The work and mission of Boys & Girls Clubs center on valuing and supporting the lives and experiences of youth. We cannot achieve our mission to help youth realize their greatness without affirming Black, indigenous, and all people of color matter and that we stand in solidarity against racism.

The killings of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, and Breonna Taylor prompted organizations like ours to recognize the deep pervasiveness of racism in our culture. These tragic and senseless acts of racism necessitated a serious examination of organizational policies, representation, trainings, fee structures, practices, social and emotional safety, hierarchy, values and more. It is important that we examine our organization and do better.

As an organization, we are asking what we can do to combat racism and inequality and where changes can and must happen. Our Organizational Equity Work Group made up of Branch staff, administrative staff and board members is helping to lead the organization forward. Conversations about race and identifying the impacts of racism in and outside our organization are long overdue.

Since October 2020, our partnership with Rashad Norris of Relevant Engagement Consulting has helped navigate crucial conversations, learn to listen to challenges people of color face, and identify how we can work together to create an organization that only implements anti-racist policies and procedures.

Building the tools and skills needed to engage these conversations will prioritize our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and help achieve our mission to inspire and enable youth to realize their greatness.

Educational Resources

Relevant Engagement Consulting, LLC

Culturally Competent Leadership, a feature article by Dr. Caprice Hollins, School Administrator, December 2013, page 41-43