New Report Says Teens See Race Relations As Major Issue

After Piloting at Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, “Youth for Unity” Diversity Program Launches Nationally To Help Combat Prejudice, Promote Tolerance

(Carlsbad, CA, April 25, 2006) A new report says teens see race relations as one of the most important issues concerning them today.  Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) “Youth Report to America” (YRTA) also reports teens feel America should strive for racial harmony because it will reduce conflict and unite the country and because all Americans share the same values.

The Report, the largest national survey ever developed and administered by teens, coincides with the national roll out of “Youth for Unity,” a new interactive diversity education program funded by The Allstate Foundation.

Youth for Unity will build the ability of local Boys & Girls Clubs to help young people better understand diversity and combat prejudice, bigotry and discrimination.  The national rollout follows a two-year, 56 Club, pilot phase, which included the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and makes the program available to some four million young people at more than 3,700 Boys & Girls Club locations.

“Youth for Unity delivers perspectives and skills that will help youth adapt and thrive in a diverse society,” said Ron Sipiora, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.  “The Youth for Unity program is one of many ways Boys & Girls Clubs of America continues to provide vital youth services in response to our nation’s shifting demographics.”

Research Shows Need for Diversity Education

Recent studies suggest that parents play a critical role in helping their children develop positive attitudes about inclusion, re-emphasizing the lessons learned in school or programs like Youth for Unity.  A 2005 survey of Boys & Girls Club members found about half of the respondents believe their parents would not approve if they dated someone from another race, religion or ethnic group.

According to the National Center for Education, prejudice and violence continue to cause problems for most schools. In 2003, about one out of ten students ages 12-18 reported that someone at school had used hate-related words against them, and one out of three students ages 12-18 had seen hate-related graffiti.

The Youth for Unity program is part of a larger Boys & Girls Clubs of America diversity initiative funded by a $4.5 million commitment from The Allstate Foundation.  Youth for Unity is designed to help children, teens and caregivers:

• Appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals;
• Understand society’s diversity;
• Recognize bias and unfairness; and
• Take personal leadership in confronting bias.

Diversity Book Project

As part of the national expansion, BGCA is creating a Youth for Unity “Diversity Book” to encourage expression of ideas and personal reflections about experiences in diversity from youth.

The Diversity Book will encourage personal expressions about diversity, critical in the diversity education process.  It will reinforce the messages outlined in the Youth for Unity curriculum and be a resource for staff and Club Members to encourage discussions about diversity.  The book will be released in late 2006.

“Youth for Unity speaks to our commitment to inclusion, tolerance and diversity in the workplace, marketplace and the communities we serve,” said Jan Epstein, executive director, The Allstate Foundation, “The pilot programs were successful and with the national roll out we expect even greater results in reaching our youth about these important issues.” “Youth for Unity” incorporates elements for youth, parents and BGC staff:

• Centerpiece Program (for ages 6-12, teens and parents):
• Diversity Activity Kits: one for 6-12 year olds, and one for teens with interactive, age-appropriate activities spanning a variety of Club core program areas
• A teen peer-leadership program
• Parent component exposes adults to current diversity issues and the potential impact upon their children and the community
• Training and Resources (for Club Professionals) - To help respond and adapt to America’s changing workplace and community demographics countrywide, staff members participate in diversity workshops. 
• Special Event “How To” Kit (for Club leaders and staff) - A collection of special events highlighting diversity that Clubs can implement. 

A “Youth for Unity” National Diversity Advisory Council, including Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers and founder of the Medgar Evers Institute; Dr. Louise Derman-Sparks, a professor at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California and the co-author of Teaching/Learning Anti-Racism; and John D. Kemp, president & Chief Executive Officer of HalfthePlanet Foundation, collaborated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on the curriculum development.

The Youth Report To America was sponsored by American Express.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For almost a century, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has been recognized as community-based organizations that welcomes all youth, regardless of their race, religion or gender. BGCA (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of some 3,400 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.4 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

The Allstate Foundation

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation sponsors community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities;" "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity;" and "economic empowerment.” The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream. For more information about The Allstate Foundation, please visit www.allstate.com/foundation.

Pictured (L to R):  Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad Members Dante Martin (Age 9), Ryan Martinez (Age 12), Abby Laiderman (Age 10), Olivea Pitre (Age 6)