Boys & Girls Clubs of America Champion Kids and Teens during National Day of Advocacy

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today kicks-off Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) National Day of Advocacy in Washington D.C., where top executives from hundreds of Boys & Girls Clubs will engage members of Congress around the critical needs of kids and teens in America. Leaders from Clubs, along with BGCA's president and CEO Jim Clark will meet with top officials, serving as a voice for the millions of kids who attend a Club around the country, on Native lands and on BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide.

In its fourth year, BGCA's National Day of Advocacy empowers Club executives and Board members to build awareness and garner support for programs that enable kids and teens to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The festivities kick off on Tuesday, March 6 with an event honoring Congressional champions at a reception on Capitol Hill for the organization including Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY).

"For more than a century, Boys & Girls Clubs have served as local and national advocates for kids and teens, standing up for their needs when others would not," said Julie Teer, Chief Development & Public Affairs Officer of BGCA. "Our organization furthers this commitment today by working with Congress and local governments to advocate for our youth, especially the ones who need us most. Dedicated Club staff work with young people each day to change the opportunity equation and empower them to achieve a great future. It's our duty and privilege to be a voice for the next generation so that all children have the same types of opportunities and experiences to positively shape their outlook and lives for a bright tomorrow." 

BGCA's 2018 National Youth of the Year, Carlos Polanco and 2017 National Youth of the Year, Jocelyn Woods will also participate in the National Day of Advocacy, along other past Youths of the Year as teen advocates. Club executives and Board members from around the country will discuss with members of Congress issues that impact the communities, kids and families they serve. Key topics included 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Youth Mentoring, Youth Opioid Prevention and how Clubs are developing the next Workforce.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (bgca.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,300 Clubs serve 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Related Links

http://www.bgca.org