The Boys & Girls Club Story

Is Your Family Cyber Safe?

June is National Internet Safety Month, a great way to raise awareness about a serious matter. But at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we believe online safety should be a priority every month. Which is why Sprint and BGCA are working together to educate both kids and adults about online safety. To see if you’re doing all possible to keep your kids cyber safe, I urge you to take our Cyber Survivor Challenge. It’s fun and informative – with some really surprising and valuable facts.

As digital natives, kids are at ease online and use the Internet skillfully. But that comfort frequently creates a misplaced sense of security, too. A new survey by the online security firm McAfee found that for all that Internet savvy, kids can be very naïve about the online world.

While 94 percent of young people surveyed said it’s dangerous to post personal info online, for instance, 93 percent do it anyway by posting private details online – names, email, where they live, where they go to school, etc.

There’s also discrepancy in how parents and kids perceive online safety. While 71 percent of parents say they’ve discussed online safety with their children, just 44 percent of young people agree with that statement. In fact, 42 percent say their parents don’t care what they do online. Talk about your digital divide.

Social media also factors into the online safety challenge, as 86 percent of young people say they believe such sites are safe. And 85 percent of 10 to 12 year olds, our tweens, use Facebook – even if they’re not legally old enough to do so.

As mobile devices bridge a once gaping digital divide, it’s vital we understand possible online benefits and risks to our kids. By doing so, we can foster constructive aspects, such as acquiring 21st century workplace skills and expanding learning opportunities, while reducing potential threats.

There's a lot of content out there. As adults, it’s up to us to help kids differentiate the good from the bad. And to do all we can, always, to keep kids safe.

Clubs Mobilize for Tornado Victims

Our thoughts go out to communities in Oklahoma, in Texas and other parts of our heartland as they cope with the devastating damage and loss inflicted by last week’s massive tornados.

Thankfully, our Oklahoma City Club and its members were spared any harm. Further south in Texas, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hood County suffered damages to one unit. But the brunt of the destruction was borne by its members, including 40 kids whose homes were completely destroyed. To support the Club with an online donation, go to BGCHoodCounty.org. Or make a $10 donation by texting the word HOOD to 80888. (Data and text rates may apply.)

In the wake of this tragedy, our Boys & Girls Club family has, once again, stepped up. Take, for instance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin’s Karen DeSanto and Michael Johnson of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Wis. As part of an eight-vehicle convoy, they helped deliver 26 volunteers and $15,000 in supplies to Oklahoma City. Similar efforts are taking place throughout the country, from Texas to Arkansas, from Michigan to California.

A shout-out to all the Club staff and members who have mobilized in support of tornado victims – your hard work and generosity to assist communities in need are cherished.

National Conference Attests to Clubs’ Impact on Youth

Being involved with the Boys & Girls Club Movement for many years, I’ve met countless outstanding Club professionals and board members. Nothing represents their collective impact on America’s youth quite like BGCA’s annual National Conference, the 107th of which took place last week in Orlando.

Conference attendees stream into the ballroom for another exciting session.

Conference is a lot of things. For one, it’s a learning experience; a chance to glean insights from experts in youth development and related fields, and apply them back home. It’s also an opportunity to recognize outstanding Club staff for contributions to their profession. But more than anything, the conference is proof positive that Clubs help kids succeed.

All week long, we saw how the Club brings out the best in young people. From talented youth performers who dazzled audiences, to inspiring Youth of the Year winners whose stories of obstacles overcome held thousands in rapt attention.

We saw the proof in our newest Alumni Hall of Famers: an astronaut, a Congressman, a best-selling singer, a paralympic athlete, a baseball legend, a pro bowler, an hotelier and a career military officer. While their ages and achievements were diverse, their memories of the Club and its impact on their lives were remarkably alike – fresh as if they’d just happened.

Yes, our National Conference means many things to many people. To me, it offers proof that Boys & Girls Clubs change and save young lives – and a reminder of why we do what we do.

Boston Strong

The idea of your child dying is a parent’s worst nightmare. The April 15 Boston Marathon explosions and associated events left the parents of four young people facing that horror.

As you know, Krystle Campbell, 29, Sean Collier, 27, Lingzi Lu, 23, and 8-year-old Martin Richard were fatally injured by the bomb blasts that caused grievous injuries to hundreds more.

In this small world of ours, it turns out there are some Boys & Girls Club connections to this tragedy.

Martin’s father, Bill Richard, is a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester. While Bill and older son Henry were fortunate to escape serious harm, Martin’s little sister Jane, and mother, Denise, both suffered severe injuries. Donations to defray expenses such as medical bills can be made to The Richard Family Fund.

Sadly, two alumni of the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham were also victims of the senseless attacks. JP Norden, 33, and brother Paul, 31, both lost their right legs. Each has already gone through numerous surgeries, with more procedures expected. To support the Norden brothers and their long recoveries ahead, you can make an online donation to the Stoneham Marathon Victims Fund at StonehamStrong.com.

