Central Coast YMCA in 1990. The South County YMCA became the fourth branch of the Central Coast YMCA in 1998 and the YMCA of San Benito County followed as the fifth branch in 1999. Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 30 full-time and about 375 part-time employees whose goal is to serve approximately 30,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org