This month, a group of staff and teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro and 70 other clubs from across California participated in the annual Days of Advocacy event in Sacramento. Organized by the Boys & Girls Clubs California Alliance, which serves as the policy and advocacy arm for thousands of club sites statewide, this event brings together representatives from clubs across the state, all united in their mission to advocate for the life-changing needs of young people.
Within hours of stepping foot in the State Capitol, participants learned how to create talking points to communicate their community’s needs to lawmakers. By the second day, they were seated face-to-face with Assemblymember Liz Ortega, where they articulated the importance of after-school programs and shared the profound impact this support system has had on their lives and the lives of their fellow club members.
“I’m especially proud of the youth advocacy shown by four incredible teens from our San Leandro club, who joined 75 others in speaking directly to legislators about the importance of high-quality programs, positive role models, and safe spaces,” said Kim Pace, BGCSL CEO, who chaperoned the trip. “In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we show up, speak out, and fight for the resources our young people need to stay healthy, joyful, and safe. Thank you to everyone who helped make this moment possible—we should all be proud.”