I simply cannot imagine the physical and emotional pain that victims and their families are going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

All Teens Lead at Keystone 2013

This past weekend, ATL stood for All Teens Lead. Just down the street from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Atlanta office, thousands of teens gathered for the 46th Annual National Keystone Conference. All year long, these young people worked hard to raise funds to cover transportation, lodging and food expenses. Their diligence didn’t surprise me.

Keystone Clubs are leadership groups for youth ages 14 to 18 that focus on academic success, career preparation and community service. Keystone actively engages and empowers teens to lead. In fact, the steering committee that plans and organizes the annual conference is made up exclusively of Club teens. This year, the committee members really outdid themselves.

More than 1,800 Club teens traveled from across the world for the three-day event, making it the best-attended conference ever. That includes 227 teens from U.S. military installations. In fact, I met teens from Kwajalein Island, which I’d never even heard of! It’s part of the Marshall Islands, where they attend the BGCA-affiliated Namo Weto Youth Center on the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll installation. It took them two days to reach Atlanta! But the trip was well worth it.

Some 1,800 teens gathered in Atlanta this past weekend to attend a conference developed by teens and made for teens. These Keystone teens are just the best!

All weekend long, young leaders participated in workshops on various topics, including college preparedness, financial literacy, bullying prevention, robotics and film making. They also volunteered for service projects, including planting more than 1,900 trees throughout the city to replace trees lost to development.

But it wasn’t all work. On Saturday, hip-hop pioneers Doug E. Fresh, D.J. Spinderella of Salt-n-Pepa and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of Run DMC delivered motivational sessions. Keystoners also rocked to performances by singer Jordin Sparks and hip-hop artist B.o.B.

These teens are one of the most important groups in America. They are determined to graduate from high school with a plan for the future. To do that, they need all of our support.

Of course, Taco Bell Foundation for Teens is Keystone’s main sponsor and a supporter of all teens. For 18 years, they’ve supported our work with teens through our national partnership and at local Clubs. At the conference, Chief Operating Officer Rob Savage spoke to Taco Bell’s ongoing commitment to teens.

Rob talked with teens about Graduate for Más, a digital community where teens can pledge to graduate from high school. Once registered, they also earn points for educational support, including scholarships and mentoring resources. Rob is also a BGCA National Trustee and a true ambassador for all we do to support teens, kids and families.

Keystoners also heard from Foundation Executive Director Amy Cavanaugh. Or as I call her, “Queen of Taco Bell.” Amy talked about their mission to enable teens to achieve MAS – short for Mind, Active Lifestyle, and Spirit – and how it translates to their investment in Clubs and teens. In closing, she told us how their “signature work is with Boys & Girls Clubs. We couldn’t be more grateful to be part of it. We are ready to double-down on teens.”

So are we, Amy, so are we!

Remembering #42

Baseball is the American pastime. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve been counting down to opening day since pitchers and catchers reported to spring training last month. This past weekend provided another timely reminder of the great partnership between Major League Baseball and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
 
The Boys & Girls Club of Cairo-Grady County is in south Georgia. So far south, in fact, it’s practically in Florida. Over the weekend, the Club was officially re-named the Jackie Robinson Boys & Girls Club of Cairo-Grady County. Robinson, the legendary Brooklyn Dodger who broke the league’s “color line” in 1947, was born in Cairo in 1919.
 
Over a 10-year career, the Hall of Fame infielder helped the Ebbets Field nine claim six National League pennants and one world championship. His accomplishments include winning the Rookie of the Year Award (now the Jackie Robinson Award) and being named National League MVP in 1949. Throughout his life, Robinson advocated for racial equality in all facets of life.
 

The Club members at our Cairo, Ga., Club will soon enjoy new ball fields and the rich heritage their Club holds.

On Friday night, more than 300 guests turned out for a tribute dinner honoring Robinson. The event was made extra special by the presence of his daughter, Sharon Robinson, the educational programming consultant for MLB. Also on hand, former heavyweight champ and Club alum Evander Holyfield; and Cairo native, five-time Olympian and a member of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, Teresa Edwards. The next morning, the Club hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of a new set of youth baseball fields.

The first pitch of the new season gets thrown April 1. I’m looking forward to it as much as I ever have – which is saying something. But this year, I think I’m just as geeked up for April 15. That’s Jackie Robinson Day, when every Major Leaguer wears the number 42 on their uniform in honor of the man who set a standard for courage and fairness that stands to this very day.

How Clubs are Helping Build a Grad Nation

I recently returned from the Building a Grad Nation Summit. The event drew hundreds to Washington, D.C., including parents, kids, educators, community organizers, nonprofit personnel, government officials and business leaders. We all arrived with one shared goal: ending the high school dropout crisis.

