Boys & Girls Clubs Of America's 'Youth Bill Of Rights' Empowers Kids And Teens

ATLANTA, March 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the organization's National Boys & Girls Club Week, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) introduced a 'Youth Bill of Rights' on change.org. The effort is aimed at empowering kids and teens and demonstrating that youth voices can be heard and matter. Along with the Bill of Rights, Clubs nationwide will join the week-long celebration with community events and activities that highlight the many ways Clubs are empowering the next generation of leaders in communities across the country.

The Youth Bill of Rights, written by Club members, is a shining example of how youth are empowered and supported at Boys & Girls Clubs. Young voices have the power to create social and community change. In this election year, Club teens are advocating for their rights and voices to be heard.

"Children and teens are tomorrow's leaders. Boys & Girls Clubs are laser focused on creating an environment that encourages empowerment, open dialogue, leadership and community engagement to build caring and productive citizens," said BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark. "We are proud of the work that dedicated Club staff do each day to inspire young people to take an active role and advocate for issues that matter to them. National Boys & Girls Week is a time to celebrate the voices of young people and encourage communities to show their support for the great work of more than 4,100 Clubs."

With the theme "Celebrate Red, White and Boys & Girls Club BLUE," National Boys & Girls Clubs Week, March 7-12, 2016, will feature the many ways Clubs open the door to great future for nearly four million youth each year. Through open houses and community events, Clubs will showcase the important role they play this week to provide youth with outcome-driven programs that focus on Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. 

As part of the week, 500 Clubs from around the country showed their spirit by decorating Club doors as part of the Blue Door Decorating Campaign, presented by Lowe's. The public can vote for their favorite door on BGCA.org/bgcweek until Wednesday, March 9th, at 5 p.m. PST. The winning Club will receive a $5,000 Lowe's gift card.

With the help of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, BGCA will continue to share how Clubs provide great futures for America's kids with the creation of the "Great Futures" quilt. The quilt will include patches from Clubs across the country that tell how individual Clubs are contributing to America's great future in their community. The final quilt will be unveiled at BGCA's National Conference in New Orleans in May. In addition, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and BGCA will recognize the significant contributions of Clubs art directors during National Boys & Girls Club Week. Clubs from across the country will nominate local art directors for an Art Director Appreciation Award. The top three recipients will receive gift cards from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 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, 54 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

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http://www.bgca.org