Youth and teens in our Clubs provided more than 2,000 hours of service to the community through programs and youth-led special projects last year. Good Character & Citizenship is an area of priority programming in the Clubs that help youth connect with their peers and undertake projects important to their Club and Community.
The Keystone Club (14-18) and Torch Club (11-13) provide fundamental leadership training and positive community involvement for Club members. Examples of projects include: canned food drives, clothing drives to help end youth homelessness, anti-bullying projects, environment beatification and much more. While our Club members are coming together to help serve their community the experience serves them as well:
- Dane has been a club member for little over a year. When Dane arrived he was quiet, kept to himself, and would not interact with the other Club members. It wasn’t until Dane joined the Torch Club his whole attitude changed. Dane became an active member and took leadership responsibilities in the Torch Club. Dane can now be found interacting positively with his fellow Club members, Club staff, and looking for ways to be involved around the Club.
- Sandra. Classic busy body…Rumor mill type…Always involved in teasing younger members and causing general problems with her actions. She had a young lady in tears one day because of her hurtful comments. After several talks with Club staff, they urged Sandra to join the Torch Club. Sandra enjoys her ideas being listened to and regularly takes on various responsibilities that gained her a Torch Club leadership position. At one point she began to backslide but Club staff & volunteers reminded her that being a leader means setting the right example. The Torch Club is important to Sandra and has allowed her to make great progress on the path to a Great Future!
*Names have been changed in the two stories above.
The 12 Days of Impact (Nov. 20-Dec. 1) features Club stories to get everyone inspired for #GivingTuesday on December 1st, 2015. #GivingTuesday is a global day dedicated to giving reminding us that the spirit of the holiday is about community and not just consumerism. Click here to find out how your support of #GivingTuesday allows you to play a critical role in the lives of youth like Dane & Sandra.