Presented by America’s Promise Alliance, the summit provided a valuable overview of progress and remaining challenges to increase high school graduation and ensure young people have the skills to succeed in college and the 21st century workforce. The event also offered numerous opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices.

In a panel discussion about what’s working to keep youth on target for success, we delved into BGCA’s Be Great: Graduate program. I explained how it identifies youth at risk of dropping out and provides them 1-to-1 mentoring and tutoring to get back on track to graduate. We also discussed the Club Experience; how a fun environment combined with caring, dedicated staff are the critical elements in a success ratio that keeps kids coming – and returning – to the Club.

At the summit, I was joined by many outstanding educators and nonprofit leaders including (center) Dr. Robert Balfanz, co-director of the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University, and (right) John Gomperts, president/CEO of the Alliance.

Interacting with so many likeminded individuals committed to our nation’s young people was exhilarating. It was similar to how I’d felt a couple days earlier at the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County in Madison, Wis.

Michael Johnson is CEO of the Dane County Club. He’d invited me to an event kicking off their new six-year, $15 million campaign to help up to 10,000 Club members succeed in life. It’s a major new strategic move for the Club, which currently serves about 2,400 kids a year. Their new strategy will focus on the core outcome areas and build on the academic success model.

The Club’s shift in strategy is the result of a year-long organizational evaluation, which included interviewing about 400 community members of varying ages, professions and demographics. After analyzing the feedback, what the Club needed to do became clear.

The $15 million won’t be used to build facilities. Rather, it will expand programs to more schools (the Club opened sites in Madison’s four high schools in 2012), establish programs for at-risk students, and support classroom work. The Club’s goal is that at least 90 percent of participants will graduate from high school prepared for college. And that’s definitely exhilarating.

Child Safety Is Our 24-7 Priority

The minute my first son was born, my life changed entirely. Now his life was my highest priority, bar none. That doesn’t make me special. It’s just what you do.

It’s a 24-7 responsibility, parenthood. If you’re not with your kids, you’re thinking about them. And I’m very protective of my two boys. Probably over-protective. But the truth is, we live in a dangerous world. A world where children are all too often placed in harm’s way.

That’s why child safety has always been – and always will be – our topmost priority at Boys & Girls Clubs. But our work in this area is never done. Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to helping our Clubs continue to provide the safest, most secure environment possible for children and teens.

I encourage you to watch this short video to learn more about how BGCA is working to keep kids safe. For detailed information about this important subject, I urge you to visit BGCA.org.

President Obama Welcomes Youth of the Year Winners

The five regional Youth of the Year finalists are joined by BGCA Chairman Ron Gidwitz (left) and BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark (back row, second from right) during a special White House visit to meet President Obama. Trei Dudley, our National Youth of the Year, (second from left) is hosting a webcast today to discuss issues concerning teens.

Continuing a decades-long tradition, President Barack Obama yesterday welcomed National Youth of the Year Trei Dudley and Regional Youth of the Year winners Crystile Carter, Denzell Perry, Mai Tong Yang and Tyler Merriweather to the Oval Office.

President Obama was engaging and gracious throughout the private meeting. He congratulated each of the exceptional teens on their accomplishments and answered all their questions. Tyler, for one, asked permission to sit at the President’s desk, who readily agreed. Tyler promptly took his seat with a smile from ear to ear, high-fiving the President in appreciation.

We also talked about issues facing kids today, including findings from our new national teen survey showing joblessness and violence to be among their top concerns. The complete survey findings will be presented later today on our “State of the Youth” webcast  at 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). 

The President also took time to thank Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. He recognized the importance of our Movement’s work and expressed his personal support for what Clubs do, every day, to make a difference in kids’ lives.

What a momentous day for our Youth of the Year winners. To have the President of the United States set aside time to meet you says you’re special, an important person. And all five of these young people truly are. With the support of their Club, each has overcome personal adversity to lay the foundation for their great future. And today was just the beginning.

Tune in Tomorrow, Sign Our Petition Supporting Youth

On tomorrow’s live “State of the Youth” webcast, our National Youth of the Year Trei Dudley will issue a call to action on behalf of America’s teens. Because they’re worried what the future holds for them.

Trei will unveil the findings of a new national survey into what our teens’ greatest concerns are. Fear of joblessness and violence, including shootings and bullying, top the list. The survey of more than 1,000 young people, ages 13 to 17, reveal that many feel overlooked by society. Only 10 percent said they are confident our nation’s leaders will address the issues that are most important to them.

These are disturbing findings. Supporting our teens and enabling them to become productive citizens is vital to our nation’s future.

 Tomorrow’s webcast can be seen beginning at 4 p.m. EDT at BGCA.org/StateOfTheYouth. You can also sign an online petition asking the White House to form a National Teen Advisory Committee to ensure our leaders stay engaged and offer solutions to the most pressing issues facing youth. Our thanks to Tupperware Brands, sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, as well as the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation, for their generous support.