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Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation: Boys & Girls Clubs of America Rise Up to the Challenge
The BWW Foundation interviewed Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to learn how clubs are adapting to easing COVID-19 restrictions and how this impacts youth sports this fall.
Q: 2020 was a year like none other. What were some of the challenges for Boys & Girls Clubs?
A: The past 15 months have uncovered deep gaps in equitable and equal opportunities that exist for kids and teens. Lack of access to technology, positive mentors and guidance, food accessibility and other critical factors are impacting kids in ways that could cause long-term setbacks and trauma for millions of young people. We’ve also witnessed terrible tragedies related to racial inequities that leave an indelible mark on our youth.
But we know that positive mentorships and environments can build resiliency in young people, giving them the ability to better handle stress and rebound from challenges. Clubs are also community catalysts, where kids and teens of all races and backgrounds are encouraged to have difficult conversations and use their voices to create positive change.
Q: How did the organization step up to meet these challenges?
A: More than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs have offered additional services to local communities, including serving meals to families, providing child care to essential workers and launching virtual programming, and we’ve even had some clubs partner with local hospital systems to become temporary vaccination sites. As we begin to recover, many clubs will continue new programmatic elements like the virtual club experience and inclusive and culturally relevant programs and resources that help nurture and elevate youth voices, and so much more.
Q: With restrictions easing and COVID-19 numbers going down, what changes can we expect to see at Boys & Girls Clubs around the country?
A: As clubs and communities begin to return to a more traditional way of operating, our kids’ safety remains our top priority. Boys & Girls Clubs will continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments. But as clubs can do more, we are excited to continue to infuse our impact programming with fun, positive experiences and influential opportunities. Kids need the space and the opportunity to be kids and to learn the essential skills that are necessary for them to succeed. ALL STARS is a great example of programming that is fun but also provides intentional skill-building.
Q: How are Boys & Girls Clubs sports programs adapting while keeping kids safe?
A: ALL STARS is encouraging league play and sports to start the season outside, continuing to follow the guidance of the CDC and local health departments. For sports and games that need to be played inside, we are encouraging small-group games, clinics and skill-development sessions that allow for social distancing and other safety measures.
Q: How does being active and playing sports benefit youth development?
A: Sports is about much more than winning or losing. Organized sports teach kids essential skills many employers say they’re not finding in entry-level job applicants: skills like communication, empathy, perseverance, problem-solving, discipline and teamwork.
Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings and the ALL STARS program, Boys & Girls Clubs offer league sports for kids ages 6 to 18 in flag football, basketball, volleyball and soccer. ALL STARS aims to increase opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and recognition through high-quality sports programming that teaches athletic fundamentals, team-building and leadership. S
