Hundreds of Boys & Girls Clubs Teens Visit Capitol Hill, Urge Congress to Include Youth Voices in Policies that Impact Their Futures

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, over 400 advocates from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation, including 250 youth, are assembled in Washington, D.C. to amplify the critical needs of America’s kids and teens. As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Summit for America’s Youth—an annual gathering providing Clubs teens with advocacy training and opportunities—the youth are visiting Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress and amplify the issues that matter to them most.

With today’s young people facing an unprecedented number of obstacles to their success and wellbeing—from the lingering effects of the pandemic, and social issues to concerns about the environment and economic uncertainty—The Summit for America’s Youth is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier event to equip them with the tools they need to make their voices heard. From July 10-13, attendees are receiving in-depth advocacy training and resources, networking opportunities with peers and key leaders, and the chance to showcase their local advocacy projects.

“Our nation’s young people know that they don’t have to wait until they grow up to make a difference,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “At The Summit for America’s Youth, we’re raising the level of discourse for young people, equipping them to not only join but lead conversations that elevate their issues in our nation’s halls of power. Building these critical skills is just one of the ways Clubs are nurturing the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers that will lead us into the future.”

In addition to meetings on Capitol Hill, the Summit features keynote addresses from U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, Cindy Marten, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL), AmeriCorps CEO and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Michael Smith, and fellow Inductee Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith. It also hosts attendees representing philanthropy and government, as well as Boys & Girls Clubs members, alumni, and corporate partners.

During the event, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is also pleased to announce a new partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. The collaboration aims to provide the more than 3.6 million kids and teens who attend Boys & Girls Clubs with increased access to relevant and meaningful educational content. Centering topics that matter to today’s youth, like social justice, civic engagement, environmental awareness and more, the partnership will come to life through co-created experiences, opportunities to connect with experts, and access to the Smithsonian’s extensive educational resources.

“At its core, the Smithsonian is a place to cultivate curiosity, especially in young people who will shape the future,” said Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian. “I am excited to be partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization I have always admired for giving children a space to lean into their curiosity and learn in community. Together we will bring the Smithsonian to communities who might not otherwise visit our museums and ignite the wonder of learning for young people across the country.”

The 2023 Summit for America’s Youth is made possible through ongoing partnerships like our presenting sponsor, Family Dollar, which supports Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s “Think, Learn, Create Change” (TLC) platform. Designed to empower Boys & Girls Club members to become change agents for critical issues, the TLC model enables youth to create and implement their own local advocacy change projects. Additional event partners include Dove Self-Esteem Project, The Hershey Company, KPMG, NASCAR, and NFL’s “Inspire Change” initiative, as well as generous individual supporters.

To learn more about The Summit for America’s Youth, visit say.bgca.org

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For over 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. More than 5,000 Clubs serve 3.6 million young people 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. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.