Boys & Girls Clubs of America Continues Commitment to Indian Country Movement

Boys & Girls Club of America
Monday, 29 April 2002

New Web Site Highlights Growth of Clubs on Native American Lands and Connects Clubs With Tools for Sustainability

A new Web site, www.naclubs.org, is being launched today 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 fundraising efforts. A recent update to the Web site focused on the substantial presence of Native American Clubs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (B&GCA) 96th Annual National Conference. Specific highlights included:

- As part of the opening keynote session, an honorary charter was presented by B&GCA Chairman Arnold Burns and President Roxanne Spillett to the 100th Club in Indian Country, the Boys & Girls Club of Kayenta, Ariz. (Navajo).

- George Rivera (Pueblo of Pojoaque), an artist and former member of Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe, N.M., 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, B&GCA'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.

- MAC Awards (best overall marketing and communications programs) were presented to Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, Okla., (Cherokee) and Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, Okla., (Cherokee).

"To date, 117 Clubs have been established that serve more than 80,000 Native American youth annually," stated 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 (www.bgca.org) 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 is located in Atlanta.

For more information, or to contact Boys & Girls Club of America, see their website at: www.bgca.org