A
new Web site was launched Monday to provide information to the general
public about the expansion and success of Boys & Girls Clubs on
Native American lands.
The Web site serves as an informational
source to readers and an important tool for Native American clubs
for ongoing communications and fund-raising efforts. A recent update
to the Web site focused on the substantial presence of Native American
clubs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America 96th Annual National
Conference.
Specific highlights included:
As part of the opening keynote session,
an honorary charter was presented by Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Chairman Arnold Burns and President Roxanne Spillett to the 100th
club in Indian Country, the Boys & Girls Club of Kayenta, Ariz.
George Rivera of Pojoaque Pueblo, an artist
and former member of Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe was inducted
as the first Native American into the Alumni Hall of Fame alongside
World Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield, director John Singleton
and WNBA All Star Chamique Holdsclaw.
An overview entitled, "Boys &
Girls Clubs on Native American Lands" was presented during
a general session by Dan Lewis, chairman, Boys & Girls Clubs
of America's Native American National Advisory Committee to 3,000
club professionals and volunteers.
A symposium reviewing the necessary steps
for "Starting and Sustaining Clubs for Native American Communities"
was presented.
Marketing and Communications Awards were
presented to Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, Okla., and
Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, Okla.
"To date, 117 clubs have been established
that serve more than 80,000 Native American youth annually,"
said Dan Lewis.
"As we continue this growth, it is
time to spread the word of this unique involvement in Indian Country
from the private sector not only to Native American communities
in need but to other individuals, non-profits and corporate entities,
interested in helping to save our future generations of children."
Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises
a national network of more than 3,000 neighborhood-based facilities
annually serving some 3.5 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged
circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids,"
clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children
6 -18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key
programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational
enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts,
and sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters are located
in Atlanta.
On the Net:
Welcome to Boys
& Girls Clubs in Indian Country.
There is a partnership dedicated
to helping some of our nation's most at-risk children -
Native American youth - grow, learn, develop, change their
lives and surroundings. That partnership is between the
Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Native American tribes
across the country.
http://www.naclubs.org
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Boys & Girls Clubs
In every community, boys and girls
are left to find their own recreation and companionship
in the streets. An increasing number of children are at
home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need
to know that someone cares about them.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs
and services promote and enhance the development of boys
and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness,
belonging and influence.
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and
grow -- all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place
For Kids.
http://www.bgca.org/
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