About Boys & Girls Clubs

9/5/2010

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Boys & Girls Clubs History

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Conn. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A cause was born.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement.

In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.

In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th anniversary and received a U.S. Congressional Charter.

To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization's name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter.

Why Boys & Girls Clubs Are Special

Four key characteristics define the essence of a Boys & Girls Club. All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child:

1. Dedicated Youth Facility
The Boys & Girls Club is a place – an actual neighborhood-based building – designed solely for youth programs and activities.

2. Open Daily
The Club is open every day, after school, when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets.

3. Professional Staff
Every Club has full and part-time, trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.

4. Available/Affordable to All Youth
Clubs reach out to kids who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs. Dues are low, at just $5 per year- and no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

Alumni – True Measure of Success

Bill Cosby… Alex Rodriguez... Brad Pitt… Michael Jordan… President Clinton… Jackie Joyner-Kersee… Martin Sheen… Derek Jeter… Neil Diamond… Denzel Washington.

What do all of these people, and millions more throughout America, have in common? They are all alumni of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

While many Club alumni have achieved particular distinction in fields such as entertainment, business, politics and sports, the average alumnus is not famous. Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career or supporting the community.

Millions have benefited from belonging to a Boys & Girls Club since the first Club opened its doors in 1860. Based on research by Louis Harris & Associates, Club alumni have very strong feelings about their individual Club experiences:

80% said Club staff helped them learn right from wrong
95% indicated the Club was the best thing available in their community
52% said participating in the Club "saved my life"