Poteau/Heavener – Boys & Girls Clubs of Leflore County Chief Executive Officer, Arielle Perry, joined with hundreds of Boys & Girls Clubs from across the country for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s first Virtual National Days of Advocacy. Club leaders met with members of Congress to advocate for the critical needs of kids and teens in America and to show the unique role Clubs serve in their communities.
“Clubs like ours have a unique role as community leaders in providing valuable afterschool programs to our country’s youth that enable them to achieve great futures,” said Arielle Perry, CEO. “We were honored to represent the people of Leflore County to raise visibility of the needs of our community youth, especially the ones who need us most, and show what we can accomplish with the support of our elected officials and our community.”
COVID-19 forced Boys & Girls Clubs to address new sets of challenges facing our youth. Clubs across the nation provided vital services along with a calming, steady presence for struggling families and communities. During this crisis, Boys & Girls Clubs partnered with public officials to help meet the larger needs of communities such as providing childcare for health care professionals and other essential workers, meals – sometimes the only ones kids can count on, and virtual learning to fill educational gaps.
These positive impacts wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of elected officials, making events like National Days of Advocacy so important for local Club leaders. This event allows Club leaders, members, volunteer leadership, and alumni to virtually meet with members of Congress and key staff to share their stories and discuss the critical issues currently facing youth and the inspirational ways Clubs are moving the needle for America’s young people. As part of the event, Club advocates are provided training, opportunities, and exposure designed to hone their advocacy expertise year-round. It would be an unforgettable experience for our Club leaders to hear your perspective from inside and outside the Beltway, and why their advocacy at the federal, state and local levels is so important in making a difference in the lives of young people.
“Boys & Girls Clubs champion opportunities for all youth, equipping young people with the experiences and tools they need to succeed,” said Perry. “Our advocacy isn’t just a one-day event. We are raising our voices every single day, to ensure top issues and solutions impacting young people are prioritized in our community, our state and at the national level. I firmly believe our youth deserve the best and I fight every day to work to make that happen for them. Without supporting our youth, we can’t expect a great future for any of us. As they say, it takes a village.”
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