Youth Voice
Youth Advocacy
The Club provides unique opportunities for youth to share their perspectives with State and National leaders. In January, teens met with U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler for a roundtable discussion. Youth discussed issues that matter most to them and what they are looking for from their government leaders.
Our Teen Advocacy Group (TAG) is a program for our teens in the Greater Visitacion Valley where they explore social issues that are important to them with the ultimate goal of building an advocacy platform around an issue of their choice.
This year, TAG decided to research, write, illustrate, and publish a children’s book to address their interest in environmental stewardship with a specific focus on native plants. The teens hosted a launch event at the Visitacion Valley Library with a reading and sharing of the final published book. Several community and government leaders attended in support including District Supervisor, Shamann Walton.
In April, seven of our members joined other teens from across the state for the California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs’ California Days of Advocacy. This two-day event featured workshops on advocacy, a career panel, and a tour of the state Capitol. Each teen met with an elected official to advocate for change in their communities.
Participating in Days of Advocacy allowed me to give my community a voice and shed light on the problems we face. I always appreciate how the Club introduces me to experiences I never thought I would have, and these past few days will stick with me for a very long time.”
HARIF, four-year member of the Columbia Park Clubhouse
Check out TAG’s Children’s Book
Youth of the Year
Diego from Our Mission Clubhouse Named 2024 Citywide Youth of the Year
On February 7th, we held the 16th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration at Chase Center and proudly awarded the 2024 Citywide Youth of the Year title to Diego, an 11-year member who credits supportive and caring Club staff, mentorship, and participation in programs such as Keystone, competitive sports, Leaders-In-Training, and Camp Mendocino as key aspects of his Club experience. Diego is now in his first year at The University of California, Merced.
This event celebrates the remarkable lives of BGCSF youth who have been selected by their Clubhouse, Camp, or School-Based Club as their Youth of the Year. Each Youth of the Year has distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances and was selected based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, and perseverance.
The Youth of the Year program is the culmination of a much larger—year-long—Youth of the Month and Youth of the Summer recognition program. At celebrations throughout the year, we focus on acknowledging and making Club members aware of their own leadership abilities, unique talents, and positive characteristics. Consistent, thoughtful, and specific recognition is powerful. As a result of it, we see Club youth become motivated to seek opportunities for leadership and to act as responsible members of the Clubhouse community.
Leadership Opportunities
914
middle school and high school youth participated in formal leadership programing (Torch Club and Keystone)
impact report here.
96% of Keystone (high school leadership program) participants said they stand up for what they believe in even when it is unpopular
89% of Keystone participants reported improvements in setting goals, handling mistakes, and maintaining a responsible attitude
Learn more about Diego in this video